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Dr. Leigh Alison Mueller, DO is a pediatrician in Santa Cruz, CA specializing in general pediatrics. She graduated from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. Dr. Leigh Alison Mueller, DO is affiliated with Dignity Health, Sutter Health and Dominican Hospital Santa Cruz.
Asperger's Syndrome
Asperger's syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulty in social interactions and repetitive patterns of behavior and interest. There is no known cause of Asperger's syndrome. Experts believe that genetic and environmental factors may play a role in its development, but no factors have been scientifically confirmed.
Asperger's syndrome was first identified by medical experts in the 1940s. It was thought to be a separate diagnosis from autism until 2013, when it was recognized as a form of autism. Asperger's is typically less severe than other types of autism, which can significantly limit cognitive ability. Many people with Asperger's have high intellectual ability and frequently excel in academics or a specific school subject, sometimes leading to the underdiagnosis of Asperger's syndrome. People with Asperger's also rarely exhibit speech delay, a predominant symptom of other forms of autism.
Early signs of Asperger's syndrome are typically displayed in childhood or adolescence. Some early signs of Asperger's syndrome include:
Children may be diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome by a pediatric neurologist, child psychologist, or pediatric neuropsychologist. Once a child is diagnosed with Asperger's, he or she may receive therapy or other treatments. While there are no drugs specifically intended for Asperger's, some doctors may prescribe antidepressant SSRIs (selective serotonin inhibitors) or stimulant medication to improve the mental health of some Asperger's patients.
Therapy can also help people with Asperger's, notably by improving their communication and guiding them to overcome personal issues and social difficulties. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) can help patients identify patterns of repetitive behaviors and narrow interests that may hinder them. Conversely, therapists may also teach people how to take advantage of certain Asperger's symptoms, such as an intense focus on a single interest, and use it to positively affect themselves and others. Social skills training (SST) is another behavioral therapy that helps people with Asperger's. SST encourages people with Asperger's to refine their social and conversational skills in a safe environment. By learning social cues and practicing behaviors in real time, people can better adapt to social situations. For example, someone who struggles in workplace environments may memorize a number of talking points for use during normal conversation. Other treatments may include psychoactive prescription medications for stress and anxiety associated with Asperger's, as well as physical and occupational therapy for those struggling with coordination.
Although no cure for Asperger's syndrome currently exists, therapy can significantly enhance the quality of life for many "Aspies," or people with Asperger's syndrome. With ongoing therapy and support, people with Asperger's can learn to lessen their symptoms and while also strengthening their own interests and skills.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in children. Nine percent of children in the USA have been diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms, which include hyperactivity and difficulty maintaining focus or paying attention, can last into adulthood for some patients. Boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed as girls, although experts don't know why this is.
There are three main types of ADHD:
When diagnosing ADHD, it is important to rule out other issues that may be causing the symptoms. Seizure disorders, hearing loss, anxiety, and domestic problems are some examples of problems that can cause behaviors similar to those seen with ADHD.
Treatment can include stimulant medications, behavioral therapy to teach patients ways to navigate their world and control symptoms better, and accommodations at school or work. A structured environment (with lots of organization and well-defined rules) seems to help most kids with ADHD function at their best.
ADHD is mainly thought of as a disorder that affects children, but symptoms can last into adulthood for a third to half of those diagnosed. In adults, ADHD has similar symptoms as when it is seen in children: impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus, being easily distracted, or a tendency to fidget. These symptoms can cause problems in a patient's careers and relationships. Additionally, adults with ADHD are at increased risk for substance abuse. Medications can be an important part of treatment for adults, as well as stress reduction techniques and organization skills training. Specialized ADHD coaches can help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and succeed in all areas of their life.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that causes symptoms such as acne, facial hair, and weight gain. It is often diagnosed when patients experience problems getting pregnant, because PCOS can interfere with ovulation. There is no cure for PCOS, but there are effective treatments that can lessen the severity of the symptoms.
Despite the name, not everyone with polycystic ovarian syndrome develops cysts on their ovaries. It is also possible to have ovarian cysts without having PCOS. The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are actually related to insulin resistance, a condition where the insulin made by the body is not effectively recognized by the cells. This causes the pancreas to release higher levels of insulin in order to keep blood sugar levels stable, and the excess insulin interferes with hormone production in the pituitary and ovaries, causing the PCOS symptoms.
The symptoms of PCOS include:
PCOS is a syndrome, which means that if patients have PCOS, they might not have each and every symptom. Even a few of them might be enough to have physicians check for polycystic ovarian syndrome. A doctor might perform an exam and order blood tests to measure hormone levels.
Treatment for PCOS may include:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Fortunately there are many good treatment options available.
Dr. Leigh Alison Mueller, DO graduated from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. She completed residency at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. She is certified by the Pediatrics Am Os Bd Pediatrics and has a state license in California.
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Residency: Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Board Certification: Pediatrics Am Os Bd Pediatrics
Licensed In: California
Dr. Leigh Alison Mueller, DO is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Leigh Alison Mueller, DO appears to accept the following insurance providers: WellCare, Blue Shield of California, Medicare Advantage, HealthSmart, MultiPlan, United Healthcare, TRICARE, Cigna, Alliance PPO, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Accepted Central California Alliance for Health Plans: TotalCare (HMO D-SNP), Accepted Valley Health Plan - Currently in Contract Negotiations Plans: Classic Commercial HMO Plan only, Accepted SCAN Plans: SCAN Compass (HMO), Accepted Santa Clara Family Health Plan Plans: DualConnect (HMO D-SNP), Accepted Provider Networks of America Plans: PPO, Accepted Sutter Health Plan Plans: Individual and Family Plan HMO: Large and Small Group HMO, Accepted Chinese Community Health Plan Plans: Active Choice- PPO Silver: Amber 50 HMO Silver: American Indian/Alaskan Native (Covered CA for Individual & Families): Bronze 60 HDHP HMO (including... and Accepted Aetna Plans: Aetna Choice POS II: Aetna Select EPO: Aetna Select Open Access: Aetna Signature Administrators (ASA): Aetna Student Health Program: Health Fund HMO (aka HMO/HRA): Health Fund....
According to our sources, Dr. Leigh Alison Mueller, DO accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Leigh Alison Mueller, DO has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 35 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Leigh Alison Mueller, DO from all over the web to help you find the right in Santa Cruz, CA.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Leigh Alison Mueller, DO. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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Big Turn Mattress Family $29 |
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FLUZONE QIV $22 |
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Dr. Leigh Mueller's specialty is general pediatrics. Her areas of expertise include puberty, cardiac risk reduction, and community health issues. Dr. Mueller is professionally affiliated with Sutter Health. Her education and training includes medical school at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and residency at Travis Air Force Base, David Grant USAF Medical Center and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. She usually honors Anthem, Blue California, and HealthSmart, in addition to other insurance carriers. Sutter Health reports that Dr. Mueller is accepting new patients at her office in Santa Cruz, CA.
