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About Sunflower Developmental Pediatrics

Clinical Professor, Yale School of Medicine, Dept. of Pediatrics

Board Certified, Pediatrics; Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics

Member, Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Marybeth Ellison

I am a physician who has been passionately involved in both Pediatric medicine and Education for my entire career, and this has shaped my life. In 1995, I had a daughter who had developmental disabilities, and she was subsequently diagnosed with Autism. As a professional, I have worked in clinical medicine since the 1990s, and I have spent much of that time in the area of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. I have trained clinically with specialists in this field, as well as Child Psychiatry, Psychology, Speech and Language Pathology, Special Education, and Occupational Therapy; and, I became certified in Psycho-educational testing and Developmental Evaluations. Although I see and evaluate children with many Developmental Disabilities, I specialize in children and adolescents with ADHD and High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as Special Education services. Common co-morbid diagnoses (diagnoses that often occur together) such as Learning Disorders, Anxiety, Sensory Integration Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder and Social Communication and Language Disorders can also be managed here.

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At Sunflower Developmental Pediatrics, I will see patients ages 3-22 for initial evaluations as well as follow up care. Collaboration with Child Psychiatry, Special Education teachers, and a Speech and Language Pathologist is available for complex diagnostic evaluations. In addition, collaboration with a host of other professionals is available locally. Continuing care here is available for children who are encompassed in my scope of practice; individuals with a primary psychiatric diagnosis, such as Mood and Bipolar Disorders or Reactive Attachment Disorders, should be seen and followed by a Child Psychiatrist.

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My main passion is working with children with challenges and disabilities and their families to help them reach their potential. I enjoy sharing my energy and knowledge in this field with others, as well as educating and empowering individuals to become the best version of themselves. I also teach at Yale University School of Medicine and I will continue this position with the goal of capacity building in the next generation of physicians. 

Amanda DeCew, headshot, pinstripes.jpeg

Amanda E. DeCew, MSN, MPH, NP-C Board certified, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Member, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Associate member, American Academy of Pediatrics

Amanda DeCew
I completed my clinical training as a nurse practitioner in 2012 at Yale University. Working collaboratively with Dr. Ellison for many years in New Haven as a pediatric provider, I found that our approach to patient care is the same: holistic, collaborative, individualized, and family centered. I began training directly with Dr. Ellison and the Developmental Behavioral Pediatric team to gain expertise and help families find a roadmap in caring for children with disabilities. As a mother of a child with ADHD and Autism, I understand the daily joys and challenges of parenting a neurodiverse child. This personal connection drives my commitment to clarity of diagnosis, facilitating the necessary educational support, understanding, and planning for your child.


I believe in celebrating neurodiversity and helping children and young adults to understand and develop pride in their strengths and gifts. I also recognize that working with a differently wired brain can bring unique challenges. I look forward to partnering with families to find appropriate school support, medications when appropriate, therapy, and all the components that help children feel their best. Along with Dr. Ellison, I will see patients ages 3-22 for initial evaluations and follow-up care.


Beyond the confines of the clinical setting, I am deeply committed to advocacy efforts to promote healthy child development and received my MPH from Yale University. From working in rural health as a Peace Corps volunteer, to advocating for children’s protection against lead poisoning, I have spent my professional career dedicated to helping children thrive, and I look forward to working with your family.
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