ADHD & Dyslexia with Dr. Leslie Hawkins

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Leslie Hawkins about ADHD & Dyslexia. Dr. Hawkins is a licensed clinical psychologist in Chantilly, Virginia. She specializes in evaluating and assessing educational/learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia), ADHD and executive functioning, and cognitive impairment, as well as psychological and neuropsychological difficulties. Today we will answer these questions:

• What does comorbidity mean?
• Why are ADHD and dyslexia often comorbid?
• What are the signs of this comorbidity?
• Do the symptoms of one overshadow the other, or are they hard to tell apart? Do they share symptoms?
• How does this comorbidity affect a child's life differently than having just one of these conditions?
• How are these conditions treated - separately, together, or is there a combination of approaches?
• How often is this comorbidity diagnosed? Do children usually receive both diagnoses simultaneously, or does one tend to be diagnosed later?

 

More about Dr. Hawkins

Dr. Hawkins has worked across multiple settings, to include military and veteran hospitals, neuropsychological and rehabilitation clinics, public schools, community health centers, and private practice. Dr. Hawkins’ priority is to provide excellent clinical care in a warm and supportive environment. She works collaboratively with clients to promote personal growth and lasting changes.

 

Dr. Hawkins’ training has been diverse and has led to specialization in both psychological assessment and psychotherapy. She has expertise helping children, adolescents, and their families obtain a thorough understanding of difficulties related to learning, executive functioning, and attention that are impacting their functioning at school and at home. Dr. Hawkins also has expertise conducting diagnostic evaluations with clients of all ages who may be experiencing changes in mood or behavior. She focuses on tailoring assessments so that clients can gain a thorough understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and receive helpful recommendations moving forward.

Therapeutically, Dr. Hawkins takes an integrative approach to treatment. She is trained in several evidence-based therapies (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Mindfulness) that she implements based on each client’s individual needs. She believes psychotherapy is an empowering experience that focuses on building one’s strengths while also providing relief from current stressors. Dr. Hawkins works with each client to further develop their sense of efficacy over change and enhance their overall well-being.

When she is not working, Dr. Hawkins enjoys spending time with her husband and sons and catching up with friends. Her interests include running, reading, gardening, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

 

Links and Resources:

• You can find Dr. Hawkins where she practices at Mindwell Psychology: https://mindwell.us/
• Dr. Hawkins’s email address: [e-mail]

 

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