by Dr. John Carosso, Psy.D. Article at a Glance It's 10:47 PM, and my child won't sleep! You've done the bath. You've read three stories since the first two "didn't count." You've fetched the water, adjusted the blanket, checked under the bed for monsters, and answered a truly baffling question about whether fish have dreams. […]
by Dr. John Carosso, Psy. D. Here's a scene I see in my office all the time: a parent sits down, takes a breath, and says, "My child can't focus, they're restless, they melt down over homework, so it must be ADHD, right?" Maybe. But here's the thing. Anxiety can look exactly the same way. […]
Article at a Glance "Will autism get worse with age?" If you’re a parent of an autistic child, you’ve probably Googled this question at some point. Parents of children with autism, whether newly diagnosed or years into the journey, ask me this question all the time. You love your child, and watching them struggle is […]
For children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, everyday life can be filled with challenges. One increasingly recognized source of comfort and growth for these children is the companionship of pets.
Making friends can be challenging for many kids, and for children with autism, social connections may feel especially difficult. Children with autism often face unique challenges in socializing due to difficulty with communication, social cues, and sensory sensitivities. However, with understanding, patience, and support, they can build meaningful relationships that enhance their quality of life. […]
So what is the difference? Many people often confuse shyness with social anxiety, as both involve discomfort in social situations. However, there are significant differences between the two. While shyness is a common personality trait, social anxiety is a more severe condition that can impact your child’s daily functioning. Understanding these differences can help you […]
What Really is a Panic Attack? We often think of a panic attack, sometimes referred to as an “anxiety attack” as this abrupt and spontaneous experience of intense anxiety, possibly occurring in some sort of public setting, from which there is a need for immediate escape to someplace calming and “safe.” A panic attack is […]
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 […]
Your Child Won’t Go to School An all-too-common situation (especially since Covid) is a child being reluctant or even refusing to attend school. This post will focus on anxiety-based refusal; the child is refusing to attend school due to genuine anxiety reactions. Consequently, the night before school your child is fretting about the next day, […]
Selective Mutism vs ‘Just Being Shy’ Selective mutism is a diagnosable condition that significantly interferes with a child’s ability to adapt and function in social situations. It’s defined as a failure to speak in situations where the child is expected to speak. The child perceives the situation as uncomfortable and usually with a degree of […]
