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New ADAA Member Books: Fall 2024
New Book Addresses Clinical Approaches to Treating Those With Both Eating Disorders & OCD Until recently, a comprehensive book dedicated to the dual diagnoses and treatment challenges of persons with both an eating disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) did not exist. Much less a clinician’s guide with tools and advice for health professionals working […]
Tips for Managing Sensory Overload in Autistic Adults and Children
Here’s a detailed account of six practical tips to help manage sensory overload and stress, benefiting those in similar situations. 1. Assemble a Personalized Sensory Toolkit A sensory toolkit is a collection of items that can help manage sensory overload and provide comfort. Parents can customize autistic peoples’ toolkit based on their specific sensory preferences. […]
The Election Trauma Response – Beating Trauma
My past few days have been filled with the same conversations many people are having. It doesn’t matter if you live in the United States. You were probably watching what was happening in America. Our elections have an impact on the world, and I’ll be honest, this one might have been the most significant so […]
4 Steps to Calm the Chaos: Autism-Friendly Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane Helene during the last week of September 2024 Calm is hard to find when the wind is howling outside, rain is lashing against the windows, and the power flickers on and off. For most people, it’s unsettling but manageable. Now, imagine that same situation through the eyes of an autistic individual—sudden loud noises, flickering […]
Your Stories – Matthew – HeadsUpGuys
About Matthew: I’m cellist Matthew Barley and I’ve just started my latest project, Light Stories. It’s a kind of musical autobiography that delves into some crises I experienced as a teenager (life threatening at one point), and how music helped me heal as an adult, and brought stability and peace to my life. Light Stories […]
How to be at peace with yourself when you’re “old”
Barring unforeseen circumstances, we’re going to get old. Truth: we may have been at peace with ourselves going in to our senior years, but if we don’t do an update, we’re in for trouble. How to be at peace with yourself when you’re “old?” Here goes… With his wife gone, alienated from his children and […]
A Parent’s Guide for Enhancing Communication with Their Kiddos
To implement PECS for nonverbal autism, caregivers must identify what possible reinforcers motivate their child’s actions. That is, what objects, toys, snacks, or activities do they enjoy? Understanding PECS for Nonverbal Autism Efficacy Unlike other methods, PECS does not require prior verbal skills and follows a structure that respects each child’s pace. Research has shown […]
Politics and Your Mental Health: Finding Balance
Let’s talk about politics. Yes, you read that right. Political-related distress has come up in therapy quite a bit, so I thought I’d write about how to better cope with it. It’s been said before about previous elections, but I think this one is one of the most important elections America has ever held. Politics, […]
Calming Election Anxiety: How to Stay Informed Without Losing Your Peace of Mind
Election season can be a time of heightened anxiety and uncertainty. With continuous news cycles and passionate conversations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless. Many people find themselves swinging between compulsively checking the news for updates and completely avoiding it to prevent getting triggered. Neither extreme is helpful, and both approaches can increase feelings […]
Does your sports injury require medical attention?
Injuries are bound to happen, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or enjoy sports for fun. While some heal with rest and home care, others may require professional treatment. Does your sports injury call for medical attention? Dig in… Approximately 25,000 ankle sprains occur daily, often affecting muscles, ligaments and tendons. Does it seem odd to […]