Blog Category: Other

  • How to Tell your Child About the Medical Diagnosis of a Loved One, Part II

    By: Emily Doane, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    June 7, 2024

    Categories: Anxiety, ASD, Other, Parenting

    When sharing a loved one's medical diagnosis, many of the tips and guidelines appropriate for neurotypical children are also relevant for autistic children, just with a few additional recommendations.

  • Therapy Animals

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

    May 31, 2024

    Learn more about the differences between service and therapy dogs, as well as emotional support animals! The neurodivergent population benefits from animal companionship; we highlight the evidenced-based details here.

  • 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.

  • Introducing Food to a Picky Eater

    By: Zachary Burton, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    May 10, 2024

    This blog post will detail strategies you can utilize to introduce new foods to your child, your adult, or even yourself, and how those strategies can support formulating nutritional and diverse diets.

  • Getting a Sensory-Friendly Haircut

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

    May 1, 2024

    While getting a haircut can be relaxing to some, it can be a stressful experience for others. It involves a lot of sensory input, which can be challenging. Read on to learn more about sensory sensitivity and gather tips for the next haircut. 

  • 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.

  • Amusement Park Accommodations for Autism

    By: Jessica Tschida, M.A., TLLP & Janelle Schenk, LLMSW

    April 19, 2024

    Categories: Anxiety, ASD, Other

    There are several helpful supports that can mitigate the challenges that come with visiting amusement parks. Some parks, like Sesame Place, make free social story videos to watch on YouTube (with neurodivergent individuals in mind). There are more parks that also provide helpful resources....

  • ASD and Love

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

    April 12, 2024

    Categories: ASD, Other, Parenting

    People have different ways of expressing love, and preferences of receiving love. Neurology research of autistic individuals show that different areas of the brain are activated for 'love' than for neurotypical people. Read on to learn more about the expression of love from neurodivergent perspectives. 

  • How to tell your Child About the Medical Diagnosis of a Loved One

    By: Emily Doane, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW

    April 5, 2024

    Categories: Other, Parenting

    Read more to learn considerations for parents, how to start a conversation, what to keep in mind during this conversation, and some differences in how you may deliver or approach a conversation with a child based on their age.

  • Navigating Therapy: An Analysis of Teletherapy vs. In-Person Therapy

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

    March 22, 2024

    In this blog, we explore Teletherapy and In-Person therapy. As we navigate the complexities of therapy, it is evident that the choice between the two modalities should be driven by a nuanced understanding of individual needs, preferences, and the nature of the therapeutic alliance.

  • Special Needs Summer Camps 2024

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

    March 8, 2024

    Categories: Other

    We've curated a comprehensive guide to special needs summer camps across Michigan. From enriching activities to fostering social connections, these camps offer a wealth of opportunities for growth and enjoyment.

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & Autism Spectrum Disorder

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

    February 23, 2024

    Categories: Anxiety, ASD, Other

    Learn more about the similarities and differences between OCD and Autism, as well at treatment options for those who experience challenges related to both diagnoses.