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Teach Kids how to Interrupt, @AskDocG

5/13/2013

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I'm always looking for realistic parenting tips for families who have children with Autism, Asperger's, and ADHD.  I recently discovered a great series of short parenting videos from @AskDocG, Dr. Deborah Gilboa regularly posts tips on parenting.

I've already used this suggestion several times to teach children on the spectrum how to interrupt their parents politely.  I couldn't believe I had never thought of something this simple before, definitely worth watching.  Dr. G posts weekly with great tips for parents, you can find those on her YouTube Channel.
Now, that you've watched it... I recently tried this with a child that I know outside of the office, who is rather impatient.  I couldn't believe how quickly she picked it up and didn't interrupt once the rest of the afternoon.  I was shocked.  Try it out, I would love to hear how it works out for your kiddo.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients. 

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ADHD Tips for Parents: Should They Sit Still?

4/4/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

Yes, kids with ADHD should sit still.  All the time. Preferably, they can sit still with an elephant sitting on top of them. ;)  Because for some kiddos with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders this is about the only way to make it happen. Great idea, huh? Check out more of my creative ADHD Tips for Parents. (By the way, how fun is the photo of the cutie pie under the elephant statue?)

So, barring squishing your kids with very large animals, what then?  Well, this might be the wrong question to start with.  So, what is/are the right question(s)?
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Photo Credit (Bottom Right, Clockwise):  Kids Giving Your Problems? Hire an Elephant by peasap, Blowing Bubbles by Nicki Varkevisser, Tapping a Pencil by Rennett Stowe, Running by Ian Carroll. All photos used with permission via Flickr, with Creative Commons Licenses.

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What is Autism Like?: Temple Grandin on Video at TED

2/25/2013

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This is a fantastic description of what autism is like for Temple Grandin, recorded at the TED Conference 2010.  She talks about how she thinks in pictures.  She touches on visual thinkers, verbal thinkers, sensory issues.  What is autism like for you or your child?
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Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree Counseling and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients.

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Awesome Autism Video

1/25/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

I saw this amazing autism video, What It's Like to Have a Brother with Autism, posted by Suzi Noyes, a local Realtor in Virginia Beach who's youngest son has autism.  It really touched my heart the care the relationship and care these two siblings have for one another.  
When you watch the video, pay attention to the back and forth interaction that you see between the two.  This is the main goal of Floortime Play Therapy, to help relationships become enjoyable for the person with autism. Not to make them comply, behave or simply to follow directions, but to help them connect to others in a meaningful way.
 

How Can I Foster This Kind of Relationship?

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Photo Credit: Spencer Timme from his YouTube Video "What It's Like To Have A Brother With Autism"
I decided to move the tips for helping children with autism enjoy relationships to a post of their own.

"... Do your kids have an autistic sibling? Parents of my autistic clients often ask how they can encourage their child to interact with themselves and their siblings.  It takes time, I tell them, but it's worth it to see them enjoy each other's company, to see them laugh together." 
CONTINUE READING

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Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree Counseling and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients. You can find her on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Spectrum Parents Facebook Group in Virginia Beach
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How Does Neurofeedback Work?

1/16/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

The most common question I hear from anyone is, "So, how does neurofeedback work?"  It's seems confusing and difficult to understand.  I'm going to attempt to break it down into simple terms, in a way that is easy to understand.  This is how I explain it to new clients and parents.
CONTINUE READING
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Photo Credit: kennymatic via flickr

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Autism Behaviors are like an onion... lots of layers...

12/26/2012

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by Dr. Rick Ellis

Spectrum Psychological's Dr. Rick Ellis, posted this graphic recently on our Facebook page.  He wrote, "What you see is not what you get on the Spectrum. ASD kids are usually misidentified first as ADHD, then ODD, etc.. Anxiety/ Arousal/ Dysregulation is at the center of the emotional/ behavioral difficulties and should be addressed through consistency, predictability, stability and structure. Sensory issues are often overlooked and must be addressed." Click to see the original post of Layers of the Onion for ASD

Autism behaviors can be mistaken for so many disorders, since many disorders share some of the same symptoms, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperfocusing, and perseverating.  Getting a solid psychological evaluation can be crucial to good intervention and outcomes for children on the Spectrum.  (Did anyone catch my silly reference to the movie Shrek?)
Layers of the Onion for Autism by Dr. C. Rick Ellis
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Dr. Rick Ellis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Forensic Psychologist providing services to children and adults. 


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    Nikki Schwartz, Licensed Professional Counselor

    Nikki Schwartz,
    LPC, NCC

    About Nikki

    Nikki is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Oaktree.  She focuses on utilizing neurofeedback in the Virginia Beach area, as well as play therapy, and other counseling techniques to help clients and families play, live, and work together.

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  • Home
  • Counseling
    • About Nikki Schwartz, LPC
    • ADHD
    • Anxiety
    • What if Talk Therapy Isn't For You?
  • New Clients
    • Request an Appointment
    • Rates
    • Directions to Our Office
  • Blog