A Wild Ride: Our Blog

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

May 6, 2010, is devoted to increasing awareness of the importance of positive mental health on a child's healthy development.

Learn more.

Posted by Elizabeth at 8:23 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

At PEACE of Mind, we think every day is an opportunity for awareness! As we welcome in Spring, as we begin to putter in our gardens, as we dust off our bicycles, as we begin to make plans for the summer as we look ahead to spending time outside with family and friends ... we ask you to spend a few moments updating your family on your family safety rules, spend a moment to talk to your child about Safety and take time to be aware!

Are you aware...
• that your child's safety needs change every 6 months?
• that adults are responsible for the safety of children?
• that by just talking to your child about safety reduces their risk for abuse or abduction?
• that you should not use scare tactics when talking to your kids about safety?
• that teaching "stranger Danger" does not work?
• that kids can sense "red flags" in people too?
• that even kids as young as 2 can start learning about safety?
• that tweens and teens still need you to talk to them about safety?
• that you have the power every single day to help a child?

Child safety and prevention education is our daily mission at PEACE of Mind. We hope that every adult will stop and take time to talk to a child about safety. Let the children in your life know that they are special and have the right to be safe.

About the Author: Kim Estes is the co-founder of the non-profit organization: Parent Education And Child Empowerment (P.E.A.C.E of Mind). Kim has worked with parents for over 12 years, educating them on various parenting topics. Kim and her cohort in crime prevention, Sabrina Sessa, help liberate parents from fearful parenting! Through non fearful techniques and easy to apply parenting strategies they help empower families to be safe. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for quick safety tweets!

Posted by Elizabeth at 5:24 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Writer Gregory Flannery describes When One Door Closes as "a travelogue of women's lives.... Edited by Terri Spahr Nelson, a clinical social worker in Oxford, Ohio, When One Door Closes does not settle for blithe happy endings but relates the hard-earned wisdom of women who have encountered detours, road closings and potholes and sometimes run out of gas on their journeys."

Read his complete review titled Every Woman a Road Warrior in Streetvibes.

Posted by Elizabeth at 6:01 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We all have times in our lives when we find ourselves facing a crisis, a difficult choice, or a life-changing event. From educator and psychotherapist Terri Spahr Nelson comes a remarkable anthology, When One Door Closes: Reflections from Women on Life's Turning Points, which offers the personal stories of fifty-three women from diverse backgrounds describing crucial decisions or profound shifts in perspective that changed them or their course in life.

This book reveals the scope of women's lives as heard through the voices of those who have dealt with issues common to most--love, relationships, marriage, divorce, parenting, career choices, illness, grief, and loss. When One Door Closes brings forth touching accounts that offer readers an opportunity to make a connection, engage in reflection, and find encouragement on their own journeys and to discover that even in the most difficult of circumstances, compassion, hope, forgiveness, or peace can be found.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Every book you purchase will help women and girls facing difficult transitions in life. The publisher is donating 35% of all profits to five non-profit organizations that assist women. If you purchase directly from the publisher more proceeds are generated from each sale for the charities as compared to other booksellers where a greater portion of the price goes to the distributors. For more information about the designated charities, go to Sugati Publications website.

To order, go to Sugati Publications or find us on Amazon.

Sugati Publications, Feb. 2010
www.SugatiPublications.com
ISBN-10: 098258069X
ISBN-13: 978-0982580691
336 pages, List Price: $19.95

Posted by Elizabeth at 6:34 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Children's Hospital Boston website offers solid resource information for parents of injured children.

For more information, read Head Injury.

What are the symptoms of a head injury?

Answer from Children's Hospital Boston website:

The following are the most common symptoms of a mild head injury. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. The child may have varying degrees of symptoms associated with the severity of the head injury.

The symptoms of a mild head injury may include:

• raised, swollen area from a bump or a bruise at the site of the blow
• small, superficial (shallow) cut in the scalp
• headache
• sensitivity to noise and light
• irritability
• confusion
• lightheadedness and/or dizziness
• problems with balance
• nausea
• problems with memory and/or concentration
• change in sleep patterns
• blurred vision
• "tired" eyes
• ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• alteration in taste
• fatigue/lethargy

Check the website for moderate to severe head injury symptoms.

