Frequently Asked Questions 

Is it true that you work mostly with children? Is HANDLE relevant to adults too?

About a third of my clients are adults. Since the program is designed specifically for the individual, I can create a program that can be done with or without the support of a helper, as needed.

The nervous system continues to change throughout our lives. This is called neuroplasticity. It is never too late to make changes. With patience and dedication remarkable integration and balancing can occur at any age. 

What are the conditions you work with?

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders including Asperger’s Syndrome
  • Developmental delays
  • Sensory integration dysfunction
  • Attention problems and hyperactivity, possibly diagnosed as ADD and ADHD
  • Learning disabilities including dyslexia
  • Stroke residual effects
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • brain injury following chemotherapy
  • Seizure disorders
  • Balance and coordination issues
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Tourette's Syndrome
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Difficulty with transitions
  • Perplexing behaviors
  • Challenges with eye teaming and tracking
  • Other Behaviors that limit function

Where do you see clients?

I travel to clients' homes in the San Francisco Bay Area, usually from Santa Rosa to San Jose. I'm open to going elsewhere too. I also make special trips to see clients around the country. Currently that's been happening mainly in Pennsylvania and DC.

Do parents stay in the session during the evaluation of a child?

The evaluation session is an excellent opportunity to see what challenges your child is facing. In every session there needs to be at least one parent or caregiver. I strongly recommend, however, that any parent or caregiver who will be working at home with the child be present during the second session, in which I explain my findings and teach the activities.

What are your hours?

I appointments mostly on the weekends.

Anything I need to know about what might interfere with appointments?

Please don’t wear perfumes, keep your pets outside of of the room we'll work in, and please have childcare for other kids (other than the client) that may need attention. 

Should my child take medication when coming in for sessions? 

Do not stop taking medication without the recommendation and guidance from a medical practitioner. If the client is on medication for ADHD or ADD, or using other medications that impact his or her behavior and ability to focus on tasks, we request that you check with your doctor and find out if it’s possible to do without the medication for one day. If so, it would be preferable not to use the medication on the day of the appointments, especially on the day of the evaluation, as I am interested in what I can learn from observed behaviors. Bring the meds with you so if needed they can be used.

Please be sure to let me know of any medications that are taken regularly.

Does HANDLE always “work”? 

There are several conditions under which HANDLE is less successful. These are:

  • The client (and helpers, if applicable) does not adhere to the principle of Gentle Enhancement™ by ignoring signs of stress and overworking the systems that need to be strengthened
  • The activities are not done
  • The client (or his family) is very resistant to change

What exactly is Gentle EnhancementTM and why is it so important? 

Gentle Enhancement is the foundational concept in the HANDLE paradigm. It is based on the understanding that "stressed systems don’t get stronger, they shut down.” In other words, once the body is stressed it moves into a defensive fight or flight mode and the process of learning stops. Therefore, HANDLE practitioners teach the signs of the body's stress and urge clients to stop an activity at the first indication of stress.  An activity performed for a few seconds when the neurological systems are open and ready for new input is far more helpful than an activity performed longer, when the client is stressed.  

How is the HANDLE program different from other programs?

The HANDLE program addresses the basic building blocks of sensory input, sensory processing, and motor output upon which all learning depends. These systems and the neuronal links among them are strengthened. What sets HANDLE apart from other holistic approaches is the principle of Gentle Enhancement, which is applied to all life tasks.Unlike some of the modalities you may have tried, HANDLE is drug-free.

Does insurance pay for this?

Some insurance companies are realizing that our non-medical, home based program creates great gains at a lower cost overall. However, there are still limitations on many policies. We strongly recommend medical savings accounts and/or flex plans. Some health insurance companies cover the evaluation session. HANDLE By the Bay requires up-front payment and will provide documentation for your insurer if you seek reimbursement.

Do you accept payment with a credit card?

Yes.

Will the HANDLE program help with social issues?

Social interaction is one of the most complex of human activities. Vision, audition, body-in-space, coordination, attention shifting, and processing verbal and nonverbal communication are all vital to true relationship development. By strengthening these subsystems, as well as working on motivation and social skills, clients can become much more at ease in social settings.

I live far away from you. Can you work with me?

There may be a HANDLE Practitioner closer to you. You can find providers on www.handle.org or ask me for help locating one. If we can't find one for you to work with, then indeed yes, I do travel. We will need to meet to get the program started, and then can follow up through Skype or something similar.

I have other questions. How can I reach you? 

Email me (information is on the Contact Us page). I usually answer within a day.