Connected Growth & Wellbeing Psychological Services

02/25/2026

Thrilled to see this comprehensive research on sensory processing, parent-child interactions, play therapy, and emotional regulation. The reference list is impressive as well!

I am thrilled to announce our new publication in the Journal of Research in Neurodiversity: Sensory-processing informed autism practice for child-centered therapists!

This paper emphasizes the need for flexible, sensory-informed, and child-centered approaches, and provides practical strategies to create supportive environments, strengthen interoception and emotional understanding, and foster connection without compromising the child’s agency.

And what fun to write with this group: Dee C. Ray, Kade Sharp, Kim Clairy, Sean M. Inderbitzen, Amy C. Laurent, Jacquelyn H. Fede, and Jonathan T. Delafield-Butt . An extra special thank you to lead author Stuart Daniel for spearheading this article and for his amazing patience and encouragement to think deeply about interoception in relation to this topic. I am so honored to be amongst all of these amazing co-authors.

Read more here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S305057982600001X?dgcid=coauthor

02/25/2026

Wonderful research project including FREE evaluations and parent coaching.

We are currently enrolling families for an exciting research study at The Rebecca Center at Molloy University.

We are seeking autistic children ages 5 to 7 and their parents or caregivers to participate in a play based study focused on strengthening parent child interaction.

Families who participate will receive:

-Free comprehensive evaluation
-Free training in DIRFloortime
-Free 6 week remote parent coaching program

All sessions conducted by trained professionals

This study is designed to support meaningful connection, engagement, and developmental growth within the parent child relationship.

If you or someone you know may be interested, please reach out directly to Dr. John Carpente at 516.323.3325 or jcarpente@molloy.edu

Please feel free to share this post with families, educators, and community partners who may benefit.

02/13/2026

"Language grows most naturally when it is embedded in relationships, play, and emotionally meaningful experiences."

Check out Dr. Amna's recent blog on developing communication and relationships at https://drtobingpuente.com/2026/02/10/why-do-we-use-words-to-communicate-to-connect-or-for-performance/

The importance of a developmental and relational understanding of communication.

02/10/2026

Coming up this month: Josh Noble's Parent Support Group, for parents of neurodivergent children transitioning to life after formal schooling.
📆Meeting this month on February 24th, at 7:15PM.📌
For inquiries or RSVPs, reach out to connectedgrowth@drtobingpuente.com

02/10/2026

Wonderful presentation tonight by Felicity House, “Exploring the Black and Autistic Experience.”
Just ordered Kala Allen Omieza’s books and cannot wait to read them!

02/06/2026

We have finally made it to Instagram! We are excited to share our happenings and connect with you here!
~Dr. Lauren & the Connected Growth team

Follow us

02/06/2026

We had a great and successful Lobby Day in Albany on Tuesday! Our bill is garnering much support among legislators in the Insurance Committees of NYS Assembly and Senate!
Hoping the bill is added to the agenda to be voted on very soon!

02/02/2026

THIS WEEK, on Wednesday (2/4) at 7:15PM: Dr. Lauren's free Parent Support Group for parents of children diagnosed with ASD meets via Zoom.
📨Want to RSVP to this meeting or a future one? Reach out to connectedgrowth@drtobingpuente.com

01/31/2026

It was wonderful to present Part 2 of my presentation on in preschools to Books & Rattles Preschool at Peek a Boo Preschool in Queens with Young Child Learning. Great ideas and brainstorming with their multidisciplinary staff.

01/19/2026

Check out Dr. Lauren's latest blog reflecting on her 30+ years working with the autism community (parts 1 & 2).!

https://drtobingpuente.com/2026/01/19/30-plus-years-with-the-autism-community-pt-1-2/

01/12/2026

Excited to see that Mattel has released an Autistic Barbie doll! Glad to know it was designed with help from the Autism Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)

The doll comes with an AAC device, noise cancellation headphones, a fidget, and flexible arms so she can “stim.”

Designed to reflect the world kids see today, this diverse line of Barbie Fashionistas dolls showcases bright and trendy styles that inspire endless storytelling possibilities.

01/06/2026

⏰ It's time for our free parent support group! Meeting tomorrow IN PERSON in Bayside. For RSVPs and interest, please contact connectedgrowth@drtobingpuente.com
👉Can't make it? Save the date: The group will be meeting via Zoom next month, on February 4th!