The Child Development Center has been blessed to experience a stream of wonderful, young, eager students wishing to learn about caring for special needs pediatric patients. Some go into ‘the business’, while others have gone on to a variety of great life adventures. We are also lucky to have our superb Practice Manager, Karen Vossen, who is an exemplary role model, teaching parents and staff alike, how to handle the patients.

gabiskywalker

The Force is strong with this one

Our latest graduate, Gabriella Tabib, has chosen to pursue this line of work. Here is what she wrote about her time here at The Center:

I started working with Dr. Udell during my final year of undergraduate training. After listening to many of my peers discuss their volunteering experience, I wished to intern, as well. I could see a passion in their eyes and I wanted that, too. But where was I going to start? Fortunately, I had an idea about what I wanted to do.

First, I wanted to work with children. Children are amazing. They are imagination unhindered. They are bottled potential. The ‘abnormal’ side of child psychology is just as fascinating. In high school, I had volunteered on a horse therapy ranch, working with children who had ASD, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. For my internship, I wanted to work in a similar setting.

I found a place at the Child Development Center of America. My job included interacting with the children while their parents spoke with Dr. Udell about the child’s diagnosis and treatment plan. My responsibilities included measuring the child’s height and weight, conducting ATEC scores when needed, and keeping them engaged for the hour. Dr. Udell used my observations to gauge their progress.

I came to realize that I had knack for connecting with children on the autism spectrum. I began to understand how they interact in, and with, the world. I saw stimming – not as an unhindered, reflexive process – but a means of communication. I saw double swirls and single palmar creases as signs of genetic links to that patient’s condition. I also learned what it meant to have a child with special needs.

Whether your child is neurotypical or not, parenting is a monumental undertaking. It is a full-time job filled with changing diapers, answering hundreds of questions, and chasing after them as they grow up right before your eyes. But what if toilet training takes longer than necessary? What happens when the ‘whys?’ never come? Learning that your child has autism is life changing.

I watched Dr. Udell guide many parents through understanding autism and innovative treatment options. He truly cared about every patient that came through his doorway. He treated each condition on an individual basis. His first question is not, “What helped all the other children?” Rather, he asks, “What seems to be ailing this child?” It opened my eyes to the true nature of psychotherapy and medical treatment. Considering each patient individually may be more time consuming, but it offers the best results.

I am truly thankful for the time I spent with Dr. Udell. I met so many amazing children and their families. I learned so much about the future of autism diagnosis and treatment, and how I can personally make a difference. I look to the future full of hope and inspiration.

Working at the Child Development Center has solidified my passion for working with children, especially those whose diagnoses lie ‘on the spectrum’. I can proudly move forward in my career, knowing that I gained such a wealth of knowledge and support. This experience will enable me to become a top-notch mental healthcare professional for all of my present and future clients.

Many thanks to you, Gabi.
Your intelligence, optimistic personality and inquisitive nature has helped our practice, as well!

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      www.childdev.org
      Pediatric Special Needs Medicine
      Functional and Integrative Children’s Care

       
      Address – Brian D. Udell MD
      6974 Griffin Road
      Davie, FL 33314
      Phone- 954-873-8413
      Fax- 954-792-2424