Weekly Recap: Is Too Many Therapies a Thing?
+ Dr. Matt and Dr. Emily discuss flexing talk therapy for neurodivergent kids
On the blog…
When a child is first identified as autistic or receives a diagnosis of ADHD, a learning disability, or sensory processing differences, parents can feel both overwhelmed by the information and relieved to have a plan.
Yet, sometimes the plan is also overwhelming.
As a school psychologist, I was trained to identify concerns and recommend solutions.
The more solutions the better, right?
Not always.
On the podcast.…
How to Flex Talk Therapy for Neurodivergent Kids & Teens with Dr. Matt Zakreski
Contrary to the medical model of prescribing antibiotics or stitching up a wound, mental health is not simply about "fixing" patients.
Therapists can feel pressure from parents or school staff to improve a child’s emotional or behavioral functioning as quickly as possible, but mental health is both a science and an art.
Therapy also takes trust and time.
This week, Dr. Matt Zakreski and I talk about how structured approaches and time frames just don’t fit with the flexibility needed when working with neurodivergent kid and teens.
We discuss:
Flexing the structure, timing, and modality of therapy based on a kid’s skill development
What to expect as parents when your child or teen is in therapy
How we can empower our kids to take ownership of their mental health journey.
Tune in to find out why it's not one size fits all!
Podcast Feature…
Clarity on Evaluations for Autism, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities in Children: A Roundtable Discussion
This week, I was invited to a roundtable discussion on the Mama Needs a Moment podcast by Her Health Collective.
We talk collaborative and holistic models of care for neurodivergent children, the importance of early evaluations and diagnoses for developmental delays and ADHD in preschool children, and the role of private practitioners in providing clinical diagnoses and educational classifications.
Tune in for a discussion of the following topics:
Addressing social and behavioral struggles in children from neurotypical and neurodivergent perspectives
Wellness, mental health, and nutrition for moms and kids
Evaluations for autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities in children
Early childhood development and evaluation for ADHD
Child-led therapy and self-care for parents of neurodivergent children
Managing guilt and setting boundaries for moms of neurotypical and neurodivergent children
Bring me to your school in-person!
In-person professional development focused on neurodiversity, mental health, and reframing behavior!
*Dr. Emily pictured here with Powell Elementary School in Raleigh, NC
School Administrators: If you’re excited about the opportunity to create a school culture where your entire staff feels confident to support the neurodivergent learning needs and social emotional wellness of all students, you’re in the right place!
Parents: If you know of a school who would like to host me for professional development, you can learn more and contact my team below!