Studies indicate that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is “the best tool we have” for self-harming and suicidal adolescents. So what is it and why is it so effective? DBT teaches important social-emotional and resilience skills for life enhancement. Read more ›
One of the most important things we can do for our children is to help them develop resilience. A common misconception is that people are either resilient or not; that we’re born one way or the other. In fact, the process of building resilience is a lifelong journey of learning to cope with challenging experiences and adapt well in the face of adversity. Read more ›
Sometimes parents don’t want to have their child screened for autism because they are afraid of labels, stigma and limitations. But while overwhelming, diagnosis can also bring support, services and maybe even relief. Read more ›
When you hear a sound, how do you respond? You might choose to ignore it or investigate its source. This process of using our senses to interpret a situation and respond in a purposeful way is called sensory integration. When these systems don’t synthesize, whether due to a diagnosis like autism or ADHD or to a skills deficit, it can lead to a whole host of learning and behavioral challenges. Studies have found that 1 in every 6 children has sensory processing issues that make it more difficult for them to thrive in school. Read more ›
A 2022 Pew Research Center study revealed that nearly 80% of 13-17 year-olds check at least one social media feed at least hourly, and over a third said they did so “almost constantly.” How can we develop healthy social media practices that support, not hinder, our mental health? Read more ›
Increasingly, educators are being asked to manage not just the academic and social-emotional wellbeing of their students, but also address mental health challenges and learning differences in the classroom. Read more ›
We have all heard the phrase, “find a job you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” But is it really possible? Do we have to choose between happiness and a living wage? What if we’re still figuring out what fulfills us? Read more ›
Navigating learning and mental health challenges is difficult; adding racial and ethnic diversity to the mix can magnify the inequities and complexities of the journey. Read more ›
We are all different, and we know that not every child fits into a specific category. Is your child struggling with learning or behavioral outbursts? Your child is not broken and you are not a bad parent. Read more ›
Many twice exceptional (2e) children feel different, like they just don’t fit in, and can be more susceptible to mental health challenges.
In this Voices of Compassion podcast episode, we talk with Christine Pearston, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, who suggests we start by looking at the whole child — strengths, interests and challenges alike.
