Jessica

Rethinking Willful behavior: Is my child defiant or is something else going on?

Behavior basics, Parenting strategies /

Willful behavior is worrisome, but good news…sometimes, your child may not be acting willfully at all. Your defiant child may be going through something else entirely. Case in point: The task was simple, or seemingly simple. My young friend had stepped on another friend’s fingers and he needed to do the socially appropriate thing and

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Are online therapy programs good for teens and kids?

Ages and stages: 12-18, Depression and anxiety /

After over a year of quarantine and social distancing regulations, almost all of us are familiar with telehealth and online or video doctor appointments. But what about therapy? Are online therapy programs good for teens? What about younger kids? It’s crucial to find a good fit between your child and his or her therapist, and

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When is it sensory processing disorder in kids?

ADHD, Autism, Depression and anxiety, Understanding Behavior /

And when are sensory issues a symptom of something else, such as autism? This is the question parents ask themselves a lot when seeing the signs of sensory processing disorder in kids. What is sensory processing disorder? Sensory processing disorder (SPD) affects how your brain processes sensory information such as things you see, hear, smell,

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TOP STRATEGIES EXPERTS USE TO CHANGE BEHAVIOR (AND HOW YOU CAN USE THEM!)

Autism, Behavior basics /

Whether you have a special needs child or a typically-developing child, these top parenting strategies for changing and directing behavior are key! We already know that guiding behavior is hard, but as we learn the science behind behavior, top parenting strategies emerge. The following strategies are used every day with ABA therapists and can be

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signs of depression

Making sense of anxiety meds for teens: Which is right for your child?

Ages and stages: 12-18, Depression and anxiety /

First of all, anxiety can come in many forms, and there are several types of anxiety your teen may face. But once your child is diagnosed with anxiety, you may be faced with a decision: ‘talk’ therapy, medication, or both? If you go with the ‘both’ option, your next question will be: which anxiety meds

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signs of depression

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for kids: Is it right for my child?

ADHD, Autism, Depression and anxiety /

Also known as a type of ‘talk therapy’, cognitive behavioral therapy for kids can be a really useful tool for children who have depression, anxiety, OCD, or ADHD, and autism. Because CBT focuses on thoughts and behaviors, it’s actually great for anyone, and I’ve benefited from it alongside my children. When you recognize unhelpful thoughts

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