Oaktree Counseling
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Virginia Beach is getting a Sensory Gym!

7/23/2015

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SensoryAbled Kids Sensory Gym is coming in August to Virginia Beach!
Hampton Roads is finally getting a Sensory Gym!  Mompreneur, Tashia Smith, plans on opening the SensoryAbled Kids in Virginia Beach on Holland Road, August 12th, if all goes according to plan. 

Her rates are totally reasonable and... AND... she's offering a discount for any additional siblings who tag along! (keep reading for more details).

(Can you tell I'm excited?!  I have nothing to disclose, I am not affliated with the gym or any of the websites or manufacturers mentioned here.  Neither Tashia nor SensoryAbled Kids is compensating me for this post in any way.)

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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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Free App Friday!

4/19/2013

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This morning I am on my way to DC for this weekend's Accessibilty Conference (about a 3 hour drive). Here's a little gem I found in my perusal... smartappsforkids.com does a post every Friday with a list if free apps! Always a great thing to have. I'll let you know if I find anything good!

Here's a link:
http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2013/04/free-app-friday-apps-free-until-10pm-cst-us-041913.html#more
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Local Autism Resource Directory for Virginia Beach

4/14/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

Tidewater ASA (Autism Society of America) updated their Resource Directory last month in January.  This is an invaluable resource for anyone new to Autism, Asperger's, or Sensory Processing Disorders, as well as anyone who's just moved to Virginia Beach with a child on the Spectrum.

Providers typically request to be part of the directory, so they are indicating that they specifically work with people with ASD.  This is great for you, since it can be hard to find Autism-friendly businesses sometimes.

We've added their Autism Resource Directory as a download on our site as well.  We've also added a calendar of many of the Autism-friendly events, meetups, fundraisers, and respites in the area.
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Click Image to Download the Resource Directory
NOTE: Neither Nikki Schwartz, Spectrum Psychological Services, nor Tidewater Autism Society of America, endorses providers listed.  All information is for informational purposes only. Please make sure to do your own research regarding providers, techniques and therapies.

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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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Virginia Beach Autism Events: Local Calendar

4/1/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

Looking for local Autism-Friendly events in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads?  Suzi Noyes, a realtor in Kempsville, Virginia Beach, has offered to let us post her calendar for you here.  It includes several types of events including respite nights, sensory friendly outings, social groups, fundraisers, meetings, support groups, etc.

Click here to see the full calendar
If you have a child with autism or know someone with Asperger's or another Autism Spectrum Disorder, this is a great place to find out what is going on.  If you'd like to add an event to the calendar, send Suzi an email and let her know.  We'll be hosting this Autism Events Calendar permanently on our site.  You can also check out our resources page for a local providers directory.

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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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The iPad has arrived!

3/17/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz
I have been wanting to add an iPad to my play therapy tools for children with Autism and Asperger's for almost a year.  Finally, I am pleased to announce (join me in a happy dance) that the iPad is HERE!!

I'm starting a new series on my blog, App-tastic! Autism & the iPad.  to share what apps I am using in therapy, how you can incorporate the use of a tablet at home.  Below are six of the apps I am interested in for using in therapy sessions.  But first you've got to meet iGuy.
The iPad is Here!  App-tastic! Autism & the iPad by Nikki Schwartz at SpectrumPsychological.net
NOTE: I have no affiliation to Speck Products®, Apple®, or any of the app makers and was in no way compensated for this post.

iGuy by Speck

I think this might be the best iPad case ever for kids!  iGuy is soft, rubbery, durable, and CUTE!  I saw him in a store a few months ago and couldn't wait to have an iPad, so I could take him home with me!  iGuy stands on his own for movie watching and his arms function as great little handles.  The case fits fairly snug, and I think it could handle a few tumbles. At the same time it's fairly easy to get the iPad in and out of the rubbery frame. You'll definitely see this little guy around my office!
Speck iGuy best ipad case for kids

AAC Apps

I haven't settled yet on a AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) app.  The cost of these apps tends to be a little high.  So I feel like it's worth researching before jumping in.  I've read really good things about iCommunicate, AutisMate, and Proloquo2Go.  I'll post a review once I've made a choice (I'm leaning towards iCommunicate, not because it is the best for voice production, but because it has the best social story maker that I think will work well in session.)
iCommunicate app for Autism
© 2011 Grembe Apps Inc

iCommunicate

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© 2012 SpecialNeedsWare LLC.

