Written by Dr. Carosso Children with autism invariably demonstrate what are called ‘self-stimulatory behaviors’. These are compulsive rituals and behaviors that can be quite challenging to squelch, including hand-flapping, rocking, jumping, squealing, pacing, echoing, and obsessing. To manage these behaviors, parents must first realize that we all ‘self-stimulate’ to one degree or another; hopefully we […]

Written by Dr. Carosso Lets clear some things up:) First: “autism” is not a diagnosis, but a term used to describe the wide spectrum of autistic disorders, ranging from Autistic Disorder, to Asperger’s, to Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS. Second: children with “autism” are, far more often than not, loving, affectionate, and empathic (to one degree or […]

Written by Dr. Carosso Now we have more evidence, care of the British Medical Journal, that prior assertions of vaccinations causing autism are false. Of course, Dr. Wakefield is standing firm on his earlier claims but not looking especially credible in the process. Nonetheless, if nothing else good has come from this, at least there […]

Written by Dr. Carosso You get into an argument with your spouse. You know your point is valid but you’re having trouble getting your mate to acknowledge your view;  instead, he just wants to “move on” and “forget about it.” So, he tries to change the subject and you’re left feeling unheard and misunderstood. You’re simply […]

Written by Dr. Carosso Okay, as a professional you know that I am supposed to tell you that corporal punishment (spanking) is a no-no and you shouldn’t do it. I’m supposed to tell you that it’s ineffective and simply does not work. Well, I’m not going to tell you that; or at least not that […]

Written by Dr. John Carosso I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia and dysgraphia; two conditions that are often, more generally, labeled as a “learning disability.” These conditions are usually inherited (that’s right kids, don’t say your parents never gave you anythingJ) and can greatly interfere with a child’s ability to progress in […]

Written by: Dr. John Carosso Okay, so your child has been found to have a learning disability. The big question now is, what do you do about it?  It seems like you’re doing all the right things; an IEP is being developed at school, you have a tutor, and you spend extra time reading to […]

Written by: Dr. John Carosso How beneficial is time-out, taking away the TV, or ‘grounding’ a child from going outside? Of course, all of these can be effective, as most parents have come towjW find, but if you rely too heavily on these strategies, what happens? Well, first, your household can become like a gulag; […]

Wouldn’t it be nice to be omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, especially when it comes to caring for your kids? Well, you’ll never be any of those things, but you can introduce your child to someone who is.

I am hard pressed to contemplate a more significant or relevant mantra for teachers or parents. I have espoused the "softer and closer" approach since that time, and can think of no better way to connect with a child whether working as a mental health professional, or as a parent.