I would like to build upon my previous blog on increasing students’ academic motivation. In my prior blog I discussed the principles of motivation the benefit of creating a nurturing learning environment. Now, I’d like to build on that idea by presenting ideas for creating an atmosphere for exploration and change. By creating such an …Read More
Increasing Academic Motivation
Nov 30, 2010
Motivation is an internal state that calls us to action, pushes us to pursue a given direction, and keeps us engaged. Motivation allows all of us, including students, to start and persist in activities. Naturally, it affects students’ personal investment in school activities as well as their time on task. It can also increase individuals’ …Read More
ADHD Coaching
Nov 21, 2010
A recent study from Wayne State University was able to scientifically measure the benefits of ADHD coaching. The researchers presented their study at the international conference sponsored by the nonprofit organization, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, which is commonly known as CHADD. This conference is the leading forum for presenting the latest research …Read More
Autism and Sensory Integration
Nov 12, 2010
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
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
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
Life Skills Training
Oct 6, 2010
Many children don’t readily develop certain adaptive skills such as toileting, dressing, and brushing teeth that other children seem to develop naturally. When this is the case, parents can help by developing realistic goals and adapting them as skills are obtained. The following steps can be applied to each target skill. a. To begin, identify …Read More
Organizing Your Child
Sep 23, 2010
Of course, everyone feels like they could use a little help with their child’s organization. With the endless homework, permission slips, consent forms, and newsletters constantly streaming between the school and home, all parents could likely benefit from some strategies for keeping it all straight. This need becomes even more apparent for parents of children …Read More
Tips to Combat Teenage Moodiness
Sep 13, 2010
Many teenagers experience moodiness and irritability; however, by following a few simple tips, you may be able to promote a more peaceful home environment. When teenagers are feeling irritated, they often isolate themselves by going to their bedrooms alone or leaving the house to engage in a solitary activity. Unfortunately, this isolation often leads to …Read More
Social Communication Skills
Sep 3, 2010
Many children and teenagers (especially those on the Autism Spectrum) struggle to understand the implied rules necessary for navigating social interactions. Whereas most children learn these rules naturally by observing others, some may only be able to acquire these rules through direct instruction. If there are certain tasks that the child does not always complete …Read More