Search Results for Mental%20Health

When Your Child with Asperger's Disorder is Bullied

Written By: Pamela DeLoatch | Resource Creation By: Keli McNeill | Design By: Sunny DiMartino, Christy Bui, Nathan Lueth
When Your Child with Asperger's Disorder is Bullied

It's not just about your child being picked last for the kickball game or not making new friends at school, it's about the derogatory comments towards your child from other children or the lack of empathy from the adults in his/her life. Finding the right tools to help your child with Asperger's and Autism Spectrum Disorder and educating those who interact with your child, will help lead you all down a path towards a bright future for your child.

Advocating for your Adopted Child with Complex Developmental Trauma

Written By: Aleksandra Corwin, Lizzie Vance | Resource Creation By: Bridget Morton, Keli McNeill | Design By: Sunny DiMartino, Nathan Lueth, Christy Bui
Advocating for your Adopted Child with Complex Developmental Trauma

Lori Hetzel is the mother of a child diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder (RAD). She describes the struggles her family encountered obtaining special education and resources for their daughter after they adopted her from Russia at age nine.

Finding the Right Out-of-Home Placement for Your Child with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Written By: Alison Hennessee
Finding the Right Out-of-Home Placement for Your Child with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Finding the right placement for your child with Prader-Willi Syndrome can be difficult. You may go through numerous homes before you find the one that is a fit for your child and that can help him or her in the best way possible. Read how one parent never gave up and sought out the help that she knew her child needed, in an environment that worked for him!

Residential Care: A Story of Love and Caring for a Traumatized Daughter

Written By: Lizzie Vance, Aleksandra Corwin | Resource Creation By: Leeann Sanders | Designed By: Sunny DiMartino, Christy Bui
Residential Care: A Story of Love and Caring for a Traumatized Daughter

After years of rages and fighting, Lori Hetzel’s adopted daughter’s behavior, diagnosed as Reactive Attachment Disorder, turns in a dangerous direction, leading the family to consider options for her care they have never wanted to consider until now. Nadya’s extreme emotionality, aggressive reactivity, and unpredictability has left the family with no good, safe options for keeping her at home.

Loving Your Child—No Matter What They Do

Written By: Pamela DeLoatch | Resource Creation By: Leeann Sanders | Illustrations By: Nathan Lueth | Design By: Sunny DiMartino
Loving Your Child—No Matter What They Do

There are countless books on parenting, but nothing fully prepares you to be the parent of YOUR child. Every child is different, every situation is different, and every day can be different than the last. For parents of children with special needs, this is surely the case. There is no manual for how to handle meltdowns, rage episodes, and aggressive behavior and there is no clear cut answer to how you should FEEL about your children during these times of struggle.

Reflecting on Newtown and Coming Out of the Closet on Mental Illness: It's Time

Written By: Christine Walker
Reflecting on Newtown and Coming Out of the Closet on Mental Illness: It's Time

Each year we reflect on the anniversary of Newtown. During the recollection, let's make sure that we strengthen our commitment to preventing this from happening again, anywhere. One way is to read this emotional plea by Christine Walker, mother of a son afflicted with mental illness.

Treatment for Mental Health and Addiction Finally Gets a Level Playing Field

Written By: Christine Walker
Treatment for Mental Health and Addiction Finally Gets a Level Playing Field

Christine Walker, author of Chasing Hope, was on hand last week for the announcement that the White House would issue the final rules to the Mental Health And Addiction Parity Act of 2008. Thirty-Three years overdue, this change will have a momentous impact on the lives of those sufferering from mental illness and addiction.

Through His Eyes: Natural and Logical Consequences at Home

Written By: Nancy Yeang | Resource Creation By: Bridget Morton | Design By: Sunny DiMartino
Through His Eyes: Natural and Logical Consequences at Home

A father struggles with having his son, who has behavioral issues, understand the consequences of his actions. After a visit with a behavioral counselor, he learns about behavioral strategies, and also finds a window into his son’s world that allows him to better see and understand his perspective.

Stop, Think, and Don’t React: Encouraging Parents to Be Proactive – Instead of Reactive or Confrontative – During Times of Conflict

Written By: Rebecca Thomas | Resource Creation By Bridget Morton | Design By Sunny DiMartino
 Stop, Think, and Don’t React: Encouraging Parents to Be Proactive – Instead of Reactive or Confrontative – During Times of Conflict

Parents may often find themselves resorting to ultimatums, threats of punishment, removing privileges, or simply throwing up their hands when their child with special needs is having a meltdown and exhibits demanding or irrational behavior. Before exercising rigid authority, which often worsens challenging behavior, parents can instead use personal coping strategies to help themselves stay centered and focused so they remain calm in the face of conflict and, in turn, help their child become more calm as well.