Summertime Freedoms: How Much to Give and When to Give It
Researchers are beginning to look at the ways young children spend their time and how it relates to the development of executive functioning skills such as time management and problem solving. Some early findings suggest that children who spend more time in less structured activities display better self-directed control. Summertime seems to be a great […]
Understanding Red Flags for Autism
Progress in the area of autism identification is significant: awareness of autism continues to rise; pediatricians’ offices routinely screen for autism; and treatment providers are more available. This is reflected in the most recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which found that prevalence of autism among 8-year-old increased (1 in 59 […]
5 Tips for Transitioning to Summer
When talking about transitions and school, we often think about getting back into the school routine. However, transitioning out of school for the summer can also be an important process to do with intentionality. Since the end of August 2017, your daughter or son has been regularly connected to a defined group of people, including […]
4 Strategies for A Summer of Emotional Growth
The countdown to summer has already begun, so let’s talk about ways you can foster your child’s emotional growth and development in ways that also encourage family and social connections. Summer is wonderful for many reasons, but it is also a time when it can be difficult to find healthy routines and regular social opportunities. […]
A Social Story in Reverse: Talking About Autism
Anyone who lives or works with someone with ASD is probably familiar with social stories, a strategy in which you explain the important details of a situation, what to expect, and what is expected from the individual with ASD. In talking about autism with others, we can reverse the social story, telling people important details […]
Building Emotion Regulation Skills
Emotion regulation is the process by which we consciously and unconsciously strive to manage the range of emotions we may experience at any given time. The problem for some teens is that their emotions come too fast and too strong for them to effectively regulate, and instead they react impulsively, lose control, or use unhelpful […]
Mental Illness and Mass Violence: Speaking Carefully and Accurately
There has been much discussion about the connection between mental illness and violence, particularly related to mass violence and school shootings, during the past weeks and months. Unfortunately, the language used and arguments made about this connection are not always accurate and can perpetuate assumptions that may lead some to avoid talking about their struggles […]
4 Phrases Parents Can Start Saying Now to Raise Capable and Confident Kids
Most parents want their kids to grow up, move out, and be able to support themselves financially and emotionally. Why then, is it so hard for parents to raise confident kids who are competent and capable? Try incorporating the following 4 phrases into your conversations with your kids. Give them the chance to try, make […]
8 Tips for Processing a New Diagnosis
As a psychologist who mainly focuses on evaluations, I quickly become familiar with families. I have many frank discussions with parents where we talk about a child’s strengths, areas for growth, and ultimately a new diagnosis, all with the purpose of leading to better outcomes. Some welcome a diagnosis and view it as a way […]
To The Parent Who Wants to Belong
Valentine’s Day is coming up, and my daughter’s preschool will be having a valentine exchange for the students. This is one of those planned activities where everyone will receive a valentine from everyone else. Everyone will give and receive whatever sense of belonging comes with a card and piece of candy. But our sense of […]