What occurs during the 1st new patient evaluation appointment?
The intake session provides an opportunity to gather background information (emotional, medical, academic, social, and family history), discuss treatment goals and how those might be achieved, observe and interact with the client and their parents to build rapport, and talk about various examples of the concerns being reported and how they are impacting the child’s […]
How do I talk to my child about going to therapy?
Sometimes kids/teens are unclear about why they need to see a therapist, or they flat out disagree with parent concerns. We encourage parents to be open with their children about their concerns and not surprise them news of the appointment at the last minute. It is OK to tell kids that there are patterns that […]
Overcoming Executive Function Challenges
Everyone has different executive function (EF) abilities, along with unique strengths and challenges. This article, published in the May 2022 issue of AUTISM ADVOCATE Parenting Magazine, gives families some background on executive function and outlines four steps support your child as he or she builds EF skills. Download and read the full article as a […]
An Anxiety Guide for Kids, Teens, and Adults: 3 Things You Need to Know
#1 Caveman Brains Cavemen were not known to be very intelligent people. They had smaller brains than humans do today. They were known, and named for, living in caves. When cavemen were at home, inside their caves, they could relax and feel safe. But the world outside of their caves was actually pretty dangerous. […]
Supporting Your Teen and Caring for Yourself as School Continues During Covid
Supporting Your Teen and Caring for Yourself During Covid-19 Dr. Adams, Dr. Speer, Rebekah Bryson Anxiety in Teens It is natural for teens (and adults) to feel anxious at times. Not only is it natural, it is adaptive and can be helpful in many situations, such as when preparing for a test or being extra […]
Practices to Keep Your Mental Health Intact
There’s no doubt that the circumstances around COVID-19 have increased our risk of mental health problems. Luckily, we have strategies to protect our mental health. Engaging in the following practices are likely to help you meet the challenges of today and come through with your mental health intact. Sleep We are all able to function […]
Looking Back to Move Forward: Reflections on Distance Learning
If you’re in the camp of parents and families who found distance learning to be a relatively smooth and positive experience, try to identify specifically what went well for you and your family. Why was this enjoyable for you? If the experience was not an easy one for you, your family, or one of your […]
Problems, Pitfalls and Potential for Change: Envisioning the Future of Distance Learning
COVID-19 caused families, schools and communities to hit the brakes on almost every activity of daily life for more than two months. The shock from changes in social interactions reverberated through our society. Anxiety and worry about the future, functioning and health of our nation and world added to the stark realization that we had […]
My Family Doesn’t Have it All Together, and That’s a Good Thing
I’m glad if the title of this article got your attention, and I want you to know I’m serious. No matter how well-adjusted my kids might be, or how kind and compassionate they are, or how patient I seem at times…we don’t have it all together. If the last three months of social isolation has […]
Dancing to Music that Keeps Changing: The Stress of Trying to Do it All
Parenting, marriage, teaching, jobs, you name it and it requires a period of adjustment to find the right rhythm to be effective. However, once you figure out the music and the dance that goes with it, the music inevitably changes. Suddenly, your groove doesn’t match the needs of the people or situation around you, and […]