AutisMate

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© 2008-2013 AssistiveWare

Proloquo2Go

Games

Without a doubt there are plenty of apps that will keep the attention of a child with special needs, however, I am looking for apps that engage a child without causing them to disengage from everything else.  In other words, I am looking for apps that let a client connect with others, not shut them out.  Here are a few, that other therapists really like.  Furry Friend is one we already use at home and is helpful for encouraging kids to talk.  Among other things, the furry monster repeats everything they say back to them.  Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is a good app for younger clients that uses puzzles to teach colors, shapes, etc.  Touch and Learn Emotions is a free app (love free!) with cute pictures of kids expressing a variety of emotions.
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© Plutinosoft LLC
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© THUP Games, LLC
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© Alligator Apps
What apps have you guys loved?  Let me know in the comments.  I would love to hear about other useful apps for therapy.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Counselor Resident at Spectrum Psychological 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, and Google+.

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Best Jobs for Autistic People

3/4/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

Last week, I shared a great video of Temple Grandin describing What Autism Is Like.  She also talked about what she thought were the best jobs for autistic people.  I came across this incredible quote from Temple that same day:
If you got rid of all the autistic genetics, you'd have no future generation for the Silicon Valley.
Many people with Asperger's or Autism have unique strengths, that most of us don't have.  These might include astounding attention to detail, or the interest and ability to focus intently on a specific topic or project.  

So, what jobs are best suited for those with Asperger's and Autism?
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Photo Credit: kev-shine via Flickr

First ask, "What's Your Big Interest?"

I found this question in an article at Computer World, discussing the "secret" of Asperger's in the IT world.  This is a fabulous question to explore career interests with someone on the Spectrum.  Your "big interest" is the place you need to start when looking into jobs.  I know some children with Asperger's who know uncanny amounts of knowledge about birds, computers, and engineering.  Those kids know more than any adult on their "big interest".  So, ok, I know that (I, my kid, my client) is obsessed with (legos, animals, numbers, butterflies, etc.).  Now what?

Picking jobs that have the right fit

These are some suggestions for jobs that are more likely to have the right fit:
  • "Jobs should have a well-defined goal or endpoint." 
  • "Bosses must recognize your social limitations."
  • Make sure working conditions are compatible with your sensory sensitivities.

What types of jobs are best for Autistic People?

Temple's discussion gives four types of careers.  

The first is careers that are typically poorly suited for Autistics and require a great deal of multitasking, stress the use of short-term memory and/or have high expectations for social interaction.  These are jobs like waiting tables, cashiers, and air traffic controllers.

The second is careers for those who think and learn visually.  Drafting, computer programming or engineering, designing, and animation, all reward those who are "visual thinkers", don't mind solitary, mundane, and reptitive tasks.

The third group is for those who excel at math, facts or music, but are not necessarily visual thinkers.  Accounting, copy editor, and inventory control, for example, reward those good at repetitive tasks that involve numbers, rules, and specifics.

The last group is for non-verbal/low verbal people with Autism.  These tasks do not necessarily require large amounts of knowledge, but rather the ability to engage in tasks in quiet environments with a specific skill set.  Job choices here largely depend on an individuals capabilities and sensory needs.  Some examples given by Temple were data entry and library reshelving positions.

What about getting the job?

One of the best suggestions in her discussion: Sell your work, not your personality.  I always encourage you to make a portfolio of your work.  Industries and positions that will "buy" skills will be a better match than those interested in social graces and social presence.  Consider seeing a therapist, who works with client's who have Asperger's and Autism, who can help you develop better interviewing skills. 

Above all, make sure that the jobs you apply and interview for align well with your Big Interest, your sensory needs, and your strengths.

Do you have any suggestions for those with Autism and Asperger's who are job seeking?  Would love to see them in the comments section.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Counselor Resident at Spectrum Psychological 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, and Google+.

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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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Tips to Help Your Autistic Child Enjoy Relationships

2/21/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

A few weeks ago, I posted a video by Spencer Timme about his big brother Mitchel, who is autistic. If you haven't gotten a chance to see it, go check out that video.

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
Spencer Timme, Brother with Autism Video
Photo Credit: Spencer Timme, from his YouTube Video "What's It Like to Have a Brother With Autism?"

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Ignorance of Asperger's Syndrome

2/18/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

It can be easy to mistake Asperger's Syndrome as "just social problems", but it is so much more than that.  Individuals with Asperger's have unique challenges and amazing strengths.  How can you help promote awareness about Asperger's and High Functioning Autism? CONTINUE READING


someecards.com - I have Aspergers. You have Ignorant. I'd rather have Aspergers.

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