Do You Have a Shy Child?

Andrew Adesman, MD - Guest Bio
Andrew Adesman 2012Dr. Adesman is Chief of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics at the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in New Hyde Park, and Professor of Pediatrics at the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.

Dr. Adesman received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and completed his Residency in Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital National Medical Center in Washington, DC. He also completed a Fellowship in Child Development and Rehabilitation at the prestigious Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. In addition to Board certification in Pediatrics, Dr. Adesman is Board certified in Neuro-developmental Disabilities and also Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. Dr. Adesman has authored many research and review articles on developmental disorders in children, and most recently, is the author of a new book focusing on common parenting myths, BabyFacts: The Truth about Your Child's Health from Newborn through Preschool. He also co-authored a book on adoptive parenting, Parenting Your Adopted Child: A Positive Approach to Building a Strong Family.

Dr. Adesman has been repeatedly included in the book, How To Find the Best Doctors: New York Metro Area and is repeatedly listed in New York Magazine's list of "Best Doctors in New York."
  • Topic Info:Although childhood shyness is commonplace, it concerns many parents; especially those who place great value on sociability.

    For some children, social situations and interactions can be terrifying. When they come in contact with new children, they rarely feel at ease.

    Some children become shy because of harsh life experiences, but most are born that way.

    Typically, shy kids are unwilling or unable to make the first move, preferring to abandon a potential friendship rather than reach out to the unfamiliar.

    A few of these timid children may be emotionally distressed, but they are in the minority. In fact, some children are just naturally withdrawn and slow to warm up in new situations.

    However, all hope is not lost. You can help your child overcome shyness and develop successful peer interactions.

    Dr. Andrew Adesman, MD, shares information on helping your child overcome shyness and how you can encourage him or her to warm up to people more easily.
  • Host:Melanie Cole, MS