Blog Category: Parenting
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.
ASD and Love
By: Maisy Seale & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
April 12, 2024
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 Practicum Student & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
April 5, 2024
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.
Sleep Disturbances in Autism Spectrum Disorders
By: Yexenia Vanegas and Janelle Schenk, LMSW
January 19, 2024
Recent studies confirm that sleep difficulties in the autistic population have prevalence rates ranging from 60% to 86%. This blog explores the most common sleep difficulties in individuals with ASD, their underlying causes, and effective interventions to improve sleep quality.
Talking to Kids about Death
By: Juno Elsa Ottathengil, MSW Practicum Student & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
January 12, 2024
We discuss how parents and clinicians can talk to kids about the loss of a loved one in an age-appropriate manner, as well as a few clinical interventions used to help kids cope with grief and a list of online grief support resources that may be helpful for kids and their families.
Ways to De-Stress for Individuals with Autism
By: Christine Charpie and Janelle Schenk, LMSW
December 22, 2023
This blog aims to share helpful, evidence-based strategies for managing stress that are inclusive of and relevant to the real-world experiences of people on the autism spectrum.
Going to the Dentist
By: Nicole Gegas, TLLP, & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
December 15, 2023
Going to the dentist can be stressful and scary for any child or parent. This blog gives tips, resources and recommendations for children with special needs.
Puberty in Neurodivergent Preteens
By: Juno Elsa Ottathengil, MSW Practicum Student & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
December 8, 2023
This blog will expand on the starting age of puberty, the different types of changes and challenges neurodivergent preteens may experience, ways to support neurodivergent preteens during puberty, and a few neurodivergent-friendly readings on navigating various aspects of puberty.
Adjustment to Life Changes
By: Juno Elsa Ottathengil, MSW Practicum Student & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
November 30, 2023
This blog will further expand on the types of adjustments that children may experience at some point, typical behaviors and other expectations during adjustment periods, the distinction between adjustment disorders and depression and anxiety, and ways that children can cope with life changes.
Child-Centered Play Therapy
By: Lio Riley, B.A.
September 29, 2023
Play therapy is a broad field with many different interventions designed to address a broad range of concerns and experiences. This blog provides information about Child-Centered Play Therapy, a kind of play therapy that allows the child to take charge of their own therapeutic process with the specialized support and facilitation of a CCPT therapist.
Managing Behavior at Home: An Update to Naguib and Kurtz (2004)
By: Andi Stephens, MS, MA, BCBA/LBA, TLLP
September 22, 2023
Caregiver-child relationships are unique, complex, and intense in nature. Difficulties can arise when the caregiver is unsure how to handle the child’s challenging behaviors. This blog post will cover common challenging behavioral concerns experienced by children, tips to manage behaviors at home, and when to seek professional help.
Video Game Use and Safety
By: Angel Mims, M.A., TLLP & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
June 30, 2023
Gaming has become a popular form of entertainment for millions of all ages. While potentially beneficial in moderation, it is also important to understand the potential risks associated with excessive video game use. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the key safety issues associated with video games and provide tips and advice on how to stay safe and healthy while gaming.