Testimonials

As the mom of an amazing son who was diagnosed last year with ASD 1, I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Rachelle! Dr. Rachelle connects with my son in a few different ways: As a neurodiverse person herself, she connects with my son as friend through their delightful shared sense of humor and their mutual understanding of the ways each sees the world. My son feels understood and at ease in her presence. Secondly, Dr. Rachelle teaches my son as mentor. Every week she greets us on zoom with an engaging powerpoint about one aspect of being a neurodivergent person. This has helped my son greatly. As he said, “She helps me understand myself.” Finally, Dr. Rachelle connects to my son as role model. Every time we meet with Dr. Rachelle we see not only her as herself, but a beautiful archetype of what a neurodivergent person can be. Still understanding that the spectrum of neurodivergence is broad, her presence reminds us that it can be joyful, hopeful, healing, beautiful, creative and loving. And through her role-modeling, my son recognizes that he can embody these traits as well.

— Lisa, mom of 12-year-old son

Rachelle is not only a competent, enthusiastic, and organized academic tutor offering all the support and tools I needed to get through the rigors of grad school, but she is also a big-hearted companion along the often rocky emotional road of being a neurodivergent person struggling in the academy.

—Michael, graduate student (graduated 2025)

As a teacher in a private school where special education services are non-existent, Dr. Rachelle has helped me greatly in my relationships with students with ASD level 1. She has taught me that behaviors once labeled as Oppositional/defiant are in fact self protective. Labeled by some as “Pathological Demand Avoidance,” students who sometimes show “rude” behaviors or run from a task are not in fact trying to “do” anything to the people around them. They are trying to feel safe. This perspective has informed my relationships this year and has helped me create an environment of safety and trust instead of confrontation with this special type of student. I look forward to more sessions with Dr. Rachelle to better serve my student population!

—Ms. R, teacher