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Dr. Teresa Smith

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ABA Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

The CDC has recently reported that roughly 1 in 44 children in this country is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 1 in 27 boys and 1 in 116 girls are identified with an ASD, respectively, each year.

Although there is no cure for autism, there are tools parents and teachers can use to help children with autism cope with environmental triggers so they may learn and thrive. One of the most effective tools to date is Applied Behavior Analysis.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis? 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a style of therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. Started in the 1960s, ABA gives users some key insights, namely, how behavior works, how behavior can be affected by the environment, and how learning takes place.

The goal with ABA therapy is to identify behavior in real-world situations and increase those that are beneficial while decreasing those that are harmful or negatively impact learning. ABA can be used to increase a child’s communication skills and improve their attention and ability to focus. ABA has also been shown to improve social skills and memory.

Benefits of ABA Therapy

ABA is a unique form of therapy that offers specific benefits:

It’s Flexible

Applied Behavioral Analysis is a flexible treatment that can be adjusted to fit the needs of each individual. It can involve one-on-one teaching or group instruction. ABA may also be used in different settings, from schools to homes and throughout the community.

Practical

Certain therapies sound good – in theory. But ABA is practical because it teaches skills that are useful in everyday life.

Positive Reinforcement

ABA relies on positive reinforcement. When good behaviors are rewarded, the child is far more likely to repeat that behavior.

How to Find an ABA Specialist for Your Child

You may want to inquire with your child’s doctor if they can refer you to a therapist in your area that specializes in ABA. His or her school may also be able to put you in touch with someone who can help on a one-on-one basis.

I have been certified in ABA and would be more than happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

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Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth is short for “June Nineteenth” and marks a very important day in American history. This is the day federal troops entered Galveston, Texas in 1865 and took control to ensure all slaves were freed. Juneteenth is thought to be the longest-running African American holiday. It became an official federal holiday on June 17, 2021. 

While slavery was abolished over 250 years ago, there is lingering trauma that has been passed down through the generations in the black community. As we celebrate Juneteenth this year, it’s important to focus on the overall mental health and well-being of the community. 

Barriers To Mental Health Care 

Historically, the African American community has been faced with certain barriers that have made seeking mental health services challenging. 

Socioeconomic Disparities 

It is common for members of the black community to experience socioeconomic disparities that make it hard to finance mental health treatment. Recent data suggest that 11% of black adults in this country have no form health insurance.  

Stigma 

It is common for people in the black community to have negative attitudes and beliefs about mental health issues and treatment for those issues. In fact, one study found that 63% of black people still believe that admitting to struggling with a mental health condition is a sign of personal weakness.  

As a result of this lingering stigma, people often feel shame for having a mental health condition and choose to not seek help for fear of being bullied or scorned.  

Trust 

People of color often prefer to speak with therapists within their own community. Speaking with another person of color, who understands the microaggressions and burdens you face on a daily basis, can be tremendously helpful for healing.  

Currently, the psychology workforce is predominantly white, which often makes it difficult for BIPOC people to find a therapist they feel comfortable with. It is hoped that in the coming years, more young people of color will take an interest and the initiative to become a trained and licensed therapist. 

Making a Commitment 

This Juneteenth, it is important that people in the African American community make a commitment to their mental health. It may be helpful for you to get on the phone with a few potential providers and ask some questions to get a sense of their level of cultural awareness. What is their history of treating people of color? How sensitive are they to the plights black people face today? 

When you find a provider that can meet your needs, you can begin the journey of healing. 

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Self-Care: Holding Onto Good Mental Health After The Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression, also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), refers to a type of depression that relates to changes in the seasons. Most people with SAD feel symptoms come on in the fall and generally feel them all through the winter. Symptoms, which include lethargy, sadness, and general depression, usually dissipate once spring arrives. 

With the warmer months here, it’s a great time to get into some healthy mental habits, so you’ll be ready to fight the blues come fall. Here are some ways you can hold onto your good mental health all year long: 

Stay Physically Active 

Inactivity can definitely worsen depression symptoms. And several recent studies suggest people who exercise regularly have better mental health than those who do not. One of the best habits to get into is to ensure you move your body every day, even if that means going for a walk around the neighborhood. 

If you live in an area of the country that experiences cold, snowy winters, think about taking up a fun activity like skiing or snowshoeing. If that’s just not your thing, consider getting a treadmill, stationary bike or mini trampoline for your home. 

Reduce Social Media Use 

Social media is fun once in a while and a way for us to stay connected to others. But too much social media use has been shown to cause mental health issues. Be sure to limit your social media use to only 30 – 60 minutes a day. 

Take Up a Hobby 

Doing something you really enjoy is obviously great for your mental health. But so many people feel they are too busy with work and family responsibilities. Make time! Learn to paint or play an instrument. Take salsa lessons or start writing that novel you’ve always dreamed about. 

Relax More Often 

Chronic stress is a killer. It can cause the development of diseases such as heart disease and cancer. At the very least, chronic stress will dysregulate your nervous system, which will then cause a depression. 

Take time every week to check out and destress. Get a massage, take a long hot bath, sit in a sauna, or just lie in the hammock in your backyard. 

You may also want to consider working with a mental health specialist so you always have someone to freely talk with about whatever’s bothering you. If you find your therapist now, you will have formed a relationship come fall when the blues tend to settle back in. 

If you’d like to learn more about treatment options, please feel free to reach out to me. 

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Creating a Parenting Plan

In a perfect world, marriages would never dissolve. But divorce is a reality and one that impacts everyone involved, including the children. To help children feel safe and secure during the weeks and months that follow a divorce, it is important that both parties work together to come up with a co-parenting plan.

Keeping Your Children’s Best Interests in Mind

Simply put, a co-parenting plan is a comprehensive document that outlines how parents will continue to raise their children after a separation or divorce. This document will lay out things like how much time children will spend with each parent, how decisions – both major and minor – will be made moving forward, how the information will be shared and exchanged, and more.

While there are no hard and fast rules as to how a co-parenting plan should be formatted or what information should be included, it is vitally important to approach the plan’s development with your children’s best interests in mind. To create a helpful document, all issues, emotions, and pettiness should be put aside, and the focus should remain on what is best for your children.

Things to be Included

It’s important to mention that co-parenting plans may differ from state to state. Having said that, most will include the following five clauses:

1. A Brief General Statement

The plan will typically open with a general statement that the parents will be sharing responsibilities of parenting the child or children. This includes shared decision-making and shared daily routines.

2. Outline Parental Responsibilities

In this section, parents agree to communicate on all important aspects of the children’s welfare. This can include making decisions regarding health, education, and religious upbringing.

3. Specifics

This section can cover how you will actually arrange to time-share. This includes routine time, activity time, overnight stays, etc.

4. Holidays

Outline how you and your ex will handle holidays and other special observances.

5. Time Period and Amendments

All co-parenting plans should mention the length of the agreement and that the plan will need to be re-examined and possibly adjusted from time to time moving forward.

Again, these are very general guidelines. Your plan can be more explicit and specific to your situation.

Getting Help with Your Co-Parenting Plan

To create the right plan for your family, it’s recommended that you get some guidance. While a lawyer can help you with specific legalities, a family counselor can help you with communication. After all, you will need to navigate your emotions and be able to hear and be heard for the best interests of your children. A therapist can facilitate healthy and clear communication.

If you’d like to work with a family counselor to create a co-parenting plan that will help you both raise happy and successful children, please reach out to me.

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