It seems nowadays more and more people are going to their pediatrician or general practicing physician for evaluating, diagnosing and prescribing medication for mental health problems. The general public is even being encouraged to do so in fact. (Check out https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html.) Many people trust their physicians and see them as the ultimate authority when it…
Just how the family influences a child’s development, the child also has an impact on his/her family. Now, a child with a disability has a special effect on his/her family, as the disability can become a source of stress for the parents, siblings, and the family in general. In such moments, consistent parenting and remaining…
We are extremely excited to announce that Montreal Art Therapy is coming to Toronto to offer therapy services to children and adolescents in Yorkville, Toronto. We will be offering art therapy and behavioral therapy to children aged 3-12 and art therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy to adolescents and young adults. Our office is just steps from…
It is the beginning of the school year and schools are starting to review and reassess children’s IEPs (Individualized Educational Plan) or 504 plans. I have been hearing from parents all over the country who are afraid about lies they are hearing at their child’s school. Many of these parents are panicked and overwhelmed. They…
School is starting and I am receiving many emails about IEP’s versus a 504 plan. Many parents do not know what an IEP is or what a 504 Plan is in regards to a child’s education. Also many parents are not aware of their rights or their child’s educational rights. Anytime I write about IEPs,…
School will be starting soon and many parents will receive reports from their child’s teacher that will cause them to ask, “Does my child have ADHD?” I hear this very often and do many assessments on children to determine if a child has ADHD. Yes ADHD is a really disorder, but too many teachers and…
It is summer time and school is out. Many children are engaged in summer activities such as swimming, water skiing and diving. Others are preparing for next year’s football season and cheerleaders are preparing too. While we use to assume these activities were safe, we now know they can be dangerous. Many parents of high…
The end of the school year is around the corner and it is that time of year again – it’s Finals time. Your teenagers are probably very stressed or getting stressed. There is a lot of things going on right now, Junior Prom, Senior Ball and other end of the year activities. As I stated…
In the past decade, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been receiving great attention among professionals and in the media. While most children with ADHD receive therapy services such as behavioral therapy and art therapy, the majority receives medication. Parents and teachers have become more aware of the positive impacts of behavioral and art therapy for…
According to Statistics Canada, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 3-5% of school-aged children. This means one out of 25-30 student meets the criteria for this diagnosis. According to researchers and child mental health professionals, ADHD leads to poor school performance, conduct disorders, and interpersonal difficulties in family and friendships. While researchers continue studying what…