As a child psychiatrist, I often use games to work with the children with autism who I see regularly as my patients. All of these games can help with different aspects or challenges that some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may have -- they are also just fun. Games can...
30 Affirmations for Depression
Perhaps the worst part of depression is the deep pit of self-hate and/or gloomy thoughts that you have to live through. These can hit so hard that finding your way out seems impossible at that time. Seeing yourself as a worthy human can be hard, and it can damage you...
Social Skills Games
Games that Help with Social Skills Games can be a fun and effective way to help kids learn social skills. Playing games with peers or family members provides children with opportunities to practice communication, cooperation, and problem-solving in a fun and engaging way. Games that involve turn-taking, such as board...
Review of CheerFun Drawing Tablets
Cheerfun was kind enough to send us a drawing tablet for our office to use. Kids can easily draw and erase, practice their letters, or just doodle while waiting. Here are some of the tablets they offer, including LCD and even ones that use water! They come in all kinds...
Is ADHD Real?
What is ADHD and is ADHD Real? ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a very real and difficult mental illness diagnosis. According to the CDC, “ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood.” It is...
12 Anxiety Books for Teens (updated for 2023)
What are the Best Anxiety Books for Teenagers? I am frequently asked by parents for book recommendations for their teenagers struggling with anxiety. Reading books can be a great way for teens to manage their anxiety. There are many books available that address anxiety in a relatable and helpful way,...
Is Autism Genetic?
The Genetics of Autism Knowing more about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will help us answer: is autism genetic? Autism is an early childhood neurodevelopmental disorder (meaning that it affects the nervous system and the development of a child) that is defined by abnormal social interactions, difficulty adjusting to change,...
Types of Psychologists
There are many types of psychologists in the work force. Psychology has a wide array of fields open to individuals who want to explore the science behind the mind, behavior, mental health, and actions of others. In terms of study areas, here are some common areas of psychology that people...
How to Treat Anxiety
How Do Professionals Treat Anxiety? Psychotherapy and medications are the two principal ways to treat anxiety. Moderate to severe anxiety is typically best treated with both medication and therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy, also called CBT). Let's discuss two main treatment options: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for Anxiety Medications for Anxiety...
How to Explain Anxiety to Children and People Who Don’t Understand It (Yet!)
Explain Anxiety to a Child Many of us are familiar with what anxiety is, which is a normal emotion people feel when in overwhelming or tense situations. However, if one feels higher levels of anxiety than usual, and it comes often, it may be a medical disorder. This is what...