The 5 “Conventional” Options - Behavioural Management Systems - Rick Harper

Contributing Factors to Teen Depression

Contributing Factors to Depression 1. Genes – there is a genetic component – most children of depressed parents do not become depressed but there is an increased risk […]

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Asperger’s

Asperger’s Syndrome What is it? Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that results in behavioural characteristics that are best described as “odd” or “eccentric”. The cause is not known although there appears to be a strong genetic component as it has a high heritability rate. There is no cure. There are, however interventions that can yield positive results. History Dr. Hans Asperger (Austrian pediatrician and psychiatrist) observed 4 children in his practice […]

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Differential Diagnosis – could it be something other than depression?

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS The symptoms outlined above could be caused by other conditions: eg. – parasitic diseases – Lyme disease – virus – mononucleosis – brain diseases – lesions, tumor – allergic disorders – hypothyroidism – chronic infections […]

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Professional Development

I have attended 3 separate day long conferences in the last few weeks that all basically had the same prescription for troubled and troubling youth. Annette Kussin (MSW) was speaking in London on “Attachment in Adolescence”. Stanley Kutcher (MD) was at CPRI in London and his topic was “The Developing Adoscent Brain” and Stuart Shanker (Ph.D) presented “Bringing Self Regulation into the Classroom” in Mississauga. All three of these individuals emphasized that caregivers must develop […]

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FASD and Early Adolescence (13-17 years)

The 2 main goals for parents during this stage are: 1.to prepare the young person to associate , identify and become a part of his community 2. to begin separation from parents Guidelines for Parents expect “normal” teen behaviour – clothes, hair style, music, etc (choose your battles wisely) expect your teen to resist your “help” or “advice” (it’s normal) teens frequently become socially isolated – rejected by peer group your teen may gravitate to […]

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