Pediatric Neurobehavioral Health

We can treat your child for an array of known or suspected neurologic disorders, such as epilepsy, head injuries, neuromuscular disorders or chronic medical illness. Our team of pediatric psychologists and neuropsychologists work with other pediatric specialists as needed to treat all aspects of a child’s condition.

Your child’s evaluation may include:

• A neuropsychological evaluation that assesses the relationship among how your child thinks, learns, remembers, pays attention, and feels to make recommendations for school, home, and other settings
• A psychoeducational assessment that includes academic achievement assessment as part of a multi- disciplinary team for school success
• A psychological assessment to understand your child’s level of emotional distress related to a known or suspected neurologic disorder

These evaluations help us determine the best recommendations, treatments and non-medical interventions to treat your child’s condition.

We are pleased to offer an evidence-based social skills group for motivated middle and high school students who would like to learn how to make and keep friends and handle social difficulties. Groups will be facilitated by a PEERS for Adolescents certified provider, with the assistance of trained clinic staff.

Teens and parents attend weekly 90-minute group sessions for 14 weeks. Group sessions will take place in-person in NeuroBehavioral Health on the Akron Children’s main campus. Teaching consists of didactic lessons, role-play demonstrations of skills, and behavioral rehearsals. Parents learn how to be “social coaches” for their teens to help them apply the skills they are learning.

Session topics include:

• Conversational skills
• Electronic communication
• Identifying sources of friends
• Entering conversations
• Handling teasing and bullying
• Resolving disagreements
• Changing a bad reputation
• Planning and hosting get-togethers
• Using humor appropriately

Participation requirements: 

• Parent/caregiver involvement (it is best if the same parent/caregiver attends sessions)
• Regular attendance
• Teen motivation and willingness to participate
• Teen is in middle or high school
• Teen has friendship problems
• Teen has conversational speech and can participate in group learning

Enrollment is ongoing, and group assignments are determined at intake based on group dynamics. Instruction is in English. For more information or to start the intake process, call 330-543-8050, select option 9 and ask to speak to the Director Secretary of NeuroBehavioral Health.

• PEERS® Social Skills Group flyer

About the program

Akron Children’s offers the Research Units in Behavioral Intervention (RUBI) program, designed for families of children ages 5-13 who have autism or developmental delays and show challenging behaviors. We understand that every child is unique, and our program provides tools and strategies to help your child thrive and succeed.

How it works

RUBI brings caregivers together for weekly in-person meetings over 11 weeks. Each meeting runs for 90 minutes. During each meeting, you will join other caregivers in friendly discussions and practice activities that help you learn new skills to use at home. Our supportive environment makes it easy to share experiences and learn from each other.

What you’ll learn

• Basic behavior strategies.
• How to prevent difficult behaviors.
• Ways to encourage good behavior.
• When to ignore certain behaviors.
• Better ways to communicate.
• How to get your child to follow directions.
• Teaching your child new skills.
• Helping your child use skills everywhere.

What you need to join

• Commitment to attending all meetings.
• Someone to watch your child during meetings.
• Time to practice your new skills at home.

Ready to start?

• Groups form throughout the year.
• Classes are in English.
• Call 330-543-8050 (press 9) to learn more or join.

• RUBI: Skills training for caregivers