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Dr. Deb: Self-Injury Awareness
Before finding emotional health, they struggled with self-injury. Self-Injury is a deliberate, non-suicidal behavior that inflicts physical harm on one’s body to relieve emotional distress. Self-injury has a paradoxical effect in that the pain self-inflicted actually sets off an endorphin rush, relieving the self-harmer from deep distress. It’s important to note that self-injury does not […]
Coaches’ Corner: Preparing for the BCBA Exam — Tips from a BCBA
The process of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) can be time-consuming. On top of going to school and collecting fieldwork hours, the final piece to becoming a BCBA is to pass the BCBA exam. Passing the BCBA exam can be intimidating. An applicant to the exam has often spent several months to years […]
How ABA Degrees Empower Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder & Developmental Disabilities
We all want to live happy, fulfilling lives. But for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities, everyday tasks and social interactions can be challenging. And according to estimates from the CDC, around one in 54 children has ASD. As a society, it’s our responsibility to provide support and resources to ensure that […]
12 Most Common Men’s Mental Health Challenges
Though men and women face similar mental health challenges, men are less likely to connect with a professional.[2] Despite evolving expectations, unhealthy traditional masculine norms emphasizing dominance, strength, and stoicism still impact men’s lives. Phrases like “man up”, “toughen up”, “suck it up”, and “be strong” have been ingrained since childhood, limiting men’s experience and […]
Autism Goal Bank – ABA Speech
Luckily, you don’t have to look any further! You have come to the right place! Can we say freebie? Included are the Autism IEP Goal Bank, Advanced Language Learner Goal Bank, Social Skills Goal Bank, Life Skills Goal Bank. The freebie can easily be downloaded to help you feel prepared for each individual student every […]
Ketamine: A Rising Star in Mental Health Treatment
Ketamine is not a new phenomenon, though it seems to be in the news a lot these days as if it had been recently discovered. As a medication used traditionally as an anesthetic, ketamine now shines as a potential lifeline for those battling severe depression, anxiety, and suicidality. As an anesthesiologist, I provide all types […]
ABA Centers Spotlights Star Wars
Why does Star Wars connect with so many kids on the spectrum? Since that fateful summer in 1977, Star Wars has become a permanent figure in pop culture. The ongoing space opus was only getting started with toys, sequels, novelizations, animated series, and much more to follow. In nearly 40 years, it has attracted new generations […]
Unpacking Depression: An Interview with Psychologist Dr. Margaret Wehrenberg
Today’s guest is Dr. Margaret Wehrenberg. Dr. Wehrenberg is a clinical psychologist in Naperville, Illinois. She is the author of six books on the treatment of anxiety and depression published by W.W. Norton, including, “The Ten Best-Ever Depression Management Techniques: Understanding How Your Brain Makes You Depressed and What You Can Do to Change It” and […]
The Power of Special Interests
Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder, presents itself in various ways, impacting social interaction, communication, and behavior. However, within the spectrum of autism lies a remarkable aspect that often goes unnoticed by many: special interests. These intense and focused areas of fascination can hold incredible power for individuals with autism, offering a unique pathway to self-expression, growth, […]
Dr. Deb: When It’s NOT All in Your Head: Medical Gaslighting
I’ve worked with many children and adults who’ve been told to seek mental health treatment by medical professionals, because their physical complaints were not real. These patients were told things like, “It’s all in your head,” “There’s nothing medically wrong,” or“You’re fine and have to learn how to deal with the pain.” In my 30 plus […]