Blog Category: Early Development

  • The Manifestation of ADHD in Biological Boys and Girls

    By: Hanah Allen, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW

    January 17, 2025

    ADHD is marked by specific symptoms such as impulsiveness, difficulty staying on task, frequent mood swings, and more. Although these are very common symptoms of ADHD, this disorder can manifest and present in different ways based on gender and age.

  • Gender Expression and Autism Spectrum Disorder

    By: Emily Doane, MSW Intern & Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW

    November 15, 2024

    Since 2010, there has been a link shown in research between the autism population and an increased rate of reported gender dysphoria or gender incongruent feelings. We provide evidence-based research to further discuss this link...

  • Embracing a Sensory-Friendly and Inclusive Halloween: Tips for All Families

    By: Yexenia Vanegas and Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    October 11, 2024

    Halloween is a delightful holiday, filled with fun and a bit of harmless fright. But it’s essential that we strive to ensure it’s an enjoyable experience for everyone.

  • De-escalation Strategies

    By: Christine Charpie, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    August 23, 2024

    De-escalation techniques are crucial for managing high-stress situations. Read on for tips and strategies to add to your tool box..

  • Imaginary Friends

    By: Maisy Seale, MSW intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    August 2, 2024

    Imaginary friends are normal (65% of children have them!), but we understand parent's concerns when the imaginary friend acts bossy. We will provide some clarity about imaginary friends, and some tips for handling those who are getting out of hand.

  • Neuroaffirming Approaches for Discussing Disability

    By: Jessica Tschida, M.A., TLLP, and Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    July 19, 2024

    Discussing disability in a neuroaffirming manner at home and within clinical services can have important and positive implications for disabled individuals. Read on to learn more about the Social Model for understanding disability.

  • Self-Regulation Strategies for Parents of Neurodivergent Children

    By: Shreeja Vachhani, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    July 12, 2024

    Parenting can be tough, even under the best circumstances, and managing stress is an essential part of the journey. We have put together a few practical, and easy-to-implement, self-regulation strategies designed to support when emotions run high.

  • Socioeconomic Status & Autism Spectrum Disorder

    By: Christine Charpie, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    June 28, 2024

    Improving access and education about autism is crucial for reducing socioeconomic disparities in obtaining services related to ASD. Read on for an overview of the current research on SES and ASD; including two studies that gave differing conclusions.

  • Water Safety

    By: Maisy Seale, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    June 21, 2024

    Swimming can be one of the most thrilling parts of summer for a child, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. Take time to create appropriate safety plans, now, for a worry-free summer!

  • Dual Diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder

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

    May 23, 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.

  • Strengths of Autistic Children

    By: Shreeja Vachhani, MSW 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.

  • 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.