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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
Verbal communication is something that many of us take for granted. We are used to asking if something is wrong with a friend, or asking a family member what they need. But for some teens with autism, verbal communication can be challenging or nonexistent. Teens with autism may have difficulty developing language skills and understanding…
Getting an autism diagnosis for your child can be a monumental and intimidating life event for you and your family. If your son has just received an ASD diagnosis, there are probably several questions running through your mind including what you should do next. Next steps for parents after getting an ASD diagnosis for their…
Many times the labels or preconceived notions that come with an autism diagnosis can make teens feel different or judged. Having a strong sense of self-esteem can help remind teens that they are their own person and that having autism is not the single thing that defines them. Confident teens are also better able to…
Sometimes when one child requires more attention or has different needs, siblings can feel left out or confused. It is important to have open and honest conversations with siblings about their important role in the family and how they can help their brother or sister. Talking to Siblings With younger siblings, the most important thing…