Services

  • Dr. Paff provides comprehensive testing to identify and understand learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, as well as other conditions that affect learning such as ADHD. Dr. Paff also evaluates students for neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism. This testing helps create a roadmap for tailored interventions and support.

    Recognizing that some typical testing practices are discriminatory towards students who do not speak English as a first language, or who are from marginalized backgrounds, Dr. Paff’s evaluations are culturally-responsive and fair.

    Dr. Paff’s evaluations for dyslexia are grounded in the Science of Reading, especially the work of Gough and Tunmer (1986) on the Simple View of Reading, and Duke and Cartright (2021) on the Active View of Reading.

  • In New York State, the definition of a “gifted pupil” is: “those who show evidence of high performances capability and exceptional potential in area such as general intellectual ability, special academic aptitude and outstanding ability in visual and performing arts. Such definition shall include those pupils who require educational programs or services beyond those normally provided by the regular school program in order to realize their full potential.”

    Dr. Paff can provide an evaluation to determine if your child would meet this definition, and offer recommendations for enhancing their educational program in order to meet their full potential. He also recognizes that children who speak languages other than English, and children from marginalized backgrounds, are at risk of having their giftedness overlooked through unfair, discriminatory testing practices. His evaluations are culturally-responsive, strengths-based, and fair.

  • Dr. Paff offers evidence-based approaches and interventions for learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Students with LDs require specialized instructional strategies as well as accommodations in school. He can help parents and teachers design targeted interventions for complex learning needs.

  • Dr. Paff provides comprehensive evaluations to children, adolescents, and young adults with developmental disabilities, to pursue OPWDD eligibility.

  • Dr. Paff offersIndependent Educational Evaluations to assess educational needs, provide recommendations, and advocate for appropriate support services and accommodations to ensure students receive the education they need and deserve.

  • Choosing to pursue therapy is a courageous and empowering step towards healing and self-discovery. At Psychological and Educational Solutions of the Hudson Valley, our clinical team uses a number of different therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based techniques, behavioral activation, and humanistic approaches, to help children, adolescents, and adults confront their challenges, learn skills, and gain valuable insights.

  • Dr. Paff provides consultation to parents and schools on evidence-based approaches to reading instruction, equipping educators with the knowledge to promote effective literacy development in students.

    The Science of Reading is “a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing” that “has been conducted over the last five decades across the world…derived from thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages.” The Science of Reading is not a proprietary program or an educational fad. It is the “preponderance of evidence that informs how proficient reading and writing develop, why some have difficulty,” and how to best teach, and assess, reading and writing (The Reading League, nd).

    For more information on the Science of Reading, please visit The Reading League.

  • Dr. Paff is an expert on supporting LGBTQIA+ students in school, as well as supporting their families navigate issues related to sexuality, gender identity, and gender-affirming care. Dr. Paff was one of the authors of Creating a Safe, Supportive, and Affirming School Environment for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students: 2023 Legal Update and Best Practices, released by NYSED.