Blog Posts - Oaktree Counseling

Ignorance of Asperger's Syndrome

2/18/2013

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.

ADHD Tips for Parents: Medication may be safer than caffeine

2/11/2013

by Nikki Schwartz

[Nikki], I'm concerned with your suggestion that medication is safer than caffeine in the long term. Can you post some links to back up the data? I understand caffeine in large doses has side effects such palpitations and increased nervousness, but that compared to the long list of side effects of meds such as Adderall and Ritalin, which may include psychosis, increased aggression, suicidal thoughts and in extreme cases, sudden death. I would venture that caffeine is safer. -Alida

CONTINUE READING

Photo Credit: lemsipmatt via Flickr

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does NOT constitute medical advice, and should NOT serve as the basis for any medical decision by you. Please consult with a physician or other medical professional should you have questions regarding information contained in this section of our Website.

Play to Learn February Blog Hop

2/2/2013

by Nikki Schwartz

I love ideas for play-based learning for every kiddo, but especially those with special needs, Autism, Asperger's, and ADHD. The point of play-based learning is that it is FUN! Not that it "looks" educational. So, anyone who is writing about play and encouraging others to play with their littles, feel free to link up!

Make sure to check out our co-hosts, Lora at Kids Creative Chaos and Mary Anne at Mama Smiles. Their blogs are almost too fun. ;)

Photo Credit: D. Sharon Pruitt via Flickr

Blog Hop Rules

Feel free to link up an old or new posts (up to 3) related to play-based learning. In exchange for each link, please leave comments on 1 or 2 other linked posts. Add the blog hop badge to your site, either on your sidebar or in a post. Please only link posts you have written yourself, no other link ups or blog hops.

Play to Learn Blog Hop

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.spectrumpsychological.net/1/post/2013/02/play-to-learn-february-blog-hop.html" title="Play to Learn Blog Hop"><img src="http://www.spectrumpsychological.net/uploads/1/4/9/5/1495826/3711599.jpg?1358187461" alt="Play to Learn Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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.

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ADHD Tips for Parents: Avoiding Substance Abuse

2/1/2013

by Nikki Schwartz

In my infographic ADHD Tips for Parents, I mentioned that kids with ADHD are at risk for substance abuse problems. First, I'll explain why kids with ADHD are more likely to seek out drugs and alcohol in the first place. The I'll talk about what can you do as a parent, to help your kid better manage his ADHD without turning to marijuana, cigarettes or other drugs. CONTINUE READING

ADHD Tips for Parents: Avoiding Substance Abuse | See all our pins at @SpectrumPsych

Photo Credit: D. Sharon Pruitt via Flickr

Got Attention?: An ADHD Community Pinterest Board

1/28/2013

by Nikki Schwartz

Pinterest is a great way to find and share new ideas. The parenting community is very active and constantly pinning new ideas and posts from around the internet. The board featured below is a collection of ADHD articles, blog posts, infographics, ideas, photos, and projects from several members of the ADHD community.

Pinterest has become so popular because it is an open community. You're able to see all the great ideas that other people, from all over the world are pinning. You can collect and save anything from the internet that has a picture. I find ideas all the time on Pinterest for play therapy, parenting, home projects, and easy cleaning and organizing ideas. You can follow me on Pinterest for tons great parenting resources, ADHD tips, and so much more!

Nikki Schwartz at Spectrum Psychological Services in Virginia Beach, VA

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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Awesome Autism Video

1/25/2013

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?

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

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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25 Awesome Ideas for Light Table Play from Dollar Tree!

1/21/2013

by Nikki Schwartz

Over Christmas, my husband built me a light table! If you have not seen these, they are so great for sensory play and play-based learning techniques.

So, last week I went in search of cheap light table activities at Dollar Tree®. There were so many great inexpensive finds, I knew I had to share. My toddler has had so much fun with these that I went back to buy a few more of his favorites! What inexpensive light table activities have you found and loved? Let me know in the comment section!
CONTINUE READING
(P.S. I have no affiliation to DOLLAR TREE® and was in no way compensated for this post.)

25 Awesome Idea for Light Table Play from Dollar Tree | See all of our therapy pins at @SpectrumPsych

How Does Neurofeedback Work?

1/16/2013

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

Photo Credit: kennymatic via flickr

Play to Learn Blog Hop!

1/15/2013

by Nikki Schwartz

Play Based Learning is great for any child, but especially helpful for children with Autism and Sensory Issues. Spectrum Psychological is hosting a blog hop for posts that involve play based learning, Montessori, sensory play, open play, creative play, etc. Anyone blogging about play is welcome to link up, including parents, teachers, social workers, therapists, etc.

Make sure to check out our awesome co-host, Lora at Kids Creative Chaos.

Photo Credit: D. Sharon Pruitt via Flickr

Blog Hop Rules

Feel free to link up to 3 old or new posts related to play-based learning. In exchange for each link, please leave comments on 2 to 3 other linked posts. Add the blog hop badge to your site, either on your sidebar or in a post. Please only link posts you have written yourself, no other link ups or blog hops.

Play to Learn Blog Hop

Play to Learn Blog Hop

Five of My Favorite Play to Learn Posts

1/14/2013

by Nikki Schwartz

I am a big fan of play based-learning, Montessori, and Reggio actvities for kids. There is so much to be said for open-play. So, without further ado, here are five of my favorite play-based learning posts. (I have no affliation to any of the sites, nor did I receive any sort of compensation for this post from anyone mentioned here).

1. DIY Light Box Tutorial

I love The Imagination Tree! So many ideas to make at home for kids to play with for hours. This is a simple tutorial to make a light box for sensory play at home. Most light tables are fairly expensive ($400 to $500). This is a much less pricey route with good instructions.