I guide parents and neurodivergent kids
to master emotions and behaviors.

To build strong relationships, enhance self-efficacy, and achieve a healthy relationship with food.
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Raise Differently

Raising differently is a dynamic approach developed by Polina that starts with the power of play to understand a neurodivergent child's inner world.
By focusing on foundational principles, we support emotional regulation, celebrating the diverse communication styles of Autistic and ADHD kids. 
We validate each child’s unique experience, fostering authentic connections and ensuring their strong sense of self.
About Raise Differently

Meet Polina

MA/SLP, MSNE, CTP, ADHD-RSP
I am a trauma certified speech-language pathologist, communication, and feeding expert specializing in Autism, ADHD, and ARFID. My therapeutic approach explains why your family is struggling and how you can shift your relationship. I have a fascination with brain-based research that gives me a unique perspective into language and learning challenges.

With over 15 years of experience in supporting the development of neurodivergent children, I continue to successfully coach families through emotional and behavioral difficulties using play as a therapeutic tool.
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Offerings

1:1 Services

My individual services develop executive function skills for neurodivergent kids. Through play, I focus on emotional regulation and enhance meaningful communication. I provide individualized coaching for families to address the most challenging behaviors.
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ARFID

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder with sensory-based difficulties, limited food interest, or intense food fears, leading to detrimental outcomes. I use a trauma-informed model to prioritize health behavior change, leading to successful mealtimes.
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Speaking Engagements

Polina Shkadron speaks at international conferences, summits, and professional development organizations. As a former adjunct lecturer, she taught courses in communication disorders and psycholinguistics. Her trainings include the intricacies of executive functioning, the application of knowledge and skills to clinical practice, and the mental health and nutrition connection.
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What people are saying

  • “I want to give a shout out to Polina Shkadron. My son is almost 4 with high functioning ASD or just social emotional delay… I [don't] care so much about labels. We started with Polina back in February 2023 and continued through summer with her social group. He went from a loner to craving for friendship.”
    Lucy
    PARENT OF AN AUTISTIC CHILD
  • "We've worked with Polina for nearly two years. She sees both of my 6-year-old twins every week. We originally came to Polina for speech services, but Polina works with us on behavior management, impulse control, executive functioning, and more. She has a way of helping children in such a way that they only think they come to play with her."
    C.A.
    PARENT OF ND TWINS
  • "Polina is a wonderful and warm therapist with a unique approach to children’s therapy via play. Her office is warm, fun and a comfortable space for children and adults. She genuinely cares about children and has an amazing understanding of child development. Appointments are prompt and efficient every time."
    D.P.
    PARENT OF AN ADHD CHILD
  • "My son struggled with feeding for many months. We had tried other feeding services but Polina’s approach changed his whole attitude toward food. She established a great relationship with him, so he trusted her to try new foods with new colors and textures. And she taught me how to replicate her approach at home."
    Leslie
    PARENT OF A NEWLY CONFIDENT EATER
  • "I have learned so much in less than a month. I've asked a million questions and always receive guidance from Polina. It is not easy, but if you want something different that works, Polina is the right choice. 💗"
    Dayana
    PARENT OF AN AUTISTIC CHILD
  • "Polina provides SO MUCH useful information that helps me understand my child better and how he might be experiencing the world. Most importantly, it has taught me how a regulated nervous system (for both the child and parent) is critical to learning and development."
    Rosanna
    PARENT OF AN AuDHD CHILD
  • "My 2 year old daughter was an extremely picky eater, and she was underweight.  As soon as I made an appointment with Polina, I felt more at ease. Polina made the experience fun and encouraged my daughter to get into the process of making the food which was so helpful. My daughter started trying everything from brussel sprouts to cauliflower!"
    I.N.
    PARENT OF A NEWLY CONFIDENT EATER
  • "Our daughter Rosie is almost 7 and was diagnosed with autism spectrum when she was 3. Polina has helped her with frustration tolerance, problem solving, sensory issues and coping skills in ways we as parents would never have thought of.  We are very fortunate to have been directed to Polina and that Rosie loves going every week!"
    Phil and Jen
    PARENTS OF AN AUTISTIC CHILD

How We Help

Play &
Language

Play & Language

Play is how children explore, test ideas, solve problems and learn to navigate their emotions. Communication is intertwined with play as it empowers self-expression, fosters critical thinking, and opens the door for improved literacy skills.
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Behaviors
& Emotions

For children who think differently, emotional regulation can be challenging. Figuring out how your child is impacted and viewing the experience from their lens, positively influences their behavior and permanently improves their outlook.
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Parenting

Parent coaching is most effective when caregivers gain the confidence to embrace challenges. With my guidance and support, you will learn how a simple change to your approach can accelerate your child's progress.
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Mealtime

Your child's feeding journey is personal, complex and ever-evolving. By using the 3Es of Mealtime, you and your child will share the joy of food...they will even ask for veggies by name.
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What People Are Saying

  • We have been working with Polina for almost 2 years. She sees both of my 6-year-old twins every week. We originally came to Polina for speech services, but it has evolved into so much more! Polina works with us on behavior management, impulse control, executive functioning…just to name a few things. In addition to working directly with our sons, we also do parent sessions as often as possible. Polina is amazing. She has helped us through so many challenges. She has a way of helping children in such a way that they only think they come to play with her.
    LESLIE - PARENT OF A NEWLY
    CONFIDENT EATER
  • My son struggled with feeding for many months before we found Polina. We had tried other feeding services that helped with some skills, but Polina’s approach changed his whole attitude toward food. She established a great relationship with him, so he trusted her to try new foods with new colors and textures. And she taught me how to replicate her approach at home, carefully explaining how she did things and why they worked. He is now a greedy eater, loves helping us cook, and is even making his way onto the growth chart for his age. We are so grateful!
    LESLIE - PARENT OF A NEWLY
    CONFIDENT EATER

Free 3-part training for parents

Do you want to master the art of gracefully raising Autistic and ADHD kids?

Decode your child's behavior to understand their needs
Learn how to respond effectively, instead of reacting emotionally
Break free from outdated parenting patterns that don’t work
Reshape your parental approach and advocate for your ND kids
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