Amanda Hackwell

Is your child struggling? Are you not sure where to begin? Are you confused about what is typical behavior for your child’s age? Have you been told your child will “grow out of it”, but you have a gut feeling that you may be missing something?

I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, and dyslexia for school-aged children. I help parents get answers when something doesn’t quite add up—when a child is working hard but still struggling, anxiety is rising, self-esteem is starting to go down, or your concerns seem to be missed or misunderstood by your child’s teachers. Using comprehensive evaluation and therapy, I help families uncover the root causes behind difficulties and use that information to create clear, actionable next steps. My focus is on helping families feel validated, informed, and confident as they move forward.

The most common comment I hear from parents is “this was so helpful. It feels good to have peace of mind and clarity of how to help my child.”

I follow a holistic and straightforward approach to finding answers and using that information to help children thrive. Medication can be helpful, but when we are working with little bodies and growing minds, I’m cautious to recommend medication as a first line of defence. Through my expertise in ADHD and anxiety, I have many natural and holistic options that parents and children can try first. There are so many options available that most parents just don’t know exist because they are not heavily marketed. I enjoy educating and empowering parents with information so they can make thoughtful, informed choices that best fit their family’s values and goals.

As a neurodivergent mother myself, with two neurodivergent children, I truly understand the challenges my clients are experiencing. We don’t have a manual that tells us how to navigate the world of parenting. Just when you think you’ve figured out one child, the next one comes along and is completely different – and you feel like you are starting from scratch. It’s OK to need support, advice, and guidance from others. I believe that it takes a village, and building your support network is invaluable!

I specialize in ADHD and dyslexia because I understand these from a personal level. As an individual with ADHD myself, and raising children who struggle with ADHD and dyslexia, I understand the stigmas and challenges that are faced in day-to-day activities. I get the struggles our families are going through. I also have valuable input that will truly help.

I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon (U of O) and my doctorate from Northern Arizona University (NAU). I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of assessment needs. As a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), I understand the needs of children in the school setting with an extensive background and knowledge of IEPs and the IEP process. I truly enjoy being able to help parents navigate the confusing world of IEP’s and 504 plans.