The 7 Stages of the Autism Parenting Journey: From Diagnosis to Empowerment

By: Camila Fernandez, PhD & Michelle Hintz, PsyD Receiving an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child is a life-altering moment for many parents. It often brings clarity to long-standing questions about your child’s behaviors but also introduces a complex mixture of emotions and challenges. ASD, a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social […]

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The Gentle Parenting vs. Permissive Parenting Confusion: A Therapist’s Perspective on Middle School Parenting

By Kyara Ramirez-Guzman, LMHC Parenting a middle schooler is not for the faint of heart. As a clinician who regularly speaks with parents navigating this developmental stage, I’ve seen a recurring theme of confusion: the line between “gentle parenting” and “permissive parenting” can be blurry for many. Parents often come into sessions frustrated and uncertain,

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Empowering Parents: Suicide Prevention & Awareness

Debra Cohen-Melamed, LCSW & Michelle Hintz, PsyD September is both Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. With all honesty, every month is Suicide Prevention Month. We should not wait for the loss of life by suicide to come together as a society and collectively mourn and share grief while also sharing our regrets about how we

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Dealing with Children’s Attitude: A Discussion about Defiance and Assertiveness

By: Rebecca David-Cusani, MS, RCMHI Parenting can be a real rollercoaster, especially when you’re trying to figure out if your child is just being defiant or setting boundaries. It’s a subtle distinction, but understanding it can significantly impact how you guide and respond to your child’s development. Defiance is when your child flat out refuses to

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Navigating Parenthood: A First-Time Mom’s Journey with a Child’s Social Anxiety in a Post-COVID World

By: Kyara Ramirez-Guzman, LMHC, NCC As a first-time mom, I had no idea how complex parenting a small child with social anxiety could be. The pandemic only made things harder with remote learning, social distancing, and virtual interactions. It’s clear that COVID-19 has deeply affected mental health, especially social anxiety. I’d like to share my

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Promoting Mental Health Awareness: 3 Simple Tools for Nurturing Young Minds

By: Michelle Hintz, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist It’s easy to overlook the importance of mental health, especially when it comes to our children. But just like physical health, mental health is essential for overall well-being. As parents and caregivers, it’s our responsibility to foster an environment where mental health is prioritized and nurtured from a young

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Diagnosis Demystified: Busting Parental Myths of Developmental Testing

By Dr. Roddia J. Hill, PsyD., Clinical Psychologist Resident Developmental disorders are impairments in a child’s physical, cognitive, communication, or behavioral development that impact everyday functioning. Developmental disorders can affect physical abilities, such as speech, and mental abilities, such as learning. While mental health care services are becoming increasingly integrated into societal conversations about health

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Navigating the Maze: The Teenage Trend of Self-Diagnosing Through Social Media

In the digital era, adolescents frequently turn to the internet, particularly social media, to gather information on health conditions, including mental disorders. The Pew Research Center reports that 9 out of 10 teenagers go online daily, with 45% being online ‘almost constantly.’ This constant exposure makes it easier for teens to encounter articles, forums, and

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Parent Training & Guidance: Supporting Children with Developmental, Social, and Behavioral Concerns

Parenting is a journey filled with love, joy, and, at times, challenges. For many parents, the path may not always be smooth, especially when raising a child with developmental, social, or behavioral concerns. When these concerns become daunting, seeking guidance can make a world of difference. Common Reasons for Seeking Parent Training from a Professional

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