The symptoms of a head injury may resemble other problems or medical conditions. Always consult your child's physician for diagnosis.

Posted by Elizabeth at 5:53 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a blow or jolt to the head that can temporarily or permanently diminish a person's physical abilities, impair cognitive skills, and interfere with emotional and behavioral well-being. The CDC estimates that 1.4 million people in the U.S. sustain TBIs annually and that 3.17 million children and adults live with a permanent disability as a result of TBI. The cost to society for medical care and lost wages associated with TBI is $60 billion annually.

What is Shaken Baby Syndrome and how does it happen?

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a very serious form of child abuse. The Shaken Baby Alliance defines SBS as "a serious acquired traumatic brain injury caused when a frustrated adult "shakes" a child, usually less than one year of age." Shaking a baby even for only 2 or 3 seconds can cause brain damage.

What are symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome?

According to the Shaken Baby Alliance, babies suffering from SBS can present with a variety of symptoms ranging from "mild forms of irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, and lethargy to more serious symptoms of breathing difficulties, seizures, coma and death."

Posted by Elizabeth at 4:13 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Come to the A Wild Ride Website for a complete list of the 12 Steps toward better parenting.

The first three are posted now with details:

I realize I'm stuck in my parenting when I feel I must always be right.

I shift my focus from constantly worrying about my children to finding contentment in my own life.

I intentionally ask questions out of curiosity rather than using intimidating language full of demands.

We would love your feedback. Please share your thought with us by sending an email to Elizabeth.

Posted by Elizabeth at 6:51 AM in News and Research , Q & A , Strategies | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Great article in Psychology Today on the subject since parent blaming has become a national past time. Article written by F. Diane Barth.

Of course it's our fault that our children are the way they are! It is was our parents' fault how we turned out and on and on...

I hate the blame game? What about you?

Posted by Elizabeth at 5:24 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Read Kay Whittenhauer's artilce Famous People with ADD/ADHD. Kay reminds us that people diagnosed with ADD are often "creative, artistic, intuitive, empathetic, visionary, inventive, sensitive, original, loving, exuberant." She also lists many actors, artists, athletes and business people who are highly successful with ADD/ADHD.

One surprise on the list: Steven Spielberg. But now that I think about it. It makes sense.

Any success stories you would like to share? Send them to me at elizabeth@awildride.net.

Posted by Elizabeth at 7:26 PM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Whether you choose to have your son or daughter receive the flu vaccine is your decision of course. But if you do decide in favor of the shot, consider the following ideas that may help your child’s experience. This is particularly important, I think, for special needs children.

From the Seattle Times:

Don't lie. Prepare your child for the fact that a shot will hurt, but that the pain is likely to go away quickly.

Act low-key. Talking about shots long before an appointment, constantly reassuring kids and apologizing for pain can make them more anxious.

Use different words. For some kids, the word "shot" is scary in itself. Try "vaccination" — or your own made-up word.

Distract them. Read a book out loud, talk about a movie you just saw, take deep breaths together or point out cool pictures in the doctor's office. Blowing on a pinwheel is a favorite tactic of some pediatricians.

Take a comfort item. Younger kids might like to hold a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.

Look away. A child who stares at an approaching needle or hears a countdown before a shot is more likely to tense up, which could make the process more painful.

Ask about pain relief. If a child is extremely anxious, see if a doctor has numbing gel, cream or spray that could help.

Ask about FluMist. Depending on age and availability, kids may be able to get a nasal spray vaccine instead of a traditional shot.

Make post-shot plans. Have your child help you decide on something fun to do — a trip to a playground, maybe, or a sweet treat — after the doctor's appointment.

