Let’s look at the numbers. The more current CDC autism prevalence estimates are for 8-year-old children across 11 monitoring sites in the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. Why the Increase? The general explanation for the increase in autism rates over the past few decades is typically related to a number of factors. It's […]
This is a fascinating and frequently–asked question. We often hear that autism and ADHD are both on the neuro-divergent spectrum and therefore have an inherent connection. However, after 35 years of seeing these conditions firsthand, I will tell you that while there are similarities in how the condition impacts children’s daily functioning, ASD and ADHD […]
At Community Psychiatric Centers, we diagnose and help treat many different childhood issues. One of the disorders that we specialize in is Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. When a parent suspects their child may be on the autism spectrum, one of the most reassuring things to do is to gather information. I am often asked […]
Cause and Effect, or Just a Connection? Can screen time cause ADHD? It’s safe to say that we all have concerns about screen time. We see our kids spending way too much time on their electronic devices and it seems as if they are consumed by it. We worry that technology may be harming their […]
People have asked about what makes therapy sessions "good". The idea of "good therapy" hinges on sessions that are ultimately beneficial to the child. Children are expected to bond with their therapist, discuss their thoughts and feelings, work on coping skills, and make gains in therapy. However, it doesn’t always play out that way. All […]
Celebrating the 4th of July is one of those fond traditions of summer. This post from 2021 talks about how the principles our country was founded on can be used to teach the characteristics that will help them be well-rounded and successful adults. What Are We Celebrating on “The Fourth”, Also Known as “Independence Day”? […]
A version of this post appeared in the Spring of 2021. It’s Spring, and the summer break from school will be here before you know it. I would hate to have you awaken that fateful day in June with the incessant “I’m bored”, or loud screaming that typically accompanies siblings being home together all day. […]
As this school year comes to a close, I speak with many parents who have struggled with school refusal and are worried about managing the next school year. This post describes the nature of school refusal and some strategies and considerations to address this challenging situation. Your Child Won’t Go to School An all-too-common situation […]
Today's post was shared previously but serves as a reminder of how important hope is for all children, especially children and families who struggle with behavioral or emotional issues. The Vital Nature of Hope “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops […]
Today we will target and dispel the facts and fallacies regarding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADD/ADHD. Some of the common fallacies addressed include: What Are the Primary Symptoms of ADHD? First, let's review the primary symptoms of this condition and how it appears. There are three types of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: The most commonly diagnosed types would […]
