Many children are shy by nature. They might hug their parents’ legs and bury their faces when introduced to someone new or run off at a record pace to avoid the interaction altogether. This is not uncommon — but some children fail to speak in select (or all) social situations. If…
Some differences aren’t visible to the naked eye. And unfortunately, that means many employers aren’t aware of any neurodivergence on their team. And even if they are aware, it can be difficult for employers to know how best to support their neurodivergent team members. However, if they take the time…
It’s easy to want your children to thrive; it’s harder to know exactly how to help them achieve their full potential. Parents, grandparents, and other caregivers aren’t always given the resources to identify and find treatment for mental health issues in kids. The Covid-19 pandemic shone a much-needed spotlight on…
Learning disorders usually present in children at a young age. However, that doesn’t always mean that a diagnosis will be provided promptly. Often, parents wonder if their child’s delays or behaviors are normal (because what’s normal, anyhow?) or think they’ll “grow out of it.” Fortunately, there are other key figures…
You may wonder why handwriting still matters in an era when we’re all typing on smartphones and computer keyboards. Americans aren’t especially known for their great penmanship. In fact, in 1955 the Saturday Evening Post called the US a “nation of scrawlers.” But we do still write: at school, on…
A toddler who gets overwhelmed when she hears a lawnmower. A kindergartner who can’t read your facial expressions. A grade-schooler who repeats the same phrase over and over. A teenager who will only wear one color. These can all be signs of neurodivergence: natural variations in the human brain. At…
Whether your toddler has received an autism diagnosis, or you suspect your young one is on the spectrum, there’s a host of activities you can use at home to keep your child both active and engaged. Homeschooling your autistic toddler may seem complex, but you don’t have to feel overwhelmed…
Have you seen the new hit show “The Good Doctor”? Well, if you haven’t, the show’s main character is surgical resident Dr. Shaun Murphy. Murphy is extremely intelligent and equipped with an amazing memory. He’s passionate about human anatomy and sees the body in a different light—no one’s knowledge can…
Autism is defined as a neurological and developmental disorder that hinders one’s communicative and social abilities. Depression, however, is a mood disorder, characterized by severe sadness and a lack of interest in everyday activities; and anxiety comes with fearful feelings as well as racing or unwanted thoughts. While there are…
Autism spectrum disorder is defined as a neurological and developmental disorder that begins in childhood and affects the individual for the duration of his or her life. This disorder can have damaging effects on one’s life from hindering social skills, as well as learning abilities, and overall functioning. The good…
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that typically appears in the first three years of life. It often impacts a person’s social abilities and interactions and can be accompanied by an assortment of learning problems (though, not always). ASD varies in its severity, and some people develop…
Today, I am a self-proclaimed dog enthusiast—I love ‘em all. But when I was a child, I was deathly afraid of them after one stole my snickerdoodle. Sure, it’s comical now, but back then it was the ultimate betrayal and I vowed to never trust another dog again. Instead of…