Child Development

Amanda L. Pelphrey, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist and member of medical staff in the Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and Child Development Unit (CDU) at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.

Dr. Pelphrey is an integral member of a group of specialists in the Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics / CDU. This group of specialists includes developmental/behavioral pediatricians, nurse practitioners, psychologists, behavioral consultants, and trainees. These specialists work with families to help them understand their child's developmental, behavioral, and emotional needs. Dr. Pelphrey provides psychological evaluations for children with developmental and behavioral concerns, including children with ADHD, autism, and developmental variations and delay. As a part of the evaluation process, children may be given a diagnosis along with recommendations for treatment and follow up care with the appropriate agencies.

Dr. Pelphrey has experience in diagnostic neurobehavioral evaluations for children ages two years old through adolescence with a wide range of presenting concerns including autism disorders, ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders, learning disorders, and developmental delay. Before joining the CDU, Dr. Pelphrey worked as a staff psychologist at Upstate Cerebral Palsy in New York State, where she conducted functional behavior assessments and positive behavior support plans for preschoolers with Autism and for young adults in residential living. Dr. Pelphrey has been an Adjunct Instructor of Child Development and Learning & Behavior at Wells College and Chatham College respectively, and has research interests in stress and coping models and developmental pediatrics. Prior to developing clinical specialty in neurobehavioral and developmental disorders, Dr. Pelphrey dedicated clinical work to children and their families suffering from persistent mental illness. She earned her Doctor of Psychology degree (PsyD) and master's degree in clinical psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is an undergraduate alumnus of Miami University.