Learning the Levels of Autism
- May 28, 2021
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
Autism has become more and more visible in our world in the past few decades. From better understanding the diagnosis to seeing autistic characters in movies and TV shows, our perspective on autism has continued to widen. And while we may see more information about autism, it is important to understand that autism does not […]
Traumatic Brain Injuries May Lead to Academic Issues
- May 7, 2021
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- by The New Focus Team
Traumatic Brain Injuries among children and teens are a leading cause of death and disability, with nearly 30,000 children a year sustaining a brain injury that will cause permanent damage to their brains. Researchers claim that due to unreported concussions and other sports-related injuries, this number could be even higher. Students who sustain traumatic brain […]
Friendships are for Everyone: Helping Teens On The Spectrum Build Social Skills
- April 28, 2021
- Social Skills
- by The New Focus Team
For any teenager, developing social skills is an important part of overall development. Adolescence is a time for fostering independence and creating new friendships. For teens on the autism spectrum, the development of communication skills is especially important. Typically, teens on the spectrum are not loners by choice. As children grow towards adolescents, there is […]
Teens with FAS: Helping them Achieve Independence
- March 25, 2021
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- by The New Focus Team
Over 1 million babies born annually in the United States are exposed to some type of drug, alcohol or tobacco use while in utero. While scientists have long espoused the negative impacts of substance use during pregnancy on infants, a 2008 study found that cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, or tobacco use, either alone or in combination, […]
Traumatic Brain Injuries in Teens: After Effects and How You Can Help
- March 24, 2021
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- by The New Focus Team
If your teen has suffered a traumatic brain injury, they may appear to look the same on the outside, but inside their brain has undergone massive changes. They may have difficulty moving, speaking, or concentrating, and they might experience lingering physical and emotional symptoms and mood changes. The recovery process from traumatic brain injuries will […]
What Tools Help with Deescalating Angry Outbursts?
- March 18, 2021
- Behavioral Issues
- by The New Focus Team
Many parents of teens are used to the sound of slammed doors or raised voices. Teen boys especially tend to fall back on anger when they are feeling emotionally confused or overwhelmed. Experiencing and expressing a full range of emotions is healthy, and experiencing anger is completely normal. It’s when that anger begins to dominate […]
Could a Residential Treatment Center Help Your Teen on the Spectrum?
- March 5, 2021
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
As parents, we want to believe that we can meet all of our teen’s needs at home. But the reality is that some children can actually benefit more from time away from home in a supportive environment where they can work with peers and mental health professionals. What is a Residential Treatment Center? A residential […]
Residential Treatment Offers Support to Teens with Autism
- February 22, 2021
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
Deciding how to best provide support to your autistic teen can seem a daunting choice especially when there are so many options and strategies available. If interventions at home have not had the desired success, sending your child to a residential treatment center can have powerful benefits for both your child and the entire family […]
Why Social Skills Group Activities Matter for Kids
- February 1, 2021
- Behavioral Issues, Social Skills
- by The New Focus Team
In order to function successfully and independently in society, children must learn important social skills such as teamwork, cooperation, following directions, and self-control. In order to develop these essential skills, kids must be given ample opportunity to engage in social interaction and activities. Why social activities are important and how they help kids grow Engaging […]
Emotional Difficulties for Children with ASD
- January 22, 2021
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
Children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder will experience similar challenges with emotional and social skills. While research indicates that these struggles are linked to a lack of development in certain areas of the brain tied to social-emotional functioning, early detection, and quality intervention can help improve these skills in children with ASD. […]