Blog Category: ASD
Special Needs Summer Camps 2023
By: Jacob Lentz and Janelle Schenk, LMSW
March 10, 2023
Summertime is right around the corner, and it can be incredibly helpful to start exploring some new and exciting summer camp opportunities. With your child’s school year winding down, summer camp can be the perfect transition into a new routine filled with fun, socialization and unique learning experiences.
Talking to your child about their ASD diagnosis
By: Amy Chu, SW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
February 24, 2023
Growing up is a process of understanding the world and who we are. Children being made aware of their diagnosis allows them to explore more of themselves, learn to accept their strengths and weaknesses, and learn to appreciate their uniqueness. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of telling your child about their ASD diagnosis and tips for how to tell them.
Ann Arbor Resources and Programming for Parents of Gifted and Twice Exceptional Children
By: Allura Malcolm, Ph.D., Suzi Naguib, Psy.D., Becca Bordner, LLMSW
February 3, 2023
Twice exceptional is a term used to describe individuals that are both gifted and have a disability. Read our blog to learn more about twice exceptionality and gain resources for your gifted child...
Social Anxiety or ASD?: Evidence-based treatments for social anxiety disorder
By: Charlotte Harrington, LLMSW Rachel Piper, LMSW, & Suzi Naguib, Psy.D.
January 27, 2023
Social challenges faced by individuals with ASD can sometimes come across as social anxiety, and in some cases, are also a form of social anxiety. This blog will differentiate social challenges experienced by those with ASD from those experiencing social anxiety, and outline evidence based treatments.
Sensory Friendly Spaces
By: Janelle Schenk, LMSW, Rachel Piper, LMSW, & Suzi Naguib, Psy.D.
January 20, 2023
Three out of every 4 young kids who are diagnosed with autism will experience sensory processing issues. That is why it is important to know what sensory processing issues are and how you can make your spaces friendly to people with sensory processing issues.
Group Treatment for Adults with ASD: What’s the evidence?
By: Rachel Piper, LMSW & Janelle Schenk, LLMSW
January 13, 2023
To date, few evidence-based practices exist to support adults with autism. Even fewer group-based programs are available to support these adults. This blog will highlight what evidence-based practices are available, and what elements of group-based therapy are found to best support adults with autism.
Self-Care Strategies and Resources
By: Nora Chen, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LLMSW
January 6, 2023
Paying attention to self-care allows us to identify what feeling unwell looks like for ourselves and enables us to maintain a healthy mind and body, make informed decisions, and build up mutual relationships. Having healthy self-care strategies can help our brain develop strong beneficial connections and build resilience when facing stress.
ASD Clinical Diagnosis vs. ASD Educational Classification: Understanding ASD Educational Classification vs. Clinical Diagnosis
By: Nicole Mathes, Ph.D, Rachel Piper, LMSW, & Dr. Suzi Naguib, Psy.D
December 30, 2022
Many times parents wonder how their child—who has a clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)- does not qualify for an ASD educational classification at school.
Maintaining Sleep Routines to Maintain Our Health
By: Bethany Gilchrist, LLMSW, Rachel Piper, LMSW, & Suzi Naguib, Psy.D.
December 16, 2022
Many mental health disorders can be comorbid with sleep disturbances or irregularities, including ADHD, anxiety, and ASD to name a few. Our bodies are like batteries that need charging, and sleep provides our bodies with the rest and energy that they need to fuel us for the day.
An Introduction to Nonviolent Communication
By: Nora Chen, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LLMSW
December 9, 2022
Nonviolent communication, developed by American psychologist Marshall Rosenberg in the 1960s, is a technique designed to increase empathy, build connections, and protect relationships. Read on to learn more...
School Breaks: Preparation, Duration, and Transitioning Back to the Classroom
By: Becca Bordner, BSW, Janelle Schenk, LLMSW
December 2, 2022
Upcoming school breaks might be something that students and families look forward to throughout the entire school year. However, it does come with challenges; read on for tips when preparing for break, things you can do during breaks, and things you can do after break ends to aid with the transition back to the classroom.
Transitioning to College
By: Becca Bordner, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LLMSW
November 4, 2022
As a young adult, thinking about the future and transitioning to college post high school can be very overwhelming and come with a variety of emotions, challenges, and achievements. In order to be successful, it is important to become familiar with the many new transitions that will inevitably occur.