Posted by Elizabeth at 1:16 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I wanted to share an interesting segment on Good Morning America with Dr. Timothy Johnson on autism. This is an excellent examination on various aspects of the autism spectrum; diagnosis, treatment options, stories from parents, professional advice and more. The more informed we are the better we can understand and help those with autism. ~Mary
Here are the links:

10 Myths About Autism: Experts Examine Misconceptions About Autism

For the podcast, visit On Call + Autism.

Posted by Elizabeth at 8:24 PM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kate McLaughlin , author of this month's story on A Wild Ride titled One Family's Bipolar Journey, talks about her book Mommy, I'm Still Here. Check out this interview on YouTube.

Posted by Elizabeth at 8:31 PM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

News for Anxiety Disorders Association of America:

A study conducted at the University of Florida discovered a link between what psychologists call relational victimization in adolescence and depression and anxiety in early adulthood. Even when students leave high school behind, memories of exclusion from social activities or being the subject of gossip and rumors continue to be associated with social anxiety and depression.

Photo© godfer - Fotolia.com

Posted by Elizabeth at 9:33 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

May is Mental Health Month. The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health again declares the first full week in May, May 4-10, 2008, as National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

At A Wild Ride, we want you to know that:

1. Mental Health is essential to overall health and well being.
2. Serious emotional and mental health disorders in children and youth are real and treatable.
3. Children and youth with mental health challenges and their families deserve access to services and supports that are family driven, youth guided and culturally appropriate.
4. Stigma associated with mental illness should no longer exist.

For more information, visit American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

Posted by Elizabeth at 2:28 PM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

SPECIAL NEEDS: MANAGING STRESS WITH A SMILE

Having a special needs child in your life brings new meaning to the term loving unconditionally. We break the old rules and stigmas every day, while trying to create a new and wonderful world for our children.

Join us for a day of helpful hints and upbeat attitudes from those that live a life like yours. As well as useful information you can use immediately to help your daily life stop being so stressful.
Hurry… seating is limited.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Your registration includes audio recordings of all the sessions!

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All of these workshops will talk to parents of the special needs child and provide innovative and concrete tools and resources for managing your home and your life with less stress and more smiles!

It includes workshops on:

1. Understanding and measuring you child's success

2. Managing your child and yourself with less stress

3. The ABCs of support groups

4. Dealing with sibling rivalry (Speaker: MARY & ME!)

5. Parenting without yelling

6. Organizing your special child's room

7. The Imperfection Movement - using humor instead of guilt (Speaker: Our Friend Patty over at Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid)

For more information, visit the Momference Web site. When you register, receive a discount by using WILDRIDE as the promotion code.

Posted by Elizabeth at 4:04 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

SPECIAL NEEDS: MANAGING STRESS WITH A SMILE

Online Webinar and Teleconference
Saturday, April 26, 2008, 10:30am - 5pm

At one time or another, every mother has encountered those stressful moments when there are a million things to do including baths, laundry, homework, and meals. With a special needs child, the stressful moments multiply quickly as attitudes and parenting skills must be adjusted in a world that does not understand the plight of a special needs family.

In the Momference event, “Managing Stress with a Smile,” the first of a three part series sponsored by The Special Needs Family, moms learn how to mange stress by:

• Accepting imperfection for themselves and their special needs child,
• How to stop yelling and start setting goals for achievement,
• How to manage the dynamics between siblings with and without special needs,
• The basics of finding the right support group

Register Online. For discount, use promotional Code: WILDRIDE

Posted by Elizabeth at 3:54 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

In the Chicago area?

KEYNOTE ADDRESS – JENNY McCARTHY
5 Days That Will Change Your Child's Life
The Sixth Annual Autism One Conference Returns to Chicago

Wednesday, May 21 – Sunday, May 25

THE REALITY OF RECOVERY
Autism is a whole-body condition with many causes and many roads to recovery. Some children develop autism from vaccines, other children from exposure to molds, pesticides, and a host of environmental toxins.

The pioneering efforts of parents and practitioners have brought new appreciation about the underlying causes that create the conditions of autism. Understanding the causes has led to safe and effective treatments that are helping our children get better.

