Autism Spectrum Disorder 101 What it Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors (www.autismspeaks.org). Did you know ... Autism now affects 1 in [...]
Helping Your Child Overcome Teasing and Bullying If your child is unfortunate enough to face chronic teasing or bullying there are some strategies taught by various programs to help them cope. The strategies below were taken from a program that we offer at Arkansas Families First, LLC called the PEERS Program. Dealing with Verbal Teasing [...]
Resources for Families Facing the Trauma of Tornadoes and their Aftermath From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network In light of the numerous tornadoes that have impacted the communities in Arkansas and surrounding states, our friends at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) have developed some helpful materials on this topic: Tornado Response Factsheets [...]
A Dreamstime.com Photo The Power of Words As parents, we sometimes forget how powerful our words to our children really can be. We often find ourselves in “expert” parent mode, and forget to really listen. Sometimes we use way too many words. Several years ago, while playing a dinner question [...]
It's the Holiday Season: So, Where’s The Magic? A dreamstime.com photo The holiday season can bring up many emotions. For parents, Christmas can also bring pressure from many different directions: family gatherings, finding the “right” gifts, and creating special memories and traditions that our children will cherish for years to come. So what [...]
Parenting "Troubled Children": Some "Unspeakable" Honesties ADHD, OCD, ODD, Sensory Issues, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders…whatever diagnosis it’s called in your child’s case, all you really know is that it’s painful. Painful, upsetting, guilt-ridden, and exhausting. Even the simplest of routines become difficult with your child. The most menial tasks become unmanageable. [...]
ID 23675295 © Fasphotographic | Dreamstime.com Bullying is a serious problem for many children. Nearly one in three students experience bullying and some 40 percent of teachers observe bullying once a week or more, according to Chris Munsey’s recent report in the APA Monitor. It is not “just kids being kids,” it is actually associated [...]
The Great Santa Claus Debate. As we hit the new year at full steam ahead, I find myself with a few minutes to actually reflect on the whirlwind season that is Christmas. As parents, Sonya and I have been through enough of these things to know the ins and outs of the entire experience, right [...]
East vs West: Reflections on Parenting with a Partner from Another Cultural Background As new parents, my husband and I have been learning the ins and outs of caring for a baby. How to give a bath. How to cook and clean one-handed, while holding the baby on the other hip. How to cut [...]
We Don’t Throw Food Simon and I spent an hour today learning not to throw our food. Of course I already know how to not throw food, except for maybe the occasional flinging from vigorous stirring. But Simon. He throws food at every meal. So we sat down to lunch (whole wheat angel hair with [...]
