Why Measles Vaccinations Are Important
Disneyland. It began there. Well, not really, but it is a good place to begin. What was supposed to be the “happiest place on Earth” was the breading ground for a national debate on Vaccines. This has been long coming. Anti-vaccination movements have been around for awhile, but over the past five years have grown rapidly. Social media has given the movement a voice, one they are fully able to shout across the landscape. “Vaccines cause Autism!” is their core belief. There is no debate, there is no compromise. It is truth, and to doubt it makes you a danger.
The Book That Changed How I View Autism: The Autism Revolution
Autism has long been viewed as a static condition, with little change. Scientists have thought the brain for someone with Autism has damage, and will never be able to overcome its limitations. For many years, parents were told there was little hope for a child with Autism, and view treatments existed. However, science has found little difference between an Autistic’s brain and a Neurotypical brain, suggesting physical problems may not be the cause of Autism. Doctors, therapists, and parents are now seeing radical changes in children with autism, providing hope for many. New therapies, new diets, new lifestyle changes are showing promise. Much of this information can be found in The Autism Revolution, by Martha Hurbert; a book that changed how I view autism.
The Connection Between Asperger’s & Internet Addiction
Recently I was asked if Asperger’s and Internet Addiction were correlated, and if so, what the reasons were. For me, the answer is a resounding yes, that at least half of my clients with Asperger’s also have Internet Addiction abuse, or addiction. The main question, is why?
Teaching Asperger’s and Autistic Children to do Chores: The Dot Method
It is often extremely difficult for Autistic children and children with Asperger’s to do chores. Often it is a battle that leaves both child and parent drained. Often parents will try to reason with the child, which goes nowhere, or try to bribe them, which often fails. Autistic children, like most children, do not want to do chores, but instead want to do their own things. However, children have to learn how to do chores, so one day when they are on their own, they will know how, and will be able to take care of themselves. The question is, how can an autistic child learn to do chores, without a huge fight? I have found a method that will help, called The Dot Method.
What is Cutting, and Why do People Cut?
The concept of cutting is often a difficult one to understand. Most people cannot understand how someone could willingly wish to inflict pain on themselves. It goes against most models of human behavior. So then, why do people cut? This is a difficult question to answer, let alone understand. This short post will give you some ideas into the mindset of cutting, so it can be better understood.
The Most Prescribed Psychiatric Medications in America
All it takes it is an hour or two of watching TV to see numerous advertisements for psychiatric medications. Americans are taking more psychiatric medications than ever before, and it is only increasing. The question is, what are these medications, and what do that do? How much do they cost, and what are the side effects? The Infographic below slows the Top 10 Psychiatric Medications prescribed in America in 2011, and includes average costs, disorders treated, and side effects.
What is Depression?
There are few conditions misunderstood more than Depression. Most in the public have no idea what Depression is beyond what they see in movies and television. Most think it is just sadness experienced by weak-willed individuals or by crazy people who are far removed from normality. These misconceptions are harmful, as Depression is a medical condition anyone can experience.
Practice Fusion: Impressions
Practice Fusion is a Free EHR for medical and mental health providers. While it is free, does it have what it takes to be useful?
Your New Year’s Resolutions are Crap, and What to do Instead
Your New Year’s Resolutions are crap. Why you ask? Because most are unrealistic and serve to make you feel good “in the moment”. Instead, here are alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions, which will help you achieve goals and be a better person in the New Year.
Internet Addiction Treatment Group
Internet Addiction is a severe condition that affects millions around the world.I have created a 16 week treatment group aimed at controlling the addiction.
Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide to Helping Your Child Thrive at Home and at School: Review
In the mental health realm, it is sometimes difficult to find guides that are for people who are not mental health professionals. Many of the books written assume training and extensive knowledge and are not very helpful to people without this training. For parents of children with Asperger’s, it is difficult to find a book that can give clear cut, realistic answers as to what Asperger’s Syndrome is, and how to best manage it. After reading Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide to Helping Your Child Thrive at Home and at School, I conclude this book is perfect in not only describing Asperger’s Syndrome, but in providing real world solutions to helping provide the best environment for your child. The book goes into a description of Asperger’s, how it is diagnosed, and strategies both medical and therapeutic to best manage Asperger’s.
National Institute of Mental Health Abandons the DSM
Just weeks before the release of the DSM V, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has abandoned the use of the DSM, citing issues with Validity
What is High Functioning Autism?
It often begins with a parent noticing something different with their child. The child is often inquisitive, sometimes to a fault, and can talk about a particular subject for hours and hours. The child has problems making friends and sometimes does not seem to...
DSM V is Availiable Soon: Preorder Now
Regardless of how you feel about the upcoming DSM V, it is being released on May 22, 2013. You can preorder it now from Amazon or the APA.
Inside Rehab: The Surprising Truth About Addiction: Review
If you or someone you know is addicted to drugs or alcohol, you need the best treatment possible. Inside Rehab explores the truth about Rehab in the US. Inside Rehab explores the costs, treatments, and effectiveness of rehab treatment.
Depressive Illness: The Curse of the Strong Review
Depression is a medical condition millions of people suffer with every year. Many when depressed are told by their family and friends to “snap out of it” or to “buckle up and be stronger”, however this often leads to the condition worsening.
In Sheep’s Clothing: A Primer on Manipulation
No matter who you are, a businessman, therapist, or school teacher, in time will find your life impacted my those who would try to manipulate you. Some people use manipulation in rare instances to gain temporarily advantage, however, others will manipulate often, often without others knowledge.
Dealing with an Emergency Situation in Therapy
Chances are if you are a mental health professional you have had an emergency situation with a client. You may have had a suicidal client, or a client intent on hurting them-self or others. You have have experienced a situation where something traumatic occurred, and you are the first response team.
Internet Addiction: State of Emergency
The new version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) is scheduled for release in 2012. The DSM-V is to replace the DSM-IV TR as the main tool Psychologists and therapists use to diagnose mental disorders.