Main Conference: Friday, May 23 – Sunday, May 25

BRILLIANCE IN ACTION
Learn at the breakthrough presentations highlighting over 100 of the most eminent autism experts across five tracks:

1. Biomedical Treatments
2. Behavior and Education Therapies
3. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
4. Adolescence and Adulthood
5. Government and Legal Issues

MORE REAL ANSWERS
From the time you arrive to when you leave you will be immersed in an environment of help, hope, and answers. Sign up for a Mentor Mom who will help you 24/7, get detailed answers in the workshops, sample, and get the recipes of special diets in the hotel
restaurant, take advanced parent training classes, and participate in the Arts Festival classes.

NEW FOR 2008

- Seminar with Amy Yasko, PhD - Interpreting Lab Tests Seminar
- Thai Cooking as part of Special Diets
- News Desk with In-Depth Analysis
- Defeat Autism Now! Clinician Seminar
- Advanced Parent Training

Pre-Conference: Wednesday, May 21 – Thursday, May 22

EMPOWERMENT FROM EDUCATION Some topics require hands-on, day-long training. The Pre-Conference Days are rich in practical purpose and presented in a manner to quickly bring you the knowledge to help your child immediately.

Wednesday, May 21. The Art of Special Diets. Preparing and cooking special diets was never so easy and delicious. Good food is the first foundation of recovery.

Thursday, May 22. Defeat Autism Now! Clinician Seminar. Learn the science and join the movement of practitioners who are effectively treating autism.

Thursday, May 22. First Responders – Law enforcement officials learn how to effectively spot and safely deal with situations involving individuals with autism.

Thursday, May 22. Law Day. Everything IEP. Become your child's most effective education advocate.

Thursday, May 22. What to do when a child won't eat. Feeding Disorders and Developmental Delays.

Learn more at Autism One or email or call Ed at 714.680.0792.

Autism One is a parent-driven, charity organization helping children and families with autism.

Posted by Elizabeth at 5:37 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In the New York Times, March 6, 2008, journalist Robert Pear wrote:

After more than a decade of struggle, the House on Wednesday passed a bill requiring most group health plans to provide more generous coverage for treatment of mental illnesses, comparable to what they provide for physical illnesses.

“Illness of the brain must be treated just like illness anywhere else in the body,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California. Supporters of the House bill, including consumer groups and the American Psychiatric Association, said it would be a boon to many of the 35 million Americans who experience disabling symptoms of mental disorders each year.

Commentary from Mary:

If you have a family member with a mental health disorder and are fortunate enough to have insurance, you may see a change in your benefits in the future. On March 5th, the House signed a bill outlawing health insurers to set lower limits or higher co-pays on mental health coverage compared to other medical conditions establishing mental health parity. The Senate has passed a similar bill.

Hopefully this passage will bring more attention to helping the 35 million families that grapple with these issues. There is still much work to be done toward decreasing the stigma, rethinking our attitudes, and continuing to create laws and public policy that will address treating mental illness in the same way we treat physical illness. Educating others in your own communities is a great way to start.

To read the complete New York Times article, visit House Approves Bill on Mental Health Parity.

Posted by Elizabeth at 1:19 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Oprah, here we come! Okay, well, maybe it’s not Oprah, but Mary and I are honored just the same.

Stephanie Haber from the Special Needs Family asked us to present at Momference on April 26th . We are part of a day long teleconference program titled Special Needs: Managing Stress with a Smile. Our topic is My Brother, My Sister, My Enemy, My Friend: The new definition of sibling rivalry.

What is Momference?

Momference is the first global expert resource created especially for Moms seeking the best information to help them in their efforts as women and mothers.

The Momference mission is simple: celebrate, empower, and educate women who are moms in all aspects of their lives. More than just a place where experts share information with mothers, Momference is a community of women and mothers interacting in virtual environments to gain insight and support from the most powerful group on the planet: each other!

Every month, our virtual programs are conducted 100% via phone conferences and online webinars, creating unique opportunities that educate and inspire women. Momference teleconferencing puts you in a “virtual meeting room” with renowned experts (that’s Mary) and thousands of like-minded women (that’s me) from all over the country to discuss the topics important to women everywhere...all without the hassles of traveling or getting a babysitter!

