About
I help families and children navigate the challenges around understanding, accepting and managing life with autism, ADHD and associated conditions.
hello!
Who I Am
Hi, I’m Dr. Heather Machin and I am a board-certified General Pediatrician, mom, and wife. My own three children combine a healthy mix of autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and Tourette Syndrome and I am grateful to be a passenger in their life journeys, getting to observe how their brains work.
My professional life has been greatly enhanced by my experience as a mother of neurodivergent children. Part of my draw toward medicine was the ability to become a helpful part of patients’ most vulnerable moments in life. While an inherent quality in the field of pediatrics, this desire evolved into a stronger focal point in my patient interactions after becoming a mother: I became more attuned to my patients’ emotional and cognitive development, their sense of well-being, as well as the support they had within and outside their families. After time in the hospital and acute care settings, my career interests now concentrate on helping parents to shift their perspective in ways that create improved understanding and connection with their child.
As a compassionate child advocate and educator, my role entails dispelling commonly held beliefs and misconceptions about neurodevelopmental conditions, children and their behavior. My practice seeks to provide support and guidance for these kids and those who care about them, in the hope of achieving a more inclusive and higher quality of life across the board!
My Approach
First I listen, then I help you shift your lens…
Loving and raising a child is a beautiful privilege and responsibility, steeped in joy and challenges. For parents and caretakers of children with unique developmental paths, this journey is particularly daunting and difficult, as feelings of confusion, exhaustion and isolation can be all consuming.
At SOAR Pediatrics, we strongly believe in the transformative power of understanding and connection. We recognize the heartache that can come from letting go of preconceived notions about what your child’s life “should” look like. Yet, within that grief lies the opportunity for profound acceptance and growth.
Every parent and child deserves time and thought in their care, which is the point of view I practice, with patience, empathy and consideration. Creating a safe and supportive environment to start this process is key to developing a better understanding of your unique needs and goals.
While getting to know you and your child within a private, virtual setting, I am able to gain insight into your child’s particular development and family dynamics, which serves to identify strengths, struggles and potential intervention points. Sharing these elements and personalized strategies, you can feel armed with a fresh perspective, greater confidence and a more balanced connection with your child.
