Andrea Wright Hempel, PhD
Children, Adolescents and Families
Andrea Hempel, PhD is a practicing clinical psychologist specializing in children and adolescents, as well as working with parents. She works in the St. Charles, Illinois office.
Dr. Hempel earned her Master’s degree and Doctorate from Loyola University Chicago. She has worked with children and families since 2001. Dr. Hempel was a school psychologist for six years prior to becoming a clinical psychologist. She has many years of therapeutic experience working with individuals in the following areas: behavior, anxiety, depression, social skills/peer relations, anger management, loss, and divorce. She also has extensive experience working with children who have been diagnosed with a variety of disabilities such as: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Developmental Delays, Learning Disabilities, Cognitive Disabilities, and Speech and Language Impairments.
Dr. Hempel has also received special training using Picture Exchange Communications Systems (PECS) with children who have been diagnosed with Autism and/or delays in communication. PECS is a research-based intervention used to facilitate socialization in all settings. She also runs social skills classes for children to help them develop better communication skills and improve peer relationships. Additionally, Dr. Hempel utilizes play therapy to help younger children who have fewer verbal skills, to help them overcome their difficulties.
Dr. Hempel’s therapeutic approaches are cognitive and behavioral in nature. Therapeutic plans are specialized for individual needs. Focus is placed on homework, implementing interventions, utilizing positive reinforcement, and parent involvement.
“My work is based on teaching the skills necessary to accomplish dreams and goals as well as helping individuals achieve happy and healthy relationships.”
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder is diagnosed when significant delays exist in the areas of communication, repetitive and stereotyped behavior, and social interaction. Delays are typically present by age three, but varies based on the specific autism spectrum diagnosis. Autism Spectrum Disorder is classified as a specific pervasive developmental disorder, and is distinguished among other pervasive developmental disorders such as: Aspergers syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Childhood disintegrative disorder. A thorough evaluation is recommended to implement appropriate interventions and rule out other diagnoses.
For optimal treatment, we recommend collaboration among service providers to address therapeutic goals. Our therapeutic goals are individualized to treat children and families. Individual therapy addresses problem solving, coping mechanisms, relaxation strategies, sensory sensitivities, and social skills. Family therapy addresses parenting, consistency, communication, family planning/visual schedules, etc. Social skills classes are offered to address friendships, conversation skills, and problem solving. We teach preventative strategies to help decrease frustration and increase success. Autism is treatable and great progress can be made with appropriate interventions in place.
She has also taught graduate courses at Loyola University Chicago on the following topics: different types of disabilities, evaluations, counseling, multiculturalism, special education, and interventions.