Stay tuned for more information on our presentation.

Posted by Elizabeth at 5:48 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

From Catherine at A Week In the Life of a Redhead:

What really helped me early on with Brian was a special by PBS: Misunderstood Minds.

I had my son look at one of the classroom scenarios. He looked at me and said, "Mom, that is exactly what is is like for me." It broke my heart, because I had this window into his world at school and realized how brave he is - to face school every day when it appeared that way. From that moment on I made it my mission to help him understand his way of seeing the world and dealing with surviving in it.

Please do not think that I judge parents who choose to drug their kids. It is their willingness to share their brave stories about medicating their child that helped me develop my own solutions for Brian. I do believe there are kids who benefit from drug therapy. I have Hashimotos disease and know what a difference the right thyroid medication has made in my life ... so who would I be to judge another parent for trying all therapies for their child? I just want those parents who choose not to do the drugs that it can turn out ok.

Posted by Elizabeth at 5:45 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Pediatric occupational therapist Catherine Whiting sent us an article from the Seattle P-I. Below is an excerpt from that article by Paul Nyhan titled UW autism study to treat infants without symptoms.

The University of Washington launched one of the nation's first studies on preventing autism in infants Wednesday and will spend the next four years exploring the benefit of intensive and early therapy on the mysterious disorder.

The university's Autism Center is looking for 200 local families to join the study of autism, which is diagnosed in 1 out of 150 children, according to the latest study by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study is unusual because autism research and treatment has typically focused on treating or reversing but not preventing the neurological disorder. Autism often emerges when a child is around 2 years old.

The study is potentially controversial because prevention is a loaded word in certain autism circles.

TO PARTICIPATE
Parents interested in participating in the study can call the UW Autism Center at 800-994-9701 or check depts.washington.edu/uwautism.

Posted by Elizabeth at 4:20 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

From Catherine at A Week In the Life of a Redhead:

My son struggled in grade school and to keep this short I was told over and over BY TEACHERS that he should be drugged for ADD (the daydreaming type). I had him put through a battery of tests, but refused all suggestions of medication. Everything changed when he landed a GREAT teacher in 5th grade who got her teaching creds late in life after a career as a corporate trainer. Her class was geared to all learning types. My son made honor role. It was eventually discovered that he has an auditory processing problem, but with behavior modifications in the classroom he has flourished. He is now in junior high and doing great. His favorite classes are drama, where he gets to us that "daydreaming" imagination of his and is rewarded for it and PE where he gets to move (something many children need desperately). I am glad I listened to my gut, ignored the drugs and went for the more difficult parenting solution of modifying his environment and working with my son as he was.

Photo © Leah-Anne Thompson - Fotolia.com

Posted by Elizabeth at 5:05 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The most effective, safest treatment for moderate to severe depression in adolescents, according to a study published recently in the Archives of General Psychiatry, is a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and the antidepressant drug Prozac. Now I'm not necessarily a proponent of drug therapy, but let's face it, when it works it can make life better for everyone.

CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) is a well studied short term therapy that is based on helping people to challenge their maladaptive thoughts and replace them with adaptive alternatives. This sounds like a great way to clear out some of those mental cobwebs! To learn more go to the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists or to the National Association of Mental Illness. ~ Mary

Photo © Askander - Fotolia.com

Posted by Elizabeth at 5:30 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For more information on how to help boys become successful men, check out The Boys Project. "The mission of The Boys Project is to help young males develop their capabilities and reach the potential that their families and teachers know they have. The Boys Project seeks to accomplish for young men what the Girls Project so successfully accomplished for young women--- to increase academic skills, to increase college success, and to develop the confidence, drive, and determination to contribute to American society."

Visit the site for some excellent resources.

Posted by Elizabeth at 5:24 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It is never easy to make the decision whether to medicate your child or not. Now there are 2 new parents' guides put out by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Psychiatric Association that may help.

