FACTS -80% of depressed teens do not get psychiatric help – 75% have continuing problems into adulthood – 25% develop additional problems eg. – substance abuse – anxiety – eating disorders – school failure – 20% have seriously considered suicide – many clash with their parents
Read complete blog post
These are the kinds of things that make living with or working with an ADHD child challenging. lack of foresight (unable to predict consequences for his/her behaviour) poor hindsight (“Johnny, how many times do I have to tell you to . . . ) live for the minute (the future and past do not exist) poor organization (unable to “get it together” in A.M.) trouble returning to a task (“Johnny, you never complete anything”) poor […]
Read complete blog post
School demands (behaviour and academics) can be overwhelming for a child with FASD. In my opinion behaviour should take precedence over academics. It is possible that the sights, sounds and human dynamics within the school may be too stimulating for the child. Expect rules to be have to be taught , retaught and retaught some more. It will probably be beneficial for the child to sit near the teacher and he will probably take a […]
Read complete blog post
ANXIETY DISORDER IS A STRONG PREDICTOR OF DEPRESSION “Depression” is mourning the “past” or “present”. “Anxiety” is fearing the “”future”. “Anxiety” is a normal and useful reaction and warns us to be careful: – wear a seatbelt – use a bike helmut – designated driver – hold a child’s hand when crossing a street Worries and fears that interfere with “normal” life and routines are anxiety disorders […]
Read complete blog post
3 steps to managing children with FASD a) Recognize that FASD is a medical condition – FASD is not a bad attitude – it must be treated as a medical condition – society has denied this reality of FASD and blames the indivivual – “just sit down and behave” is unrealistic – punishing a child with FASD for brain damage is useless – society (homes, schools, treatment centres, hospitals, jail) seldom provide adequate […]
Read complete blog post