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Opportunities for Autistic Young Adults
Many parents and caregivers have signed their autistic children up for summer enrichment camps during their childhoods. These camps have provided social skills training, help with life skills, and important educational opportunities. When children turn 18, these camp-style activities dry up. The needs of our kiddos do not change though. It can be hard to…
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ADHD Diagnosis in Adults: Psychological Testing or Questionnaire?
A lot of adykts come to me to talk about their options regarding ADHD diagnosis. There are companies providing ADHD evaluations for $200. Why should you pay more? This is a great question, and I’m happy to tip you off to these companies if filling out a questionnaire is what you’re interested in. There are…
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The DSM and Autism
It won’t come as a surprise to some of you, but the history of the DSM is a favorite topic of mine. Of particular interest, is the evolution of how autism has historically been diagnosed to its inclusion in the DSM-5-TR. I thought I’d share a little of my DSM joy. Autism, otherwise known as…
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An Update
I wanted to take a minute to give an update those of you who are waiting on your assessments or are preparing to schedule one. On October 13, 2024, I was in a serious motor vehicle accident from which I am still recovering. I went on leave in early February after attempting to finish up…
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Social Skills: Bullying
Social Skills: Bullying A guide for the rest of us. For those of you who missed my first post about teaching/learning social skills and want to learn more, this is my second post on this topic and it revolves around the social skills topic of handling bullying. It probably hasn’t escaped you that I’m going…
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Driving with ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect driving safety due to its core symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This can lead to an increased risk of accidents, impaired driving behavior and other challenges like difficulties with spatial orientation. For more very useful information about Driving with ADHD, visit our guest blog by Paul at ShamieHLaw. Their…
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How Accurate are Online Quizzes for Autism?
How accurate are online quizzes for autism? Quizzes like the RAADS-R or AQ are very popular as a screening tool and they are bringing many people in to get an evaluation.
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Functioning Labels in Autism
When I was in school earning my master’s degree in counseling, the use of functioning labels in autism (low functioning/high functioning) was still widespread. We didn’t know what we didn’t know, which is that there are more effective, less harmful ways to talk about how autism affects someone. I still hear these labels tossed about…
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Social Skills Education does not have to be Ableist
Social skills education does not have to be ableist! Say what? Tune in for more details on ableism and social skills and some views that push the envelope a little.
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Emotion Recognition in Autism and ADHD
Emotion Recognition in Autism and ADHD: Individuals who are autistic or have ADHD often struggle to identify their own emotions and emotions in others. This can lead to social and emotional problems. When an individual cannot accurately interpret the emotions of others, it may cause difficulties navigating social situations, building relationships, and responding appropriately to…