Blog Category: Early Development

  • Strengths of Autistic Children

    By: Shreeja Vachhani, Social Work Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    April 26, 2024

    As you read through this blog, you will learn about the diverse strengths of autistic children and discover how embracing these strengths can lead to positive outcomes and a deeper understanding of neurodiversity.

  • Dual Diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder

    By: Yadira Estrada, MSW Intern, and Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    January 5, 2024

    This blog post will provide information about Down Syndrome, Autism, and the dual diagnosis of DS and ASD, as well as considerations of Intellectual Disability.

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

    By: Yexenia Vanegas 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.

  • Tis the Sea-son: Considerations for Swimming and Swim Lessons for Children with NDD

    By: Andi Stephens, MA, MS, TLLP and Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    May 12, 2023

    Research shows that children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are less likely to engage in physical activity than their peers. This blog post will cover the benefits of swimming for children, the increased importance of teaching children with NDDs to swim, safety precautions caregivers can implement for their children, considerations for choosing swim instructors, and local swim classes available for children with NDDs.

  • Types of Preschools Available

    By: Rubina Veerakone, B.S., Rachel Piper, LMSW & Suzi Naguib, Psy.D.

    May 5, 2023

    We provide descriptions of the many types of preschool options available and the benefits of each. In addition, we include the process of a child qualifying for special education services in their school, and the types of programs and schools created to serve students who qualify for these services.

  • 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