Services

I take a strengths-based approach to identifying and supporting characteristics and needs related to development, behavior, and distinct neurotypes. I care for patients across a wide spectrum of neurodiversity and disability for needs including:

Comprehensive developmental-behavioral assessments
Support with previously identified neurodivergent or neurodevelopmental diagnoses
Medication management, as appropriate
Holistic care plans that account for the whole child and family

I do not perform IQ or academic achievement testing in-house, but work closely with neuropsychologists when such testing is needed.

My patients

I support children and families with needs related to many forms of neurodivergence, including:

Autism

Developmental delays & disorders

Learning differences

Mood disturbance

ADHD

Sleep problems

Cognitive differences & intellectual disability

Behavioral & emotional difficulties

Genetic conditions

Giftedness

New comprehensive assessments

I offer in-depth, personalized evaluations for patients with suspected developmental or behavioral support needs. My assessment process includes 2-4 visits and is tailored to each patient and family.

Diagnostic labels often are helpful tools, but only tools. My priority is to characterize the child’s strengths and challenges in their life context. This allows me to consider how developmental profiles interface with medical and mental health care needs so I can help your child thrive.

Clinical history

In our first visit, we cover medical history and genetic, social, and environmental factors that may influence a child's needs. This includes discussion of the child’s development in multiples domains, including cognitive (pre-academic and academic), social, motor, language, and behavioral.
I collect data from school and other professionals as appropriate by interview and questionnaires, and I review any prior developmental evaluations.

Child assessment

I meet with the child or adolescent for one or two visits, during which we interact and complete assessment tasks. Assessments may include developmental and behavioral testing, a non-invasive neurological exam, observations of play, and a child interview.
When appropriate, the child assessment includes a school visit with observations and teacher input.

Feedback and care planning

My assessment concludes with a rigorous report on any diagnoses, recommended treatments, summary of referrals, and resources for navigating care and parenting.
The final visit is an opportunity for parents to review this report with me, ask questions, and craft a plan for ongoing developmental support that is integrated with their primary pediatric care home.
Depending on age and needs, I may also meet with the patient to share findings and include them in care.

Post-diagnostic assessments

For patients given a new diagnosis by a neuropsychologist, I provide a 1-2 visit evaluation of medical needs associated with common developmental and behavioral conditions. As appropriate, this can include care and counseling related to:

Laboratory and genetic testing
Physical and neurological examination
Review of sleep and nutrition
Recommendations for medical treatments, including medication if indicated and desired
Answering questions about alternative and experimental treatments, special diets, and supplements
Understanding the neurophysiology underlying diagnoses

Mini-consultations

I offer 1-2 visit mini-consultations for patients or families who are experiencing challenges but are not yet sure if they want a full evaluation. These consultations help families to contextualize concerns and decide on potential next steps, which could include recommendations for parenting support, therapy, community services, or planning for a comprehensive assessment.

Mini-consultations can also be helpful for children awaiting a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. While children await testing, I can identify functional needs amenable to therapies and interventions to avoid delays in care.

Importantly, for children awaiting assessment for learning differences, I can identify accompanying conditions like ADHD, anxiety, mood disturbance, or related needs. When medication is indicated, starting this before testing can set the child up for more successful participation.

I'm not the right provider for:

Care for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia

Active suicidality

Other psychiatric needs that may require hospitalization

Court ordered treatment or custody evaluations

Eating disorder treatment

Substance use disorder

Epilepsy care

IQ and academic testing, e.g., for learning disorder diagnosis

Anne Berens MD PC

Anne Berens MD PC

Anne Berens MD PC

Services

My patients

I support children and families with needs related to many forms of neurodivergence, including:

I'm not the right provider for: