A prominent feature of Autism is the tendency to focus intensely on one activity or feature of the environment. So far, this tendency has not been understood; however, recent research may provide clues as to why Autistic individuals tend to behave this way. In an article published in Autism Research this August, researchers measured electrical …Read More
“Ram Dass, Fierce Grace” – Documentary Film Recommendation
Nov 10, 2010
Ram Dass, who is formerly known as Dr. Richard Alpert, is a spiritual teacher out of a Hindu tradition. (And yes, Richard Alpert from the Lost TV series is a nod to Ram Dass.) He was a Harvard professor of psychology in the 1960s, where he became a friend and colleague of Dr. Timothy Leary. …Read More
Helping Your Child Succeed In School IV: Successful Study Habits
Nov 9, 2010
What helps kids best learn information when they study for school? The answer might be different than you think. A recent article in the New York Times reviewed research literature on what kinds of study habits help our brains retain most of the information we are learning. This is the fourth installment in a series of …Read More
“Practicing Peace in Times of War” – Book Recommendation
Nov 2, 2010
Our world seems to be filled with aggression, violence, and war. Especially now, during election time, we are bombarded with ads on TV, the radio, and the internet, that are scientifically designed to arouse fear and hatred in us. There is war all around the world, and the possibility of peace can seem very remote. …Read More
ADHD on the Rise Internationally
Oct 31, 2010
I’ve often heard the opinion that ADHD is an “American disease” and that parents and doctors in this country tend to excessively medicate children. I tend to agree that psychiatric drugs are overprescribed; however, this isn’t a purely American trend. A recent study in Deutsches Aerzteblatt International, a German scientific journal, found that the diagnosis …Read More
Bruce & Brandon Lee, Loss, & Lessons Learned
Oct 25, 2010
Every once in a while, we encounter things unexpectedly that impact our lives forever. I want to share something that has deeply affected me and, just perhaps, might move some of you who are reading this as well. I’ve been a fan of martial arts since I was a kid, and this was largely influenced …Read More
Autism Traits Inherited
Oct 22, 2010
Autism is a complex disorder that can have any number of presentations. That is, any two people with Autism may display a wide range of characteristics. To add to the mystery, researchers and professionals working in the field have little idea as to what causes or predicts the disorder. What we do know is …Read More
Love is Alive
Oct 19, 2010
I was recently listening to an audiobook lecture by noted Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, for which I’ll post a full review & recommendation shortly. One of the many things he spoke about that struck me is his description of love as being alive and organic. He describes the importance of “right thinking” about love. …Read More
“Ruling Your World” – Book Recommendation
Oct 16, 2010
In the book “Ruling Your World” Sakyong Mipham describes ancient strategies to help the reader achieve mastery over their mind and over their life. Although the strategies and metaphors he describes are very old, they are surprisingly relevant and useful in today’s society. The author of the book is Buddhist, and many of the metaphors …Read More
Helping Your Child Succeed In School III: A Supportive Relationship With Your Child
Oct 11, 2010
In this series of blogs, I am writing about different things that help kids succeed in school. I am particularly focusing on things that parents can do. Previously I posted blogs on the importance of healthy food and exercise, and on the importance of getting enough sleep. Today I will discuss your relationship with your …Read More