Dr. Teresa Bolick, Clinical Psychologist, was dedicated to working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders for over 30 years. She was an energetic teacher, advocate, author, and trusted voice for individuals with ASD and their families in New England and beyond. Her charismatic workshops and enlightening publications were an inspiration to countless parents and professionals and set the foundation for collaborative partnerships between families and professionals.
Dr. Bolick served as a NH-ME LEND faculty member and ASD Consultant from 2009 to 2016. During her tenure she worked with trainees and faculty to understand and implement evidence-based diagnostic practices, strengths-based interventions, and family-centered care for children and youth with ASD. She assisted the NH-ME LEND Program with implementation of the ASD Learning Collaborative (2009-2010) to improve use of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers in primary care practices throughout NH. She held high expectations for LEND trainees and their leadership development.
Dr. Bolick made important and lasting contributions the field of ASD. Core to her philosophy was effectively supporting emotional and sensory regulation while developing the strengths of individuals with ASD.
She brought us “Bolick House of Human Development” which recognized sensory regulation as the foundation to the development of communication, cognitive skills and social emotional competence.
Dr. Bolick published in one of the first books written for parents supporting adolescents with ASD. Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Helping Preteens and Teens Get Ready for the Real World (Fairwinds Press, 2001) introduced the four A’s of self- regulation: Arousal/alertness, Attention, Activity and Affect. This important book emphasized the partnering with youths to individualize strategies for each unique nervous system.
Bolick’s “Low and Slow” approach guides adults to lower and modify one’s behavior in order to support youths in distress.
She lectured through the years on the importance of social capital for youth with ASD and even tackled the complex topic of ASD and the rules of romance.
Dr. Bolick will be remembered for her energy and commitment to the NH-ME LEND Program on behalf of children and youth with ASD and their families.
