Dr. Ellen B. Littman (she/her/hers) is a clinical psychologist who has specialized in understanding those with neurodiverse brains for 35 years. Educated at Brown and Yale Universities, the LIU Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, she is licensed in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. In her private practice, Dr. Littman focuses on high IQ adolescent and adult populations, with expertise in the identification and treatment of challenging clinical presentations.
Described by the American Psychological Association as "a pioneer in the identification of gender differences in ADHD", she has extensive experience working with neurodiverse women and girls. In addition to individual psychotherapy, Dr. Littman works with couples to optimize communication and empathy; she also helps entrepreneurs harness their ADHD tendencies and channel them to their advantage. She endeavors to coordinate treatment with other clinicians to create a network of support.
Internationally recognized as an author and speaker, Dr. Littman co-authored the book Understanding Girls with ADHD, first published in 1999, with an updated edition published in 2015. She has contributed numerous chapters to books, including "The Hidden Side of Adult ADHD" (El lado oculto del TDAH en la edad adulta), "Understanding Women with ADHD", and "Gender Differences in ADHD". She has created numerous continuing education modules on gender differences, and has written more than 60 articles. As cochair of APSARD's special interest group on Women and Girls with ADHD (American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders), she has promoted the collaborative perspectives of researchers and clinicians.
Dr. Littman has developed a strengths-based assessment, utilizing cognitive-behavioral, somatic, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed perspectives to create solution-focused treatment plans tailored to an individual's needs. Her depathologizing approach decreases the impact of stigma and shame, and empowers individuals through a combination of psychoeducation, insight, and coaching.
Dr. Littman recognizes the ways in which the cumulative impact of co-occurring factors such as anxiety, mood, hormonal changes, personality styles, and trauma can confound presentations. With advanced training in complex early chronic trauma, eating disorders, self-harm, and crisis intervention, Dr. Littman has significant experience diagnosing and treating dissociative disorders, including Dissociative Identity Disorder. Having participated in the first mental health delegations to Tibet and Cuba, Dr. Littman has long valued the importance of acknowledging diverse perspectives. |