Dr Ellie Vasiladioti

In order to help my patients achieve their potential and reach their own personal goals, I use several tools. Medication is an important  - often crucial - part of my arsenal, but never the only tool and certainly not a requirement for having contact with the clinic. 

For a functioning life, where neurodivercity does not automatically mean impairment in how the individual functions in everyday life, there are several different puzzle pieces that need to be in place for them: various adjustments at home, in the family, in everyday life, at school, understanding and compassion from the environment and good habits. Last but not least  to learn about their challenges and strengths, in order to make wise choices in the short and long term. Guiding my patients during their know-thyself-journey is ,  in my opinion, the bigest investment in their future. Therefore, a large part of my patient meetings are about other pieces of the puzzle than just medicines.

It can sometimes take time to find which modifications and adjustments in the environment och every daylife suit to a specific child or adolescent. It is a trial-and-error process.  While the child grows and goes through new developmental phases, change of plan and re-prioritization will be a fact.  At first, the responsibility  of wise choices lies on the adults around the child, to ensure that the pieces of the puzzle are in place - as far as possible. A lot of parents are worried that helping their children too much will deprive them the opportunity to learn to take responsibility. I know from experience that the vast majority of children and young people try to gradually take over that responsibility, each based on their own circumstances. It is crucial to see and confirm their progress and desire to develop - of course this applies to all children - but those who struggle against the odds need it more. And the parent / caretaker needs to be able and willing to gradually let the child take over the responsibility in order to let them grow.

My patient contacts focus on assessment, follow-up and treatment with medication. I do not regularly conduct therapy, but I use therapeutic tools during the sessions with the hope that my patient and their caregivers leave the room with the feeling "I am good enough as I am and I can still make this change that will lead me one step closer to my goals".