Blog Category: Other

  • 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

  • Finding a Summer Job

    By: Elena Tsantis & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    March 31, 2023

    Landing a summer job as a teenager can be a challenging and daunting experience, especially if this is your teens’ first time getting their foot in the door. However, there are many evidence-based strategies to help your teen in overcoming nerves and feeling confident in themselves throughout the job-hunting process.

  • Autistic Burnout: Identification, Causes, and Recovery

    By: Lio Riley, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LLMSW

    March 24, 2023

    Categories: Anxiety, ASD, Other

    Autistic burnout is a variation of burnout that autistic individuals may experience. While sharing many characteristics of general burnout, autistic burnout is unique in that the exhaustion is the “cumulative effect of having to navigate a world that is designed for neurotypical people.” Read more...

  • 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.