Dr Natalie Roth, Clinical Psychologist

Alternative Behavior Strategies is glad to announce that Dr Natalie Roth has joined our team here at ABS.

Dr. Natalie Roth is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in developmental issues, and particularly in children with neurodevelopment delays. Dr. Roth grew up in Utah and attended the University of Utah before moving to Los Angeles for graduate school. She graduated from the APA approved psychology program at Fuller Theological Seminary following practicum experience at the University of Southern California and an internship at St. John’s Child Development Center in Santa Monica, California. She and her husband returned to the gorgeous mountains and wonderful lifestyle of Salt Lake City in 2002.

Her specific interest in Autism was strengthened as part of a developmental assessment team that worked through the State of Utah Department of Health, Children with Special Health Care Needs. In this capacity, she evaluated and worked with the families of hundreds of children with Autistic Spectrum and other developmental disorders as part of a multi-disciplinary assessment team. She specializes in the assessment of developmental delays and has worked extensively with younger children (ages birth to five), but has a wide degree of experience assessing older children and adolescents, as well. Dr. Roth has expertise in testing a range of developmental domains, including intellectual testing for verbal and non-verbal children, ADOS testing, early developmental testing, and tests of academic functioning. Her approach to working with families through the process of an assessment is to provide support in determining the most accurate understanding of a particular child’s presenting issues. The results of the assessment are used to arrive at a diagnosis, if applicable, but as importantly, to understand the unique strengths and weaknesses of a child so that his or her parents can make informed, individual decisions about which steps to take next.

Natalie and her husband have two young boys who enjoy all of the outdoor fun that Utah has to offer, including hiking, boating, and camping. In rare moments of free time, she especially likes running in the foothills with her dog, playing the piano, or having dinner with friends.

As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Roth will be offering a variety of services through Alternative Behavior Strategies, including:

Diagnostic evaluations for suspected neurodevelopment conditions such as:

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Anxiety Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Trauma and Stress Related Disorders
• Depressive Disorders
• Disorders of disruptive behavior and impulse control
• Learning Disabilities
• Language Delay
• Intellectual Disability / Global Developmental Delay
• Cognitive and behavioral issues related to:
• Prenatal substance exposure (such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome / Affects),
• Genetic Disorders
• Medical Issues with potential psychiatric/neurocognitive complications

In many cases, this type of assessment can be beneficial for children and adolescents when:

• A child is struggling to meet developmental milestones, has encountered learning problems, or does not appear to be able to function as independently as expected.
• A teacher, instructor, or medical professional has indicated concern about a child’s performance or development.
• Behavioral concerns (such as heightened activity levels, poor impulse control, oppositionality, aggression, or avoidance) are interfering with a child’s ability to form positive relationships, complete daily tasks, or take advantage of learning environments.
• A child has a medical history (including prematurity) which is known to have potential neurodevelopment or psychiatric consequences.
• Efforts at intervention and treatment have not been as effective as hoped.
• A child/adolescent demonstrates a change in mood status or behavior (for example, is eating or sleeping differently) or expresses persistent discomfort about his/her life experience.

As a result of a diagnostic evaluation, a family/caregiver could expect the following outcomes:

• • A new understanding or clarification of diagnostic status.
  • An assessment of a child’s strengths and how these can be applied to areas of identified vulnerability.
  • Assistance in reviewing recommended treatment options and prioritizing treatment goals.
  • Specific recommendations for different contexts in which a child operates, including home, school, social, vocational, and community environments.
  • Referrals to other specialists when indicated.
  • Documenting changes in functioning over time.
  • Attention to both the practical and emotional needs of parents and caregivers as they move through a process of better understanding their child.
  • Consultation with other providers involved in the child’s care, when requested by parents/care-givers.
  • A comprehensive, in-person review of results with parents/care-givers, followed by a detailed written report.

Dr. Roth will also be available for consultation/therapy appointments to address issues such as:

• • • How to cope as a family or an individual with a new diagnosis
    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms
    • Review of family functioning around the stress that can occur when children have neurodevelopmental complications
    • Gaining optimism in parenting a child with special needs
    • Parental support during implementation of new behavioral strategies
    • Consultation with school, church, or other communities where a child is active.

As part of the team at Alternative Behavior Strategies, Dr. Roth will also be involved in the on-going care of clients who receive ABA, Speech, or Occupational Therapy, as needed. This involvement might include monthly consultation with a child’s treatment team, close work with Speech, OT, and other Mental Health providers at ABS, and on-going training for parents, staff, and the SLC community.