Maria Soledad de Bilbao has been coaching my eleven-year-old son, Spencer, for the past year. He was diagnosed with ADHD and our psychologist recommended her services. She has been instrumental in helping our family understand ADHD and feel positive about this diagnosis.
She provided many resources and ideas on how to support Spencer. From nutrition to books and papers, she is a wealth of knowledge for anyone wanting to learn about ADHD. My husband and I appreciated her positive attitude toward ADHD and the support she offered to us as we learned new ways to support our son. She was always there to answer questions and talk to us about any concerns we had.
For Spencer, she was able to explain what ADHD was – and how it can have some drawbacks, but also some special unique attributes. During his sessions with her, he felt safe, understood and seen for who he is. I think that this was one of the biggest advantages of his sessions with her – feeling like he could be completely himself, and accepted for exactly who he is. She listened to him, and Spencer always said that Maria was good at explaining things to him in a way that made sense. She worked to improve his executive functioning skills and she brainstormed ways to translate these strategies at home and at school. She helped develop ideas for his IPP at school and ways for him to advocate for himself in school and in life.
Maria was always on time, prepared and ready for her sessions. She was flexible with our timing and worked with all of us to make sure that Spencer got the sessions he needed. I would highly recommend her for anyone who wants to understand what ADHD is, and ways to bring out the best in yourself – whether that be as a parent of a person with ADHD, or as a person with ADHD. I really appreciate her perspectives, kind and encouraging words and peaceful demeanor.
Lana