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Boosting focus on a budget: How mindfulness and exercise help kids with ADHD
As a marriage and family therapist who happens to do a lot of couples therapy, I'm often on the lookout for inexpensive and effective interventions for common issues like ADHD.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by excessive activity, impulsive behavior, and inattention.
While managing these symptoms can seem daunting, recent research highlights simple yet powerful strategies that can make a difference.
The challenge of a neurodivergent marriage
If you’re an Aspie, you will always be an Aspie.
It’s not a personality disorder or illness. It is a variation in how your brain is wired. And it is, in fact, a core aspect of your identity.
Working with a neurodivergent couple is differentiation in work boots. Let’s jump in…
New treatment for Tourette’s Syndrome
Tourette syndrome, affecting about one percent of the population, is a challenging neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations, commonly known as tics.
These tics, which often include blinking, coughing, sniffing, and facial movements, typically begin during adolescence.
While approximately 80% of folks see their symptoms improve or disappear as they age, a significant minority continue to struggle with severe and distressing symptoms well into adulthood.
Context over emotion: A neuroscience-based approach to disturbing emotional flashbacks
Could focusing on the context rather than the emotion be a breakthrough in managing recurring negative memories? According to a recent study, this technique holds promise for those plagued by disturbing emotional flashbacks.
The study suggests concentrating on the context instead of rehashing the painful emotions of a negative memory.
For instance, when recalling a funeral, focus on what you wore or who attended rather than dwelling on your feelings.
Exploring the surprising role of antibiotics, fatty acids, and toxic chemicals in predicting autism and ADHD
Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been linked to gut microbiota disturbances during the first year of a child’s life.
Emerging research reveals that gut microbiome disruption during infancy significantly impacts a child’s future intellectual ability.
Natural talent vs. hard work? Which do humans prefer?
The naturally talented hold a special place in people’s minds. Those with superior innate abilities are automatically preferred over hard workers — even when their achievements are similar.
For example, professional musicians prefer a musical performance by someone described as talented over that of a hard worker (Schulz, 1994).
Understanding Intrusive Thoughts in OCD
Most people experience intrusive thoughts occasionally, but what distinguishes them in folks with OCD?
For those with OCD, intrusive thoughts are more frequent and provoke a stronger urge to act, a study finds.
OCD Misconceptions
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood as merely being overly meticulous about cleanliness or safety.
However, OCD is a complex mental health condition characterized by unreasonable fears (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to alleviate these fears.
Let’s consider OCD, including its symptoms, types, causes, and treatments, and distinguish it from Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).
Can your career choice also protect your brain in old age?
As a couples therapist, I have unusual additional training. I also have a M.S. in Labor Studies.
I often explore how different aspects of my client’s lives, such as work and career choices, affect their life-partner relationship and overall well-being.
One fascinating area is the long-term impact of a brain-stimulating career on cognitive health.
Recent research suggests that your job could significantly determine your brain's fate as you age.
Let's consider how a career that challenges your mind might help you stay sharp well into your golden years…
Selective Attention and ADHD
As a marriage and family therapist, understanding the intricacies of Selective Attention can provide profound insights into relational dynamics and communication patterns.
In psychological terms, Selective Attention is the process of focusing on one specific object or stimulus while ignoring others.
This mechanism, often described through the metaphor of an attentional spotlight, plays a critical role in how couples interact and perceive each other.
10 Neurodiverse conversational dynamics that we all need to know…
The problem with neurodiversity is that we often discuss human differences through a neuro-ordinary filter.
How to manage an Asperger’s Meltdown
From a neurotypical (NT) point of view, an Asperger’s meltdown is when an Aspie experiences a temporary loss of emotional control.
It is a state of profound overwhelm in which no new information can be processed.
They typically don’t last long and are often due to specific stimuli such as excess external stimulation, compounding stressors, or abrupt and significant change. Here’s what you need to know…