Blog Category: ASD

  • Dr. Ross Greene’s Approach to Concerning Behaviors

    By: Amy Chu, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    July 28, 2023

    Problem behaviors can be challenging for parents to manage. There are all different kinds of parenting strategies but it takes time to find the perfect solution. In this blog, we will be introducing a collaborative approach Dr. Greene created that brings parents and children together to find solutions that both sides agree on.

  • Autism, Neurodiversity, and the Double Empathy Problem

    By: Lio Riley, BA

    July 13, 2023

    Many autistic individuals do experience distress directly attributed to their differences in neurological functioning, but social and contextual factors also contribute greatly to what are perceived as “deficits.” Read on for the current research related to diagnosis criteria and social differences..

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy

    By: Katie Czarnik, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    July 5, 2023

    DBT works on changing behavior by recognizing how our thoughts influence our feelings, actions, and behaviors, and adds aspects of accepting oneself and understanding your own uniqueness while learning coping and mindfulness techniques. There have been many studies on the effectiveness of DBT, with many showing it to be beneficial for the neurodivergent community.

  • New Perspective on Optimal Outcome for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder

    By: Yexenia Vanegas, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    June 23, 2023

    Neurodivergence is a framework which rejects the view of ASD as being a pathological disorder and instead interprets ASD as the brain functioning differently than the (neuro) typical person. New research has suggested a reframing of what “Optimal Outcome” means for such a diverse, population.

  • Special Interests and Supporting your Child’s Interest

    By: Katie Czarnik, Janelle Schenk, LMSW, & Suzi Naguib, Psy.D.

    June 16, 2023

    Special interests (SPINS) are defined by intense focus or passion for a particular topic. People may want to spend much or all of their time thinking about and learning about their interests. SPINs can last a few weeks, a year, or a lifetime!

  • Nonverbal Learning Disabilities

    By: Sydney Nelson, LMSW, M.A., TLLP & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    June 9, 2023

    Approximately 3-4% of children and adolescents are estimated to have a Nonverbal Learning Disability. This article provides additional information about NVLD, specific strengths and challenges associated with NVLD, and practical intervention strategies that can be used to support children and adolescents with a NVLD.

  • Identifying and Navigating PDA

    By: Lio Riley, BA

    May 26, 2023

    Over the past 20 years, the experience of “Pathological Demand Avoidance” has increasingly become a part of conceptualizations of neurodiversity. Individuals experiencing PDA tend to have an intense anxiety response to a perceived threat to one’s autonomy, generally resulting in a marked difficulty in completing demands for one’s self or for others. Read on for more information and parenting tips..

  • ASD in Developing Countries

    By: Amy Chu, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    May 19, 2023

    In developing countries, and less developed countries, the awareness of Autism is not as pervasive as in developed countries. This blog aims to provide a brief introduction to the status of Autism research and care in developing countries.

  • Adult Autism Resources by Autistic Adults

    By: Katie Czarnik, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    April 28, 2023

    Categories: ASD

    Adults on the spectrum can have a diverse experience when engaging with the social world. Commonalities that adults on the spectrum have experienced include: camouflaging, masking, social interactions, swimming, anxiety, burnout. Read on to gain resources..

  • Social Media Use and Safety

    By: Juno Elsa Ottathengil, MSW Practicum Student & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    April 20, 2023

    With social media being such a prominent part of many of our lives, there are a few important things to address that could potentially help you or anyone you know navigate social media in a safe manner. This blog will be covering a topic that may be beneficial to anyone of any age, especially teens and young adults, which is social media use and safety.

  • Specific Learning Disabilities

    By: Lio Riley, MSW Intern, Allura Malcolm, Ph.D., Rachel Piper, LMSW, Janelle Schenk, LMSW & Suzi Naguib, Psy.D

    April 14, 2023

    It is estimated that between 5-15% of individuals worldwide have a specific learning disability (SLD), which can impact a person's ability to engage in academic and occupational tasks (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This blog first explores what specific learning disabilities are, and provides an overview of the rights disabled students have under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

  • Applied Behavior Analysis: A Look at its History, Controversy, and Current Practice

    By: Andrea Stephens, BCBA/LBA, TLLP, Jessi Kivari, LMSW, and Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    April 7, 2023

    One of the most commonly recommended behavioral interventions for autistic children is applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. Here we discuss the history and origins of ABA therapy, as well as areas of concern with current ABA practice