Children with autism and disabilities sometimes wander away from their homes, outings or school. These incidents are known as eloping. Children may elope because of executive functioning differences that cause a lack of impulse control, a difference in social skills that makes them not understand “stranger danger” or becoming overwhelmed by sensory input, creating a fight or flight reaction. If a child is nonspeaking, they may have a hard time communicating that they need help when they elope. Here are 8 strategies to help keep your child safe.
You may find certain sounds annoying, like a dripping faucet or a coworker tapping their foot while you’re trying to focus. For some, these sounds cause the urge to flee a room or put their hands over their ears. You may not have heard of misophonia, but it’s incredibly common. Some estimates suggest it may affect as many as 1 in 5 people.
People with sensory processing differences are often overwhelmed by too much sensory input or require more intensive sensations, like a weighted blanket, to regulate their bodies. Sensory differences are common in the neurodiverse population, which includes people who have autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities like dyslexia. Certain sensory input can feel painful or completely overwhelming and make it impossible to focus or relax. A sensory-friendly space helps them feel calm. Here are a few ideas to help families with neurodivergent parents and kids organize and create sensory-friendly spaces at home.
Supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ employees goes beyond offering free coffee and work parties. Companies and organizations must create an inclusive space that feels safe for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and other gender-nonconforming people. That can include a relaxed dress code and inclusive healthcare and be as easy as changing an email signature. Here's what you need to know about how your company or organization can support the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ staff.
Most people get nervous before a big job interview. Did I pick the right outfit or do enough research? What if they ask questions I haven’t prepared for? But for people who have anxiety, a job interview can be incredibly stressful. Your palms start to sweat; your mouth goes dry. Here are a few ideas to help you prepare, handle your anxiety during an interview and take care of yourself afterward.
Everyone gets angry sometimes. Any good therapist will tell you that anger is a totally valid and important emotion. It’s the way we act when we’re angry that can sometimes be the problem. And yet, children aren’t born knowing how to manage their anger and other emotions. Teaching those skills typically falls to parents. But how do you handle a kid who is in full tantrum mode?
Picture the last time you enjoyed one of those perfect Minnesota days: you stepped out in a light jacket, the sun warmed your skin, birds were chirping happily and the trees were starting to sprout buds. Even though you may have had a stressful day at work, suddenly — surrounded by the beauty of nature — you’re filled with wonder and a sense of calm. Spending time in nature is grounding. It forces us to slow down, be mindful and observe the beauty around us. Encouraging this kind of wonder and mindfulness is, of course, important for kids, too.
Sign language is typically viewed as a way for deaf and hard of hearing people to communicate. But sign language has become an increasingly popular form of communication for people without hearing challenges. According to the Modern Language Association, in 2021, American Sign Language (ASL) was the third most studied language at U.S. colleges and universities. Besides the joy of connecting with those whose primary language is ASL, learning sign language has other benefits, particularly for young children.
The number of adults being diagnosed with autism is growing. Increased awareness, better diagnostic tools, and changing attitudes have contributed to the growing population. Whether you are considering pursuing an autism diagnosis or have recently been diagnosed, we reached out to Fraser Psychologist Jessica Dodge to answer some questions you may find yourself grappling with.
Many people are familiar with the calming effects of the deep pressure input from weighted blankets, lap pads or neck wraps. However, these tools can limit movement and can be too bulky or heavy to pack. But there is a way to feel deep-pressure proprioceptive input while maintaining mobility: with weighted and compression clothing.