Many people associate ADHD with children. While it’s a common childhood disorder, it impacts many adults, too. Some adults deal with ADHD because they weren’t properly diagnosed as a child. Others have been carrying it since childhood and are still trying to find treatments that work. Whatever the case, there are ways to manage and
Are you an adult on the autism spectrum or in a relationship with an individual with ASD and do you feel like you are struggling with the important relationships in your life? Whether you are stuck in unhealthy communication cycles, spiraling further away from feeling connected, or struggling to stay on the same page with
Let’s face it, parenting is hard. I know this all too well. In addition to being a therapist, who specializes in working with children and families impacted by a diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), I too am a spectrum parent. Most of my clients wonder how I am able
Living with Anxiety and OCD can be really hard and depressing. Is your child living with or learning how to manage their anxiety and/or OCD? If so, sometimes the weight and power that anxiety can have over our children can lead to feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, discouragement, and some depression. If your child
What does it mean to be Neurodiversity Affirming? Neurodiversity simply explains the natural variations in the brain. In this sense, neurodiversity is not seen as a disorder or deficit that needs to be “fixed”. It is recognized as a spectrum and a natural part of life. This is an important perspective to promote to increase
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the “gold standard,” or the treatment of choice, for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). At Spectrum Connections Therapy, I use a combination of evidence-based approaches to treat OCD which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I also use a family
Attachment styles are part of attachment theory in psychology, developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. They help outline how we think, feel, and act in our relationships. Parents this post may be helpful as you think more about your relationship with your child and how you can support healthy and secure attachments in your family.
We are not all in the same boat, but we are certainly all in the same storm… The COVID-19 pandemic has been an uncertain and stressful time for all of us. Add being a parent of a neurodivergent child can add another complex layer of challenges while parenting and navigating the school system during COVID-19.
Autism Spectrum Disorders & Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children, Adolescents & Teens: Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have an increased risk of experiencing an anxiety disorder and/or a diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Therefore, at Spectrum Connections Therapy, I specialize in treating the behaviors that show up with ASD and OCD together or alone. https://spectrumconnecttherapy.com/my-specialties/
Do you or your loved ones live with anxiety? When anxiety shows up, it often can leave a sense of breathlessness or a feeling like you can’t catch your breath. This can be very uncomfortable and even more anxiety-provoking. This post is the second in a series of breathing exercises to try when you feel