This time of year brings a familiar dance of preparation for families—new sneakers, fresh notebooks, and the gradual shift back to structured routines. But for some kids, the transition from lazy summer days to classroom expectations can reveal underlying challenges that went unnoticed during the unstructured months.

Dr. Coleen Vanderbeek, Director of Autism and Early Childhood at Blackbird Health, sees this scenario play out regularly in their Exton, Fort Washington, and King of Prussia locations. “Throughout conversations with parents, I always return to one fact: I may be a child development expert, but you’re the expert on your child’s development, and you’ll know before anyone else,” she explains.

When Summer Freedom Becomes Summer Struggle

It’s completely normal for children to experience some behavioral regression during summer break. Without the predictable rhythm of school days—consistent wake-up times, structured activities, and clear expectations—many kids naturally struggle with self-regulation. Add in later bedtimes (thanks to those 9 PM sunsets) and irregular meal schedules, and you have a recipe for increased meltdowns, emotional sensitivity, and decreased frustration tolerance.

“When school ends and routines dissolve, the world can feel less manageable for children, especially those with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or autism,” notes Dr. Vanderbeek. This is particularly relevant for Main Line families, where the pressure to fill summer with enriching camps and activities can sometimes create additional stress rather than relief.

The good news? Much of what parents observe during summer months falls within the normal range of seasonal adjustment. If your child can still enjoy relationships, participate in activities, regulate their emotions most of the time, and bounce back with support, you’re likely seeing typical summer behavior.

The Red Flags Worth Watching

But sometimes, summer’s lack of structure reveals more significant concerns that warrant professional attention. Blackbird Health’s comprehensive approach—which focuses on understanding the whole child rather than treating isolated symptoms—helps families distinguish between normal summer struggles and signs that point to deeper issues.

According to their observations on children’s behavioral patterns, concerning signs include withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities (not just getting bored with a toy, but completely avoiding things they typically love), significant changes in sleep and appetite that impact daily functioning, and excessive worry or emotional outbursts that don’t improve with parental support.

“It’s not just what the behavior is, but its quality—how long it lasts, how intense it gets, and how much it interferes with your child’s ability to function and find joy,” explains Dr. Vanderbeek.

For Main Line parents, this might look like a child who typically thrives at summer camp suddenly refusing to go, or a teen who normally enjoys family trips to Longwood Gardens becoming increasingly anxious about any change in routine.

A Revolutionary Approach to Understanding Children

Founded by Amy Edgar, a nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience, Blackbird Health emerged from a frustration with traditional pediatric mental health care. Edgar, who was named one of the 10 most influential women entrepreneurs in the healthcare ecosystem by Healthcare Insights in 2023, witnessed too many families caught in cycles of trial-and-error treatment.

“Too often, families are left navigating care that’s uncoordinated and siloed, leading to an incomplete picture of their child,” Edgar explains. “Treatment becomes a game of trial and error—and kids don’t get what they truly need.”

Today, Blackbird Health serves families from their conveniently located offices in Fort Washington (just off Route 309) and King of Prussia, as well as virtually throughout Pennsylvania. Their “understand-first” methodology has produced remarkable results: 85% of patients see symptom improvement within 6-12 weeks, with 25-50% lower medication usage compared to traditional approaches.

More Than Just Therapy

What sets Blackbird Health apart is their comprehensive model. Led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nicole Garber, who is triple board-certified in general psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and obesity medicine, their team of 110+ specialized professionals offers everything from behavioral therapy and medication management to speech therapy, occupational therapy, and even school advocacy services.

This integrated model means a family from Bryn Mawr dealing with their 8-year-old’s ADHD doesn’t need to coordinate between multiple providers across different locations. Instead, their child receives a thorough evaluation that examines cognitive, behavioral, physical, genetic, and developmental factors—all under one roof.

“We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all assessments,” says Dr. Garber. “Our neuroscience-based process starts broad, then quickly pinpoints where to go deeper—so we can uncover what’s really going on and what each child truly needs.”

The Back-to-School Advantage

For families reading this as they prepare for the upcoming school year, timing couldn’t be better. Blackbird Health’s rapid intake process—typically within one week—means parents who recognize concerning patterns now can get help before academic pressures intensify.

“Seeking help isn’t a commitment to years of therapy,” reassures Dr. Vanderbeek. “Just because you’re asking for advice doesn’t mean your child will get a diagnosis, become a long-term patient, or need multiple visits. A mental health check-in is as ‘normal’ and important as a physical check-up.”

The practice serves children, teens, and young adults from ages 2 to 26, addressing everything from separation anxiety in preschoolers to executive functioning challenges in college-bound teens. With in-network coverage through all major Pennsylvania insurers, cost barriers are minimized for busy Main Line families.

Trust Your Parental Instincts

As parents across Ardmore, Wayne, and surrounding communities navigate these final weeks of summer, Dr. Vanderbeek offers this reassurance: “Your concern means you’re paying attention. It means you’re a great parent. And as a parent, you don’t need to have all the answers, but trusting your gut, tracking what you observe, and reaching out when something feels off is one of the most powerful ways you can advocate for your child’s well-being.”

For parents still wondering whether their observations warrant professional attention, Blackbird Health has published a comprehensive guide titled “Is It Just Summer Behavior or Something More?” on their website, complete with practical checklists and preparation tips for seeking support.

As one grateful Main Line mother shared about her experience with Blackbird Health: “We established a defined route and we devised a solid strategy. It brings a great sense of satisfaction to see it through and to know that my son feels truly assured.”

Starting the Conversation

Whether your child is heading to kindergarten at New Eagle Elementary or starting senior year at Lower Merion High School, the transition back to academic routines can reveal both strengths and areas where additional support might be beneficial.

Blackbird Health’s virtual-first model offers unprecedented flexibility for busy families, while their Exton, Fort Washington, and King of Prussia locations provide in-person care when needed. Blackbird’s newest clinic is scheduled to open in Doylestown in October. This hybrid approach has proven especially valuable for Main Line families juggling multiple children’s schedules and activities.

For families considering whether their child might benefit from comprehensive mental health support as they head into the school year, the first step is simple: trust your instincts and reach out. In a region known for high achievers and even higher expectations, sometimes the bravest thing a parent can do is acknowledge that even the most capable children sometimes need additional support to thrive.

Blackbird Health supports the Main Line Parent Community and our Back to School Guide. 

Photos courtesy of Blackbird Health/Unsplash.com. Collaborate with us.