Are You a Daydreamer or Do You have ADHD?
I often have people ask me if everyone has ADHD, since we all exhibit symptoms from time to time. Here's what makes ADHD a disorder - it is a cluster of symptoms that are pervasive, impact quality of life, and cause impairment in two or more areas of life. These areas are social, academic/work, and/or home settings. If you just daydream occasionally but are otherwise functioning to your potential, you don't have ADHD. There's a difference between being a creative thinker who
An Open Letter to My Kids about Summer
Hey Kids, Feel free to leave your stuff wherever you want this summer. Half-finished smoothies in the family room? No problem. I got it. Socks in the hall. I'm on it. Dishes in the sink? Keep 'em coming. Legos? Everywhere? Love it. Oh, and feel free to drag your blankets all over the house and abandon them the moment you no longer want them. I'll fold them lovingly for you and return them to your rooms. And doors? Shutting them is optional. I'm right behind you, so, seriously
Kids and Anxiety: What Parents Should Know
Anxiety in kids gets a bad rap. So says Lynn Collins, a licensed clinical psychologist in Portland who works with families. Anxiety actually has its beneficial side, Collins told The Oregonian/OregonLive. "A little anxiety actually sharpens you intellectually," she said. It produces an adrenalin surge that speeds up mental reactions and processing speed. So if your kid has jitters about playing a soccer game or taking a history test, that's normal and healthy. But if anxiety
Characteristics of Autism Parents
You can find a lot of literature and books that list all the effective traits of being a good parent. Most often than none, those traits are very true. But what does it take to be a good autism parent? What does it take to be a good special needs parent? The parenting styles and traits are not comparable to parenting neurotypical kids with no disability. Since being a mom to two boys on opposite ends of the spectrum, I will tell you what I have learned that works with my boys
Why I Want my Daughter to Feel Entitled
Entitlement -- it's pretty much a parenting curse word, a bullet to dodge, a badge of shame to bear. Not for me. Entitlement is a parenting goal of mine; it is something to aim at and tirelessly work towards. I want my daughter to feel entitled to love and be loved. I want my daughter to feel entitled to respect. I want my daughter to feel entitled to dream. When I state these wants of mine, I feel utterly confused that anybody would frown upon this concept of entitlement for
Millennials are the first unbored generation - here's why that's a problem
We are quickly approaching a world where boredom may become a thing of the past. Smartphones give us near limitless access to computer games, funny videos, and an ocean of conversation partners. In other words, what we understand as boredom might seem strange or downright silly to future generations. The idea of having "nothing to do" may be an antiquated concept. Indeed, a Pew poll released last week finds that nearly all 18-to-29-year-olds use a smartphone to avoid boredom.
10 Ways You and Your Child can Survive End-of-School Madness
The last few weeks at my house have been pretty hectic with all the end-of-school-year demands placed on my two teenagers before the academic year ends. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about - extra after-school group study sessions for upcoming AP tests and final exams; longer homework sessions due to class projects; preparation for the big orchestra recital and homework craft projects that include glue, colored paper and glitter. In order to help my kids complete all of
8 Stunning Portraits of People with Autism that Shatter Stereotypes about the Spectrum
Autism is a buzzword surrounded by a slew of misconceptions. Young people with autism are far more likely to be misunderstood and bullied in school. They often end up being caricatured through Rain Man-like Hollywood stereotypes. And the narrative is often dominated with the statistic that 1 in 68 people born autistic are not capable individuals. But this is a myth. Many who are on the spectrum are simply wired differently. And there's one thing that advocates want everyone t
How to Get your Family Out the Door in the Morning in 73 "Easy" Steps
Do you remember those days when getting out of the house was as simple as grabbing your purse or wallet, slipping on a pair of shoes, opening the door and leaving? Three kids later (ages 1, 3 and 5), those days are long gone in these parts. But I am happy to say that I have figured out the secret to leaving the four hallowed walls of our house. You, too, can be a pro like me if you follow these simple steps. Step 1. Set all clocks forward in your house at least an hour. Step
12 Great Things to Say to Parents of Kids with Autism
If you have a child with autism, then you known that there are good days and bad days, grateful days and resentful days. You have days where autism takes a back seat and days where autism is not only sitting up front with you, it's in the driver's seat. Last week was one of those autism-is-in-the-driver-seat kind of weeks, so I lashed out a bit. I gave you all a list of the sometimes insensitive, rude and ignorant comments said to me as a mother of an autistic child advising