Dr. Robyn Stephens is a Clinical Neuropsychologist, fully registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and authorized to practice Clinical Neuropsychology, Clinical Counselling and Clinical Psychology, with children, adolescents, adults and families.
Following Dr. Stephens’ doctorate and post doctorate internships, she pursued further clinical training in neuropsychiatry, from neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological perspectives, including a post doctorate fellowship at the University Health Network (UHN), Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child Psychiatry, concentrating on Neuropsychiatric Disorders (e.g. Tourette’s Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)); in addition to completing a post-doctorate fellowship within the University Health Network, Department of Psychiatry, Acquired Brain Injury Program.
As an Affiliated Scientist for five years with the Toronto Western Research Institute (TWRI), Dr. Stephens had the opportunity to develop and lead peer reviewed clinical research studies with a primary focus on issues frequently associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including: identifying characteristics of common sleep problems through formal polysomnographic sleep studies and the relationship with daytime behaviour; exploring patterns, triggers and behavioural strategies for managing rages and aggression; as well as gaining an extensive understanding of the risk factors, academic problems and behavioural difficulties children and youth diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome may experience when they also demonstrate symptoms of ADD/ADHD, OCD, ASD or Learning Disabilities/Giftedness.
Further to formal education, clinical experience and training in neurodevelopmental disorders, during the past twenty years Dr. Stephens has held the position of Director of Neurobehavioural Studies and Research and Staff Neuropsychologist at Youthdale Child and Adolescent Sleep Centre, and in Private Practice as a Clinical Neuropsychologist, including being recognized in both the Provincial and Superior Courts of Canada on multiple occasions as an Expert Witness in Medical-Legal Neuropsychology, (children, adolescents and adults).
Most recently, and with great enthusiasm, Dr. Stephens has re-directed her professional focus and clinical passion back to working with children, youth and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, primarily Tourette’s Syndrome and tic disorders, in addition to the commonly associated comorbidities such as ADD/ADHD and OCD; and Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD/previously known as Aspergers).
As the Director and Founder of the Toronto Neurodevelopmental Centre, Dr. Stephens and her clinical team are dedicated to providing clarity of not only any potential diagnoses, but most importantly, what the diagnosis means to the child, adolescent or adult and their families in terms of their everyday lives.
Dr. Stephens believes in first identifying the unique strengths of each individual, to offer solution-based planning, clinical understanding, and development of appropriate academic and social skill recommendations and therapy treatment.
The individual and family therapy sessions at the Toronto Neurodevelopmental Centre are designed to focus on empowering each person with a greater sense of self-esteem, confidence and ability to positively identify and separate themselves from their symptoms.
Dr. Stephens’ goal is to provide parents with the clarity and knowledge of understanding their child’s strengths and differences, with opportunity to receive their own emotional support and encouragement as active members of a team dedicated to working together to enable their child to reach their greatest potential.
Dr. Stephens has achieved status as a Chartered Psychologist with The British Society of Psychology, which enables her to provide psychological services throughout the United Kingdom, including providing telepsychology for Canadian students attending UK universities.