The ADHD Parents Medication Guide and The Use of Medication in Treating Childhood and Adolescent Depression: Information for Patients and Families were developed by mental health professionals and parent advocacy groups without drug company funding. You can download these free guides at ParentsMedGuide.org.

These guides gives information about treatment for ADHD and depression, common side effects of drugs, risks, benefits, and how to judge what is best for your child. Take a look and see if it helps to answer some of your questions. ~ Mary

To read one mother's journey through her son's depression, read the Down and Out series on the Blog.

Posted by Elizabeth at 5:10 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Recently I read an article in the New York Times Education section titled Giving Disorganized Boys the Tools for Success. It seems boys have more trouble than girls getting organized and multi-tasking.

No surprise to moms who are oh too familiar with school work that disappears into the black hole of the backpack only to re-emerge as an "F" on the report card.

The article goes on to suggest that perhaps our educational system is not really meeting the needs of boys who are expected to sit unnaturally at their desk. There may be something to be learn here from the astronauts who trained at MIT while jumping on trampolines.

My conclusion? Until we change the system, get out your trampoline and hire a tutor ~ Mary

Posted by Elizabeth at 5:03 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

When the second child came along, I learned the hard way not to overschedule him. In fact, I learned not to schedule him at all. The child I had waited so long to enjoy, without having to cater to my career, was not interested in Mommy & Me classes.

We tried swimming lessons. He hated the noise of the pool.

We tried gymnastics. He liked gymnastics. He would use a piece of equipment until another child joined him. Then he’d move on to something else, until we ran out of gymnastic equipment. At which time we left.

We tried art classes. He hated getting his hands dirty.

We tried music activities. If anyone, anyone at all, was the least bit off key, he cried.

So we stayed home.

Until one day, our kindly pediatrician suggested music therapy. (He also suggested pet therapy, but who were we kidding?)

At age three, my son needed something to calm him. He also needed something to keep his fingers busy. Piano, the good doctor suggested. And so we began Suzuki piano lessons.

Until he was much older, my son attended piano lessons as his only activity outside of school. The practicing was often torture and I wondered what the hell I was doing, forcing him to play this instrument. But we stuck with it, and thanks to a great piano teacher, my son now enjoys playing (not practicing). Though he’ll never be a concert pianist, I recently heard him play Pachelbel's Canon D to soothe himself after a particularly difficult day. Yes! Success!

A few years ago, he added soccer to his list of accomplishments. I suggested he try basketball too, but he wisely said, “No mom. Piano and soccer are enough. I need some quiet time you know”

And he’s right.

What activities work best for your child? Do you schedule downtime or just let it evolve? I’d love to hear. Email at Elizabeth@awildride.net.

Posted by Elizabeth at 6:05 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

In an article titled Playtime Packs It In, published Friday, November 2 in the Seattle P-I, reporter Paul Nyhan found experts who believe that overscheduled children suffer from a lack of downtime. Read yesterday's post.

Here's my own experience with my oldest son:

When he was quite young, around age 5, I enrolled him in numerous activities, thinking I was doing him a favor and that the foundation I was laying for him in Kindergarten would serve him all his life.

We raced from all day Kindergarten to soccer, basketball, baseball, French lessons, art classes, recorder/music lessons and story hour at the library. In my own defense, I left my career to play “mother” to this child. I thought my best strategy was to keep him as busy as possible. For his own good, of course.

Now, at age 18, my son is extremely well-adjusted, no thanks to my crazed-mother style. But the advantages I thought I was providing him never really came to fruition.

For example, exercise is not his strong suit. Although he loved playing soccer, he rarely has time to play. He’s good at basketball – on our home court. Baseball – well, he gave up baseball at the T-ball level (thank goodness – it was like watching grass grow).

The French lessons? He now speaks Spanish.

Art classes? Hmm. Can’t remember the last time he picked up a paint brush.

Recorder lessons? He now plays the saxophone – badly.

Story hour? Well, whoever said that exposure to books, reading to your children, and modeling good reading habits would foster future readers never met my son.

But my son, through his self-directed playtime, developed passions all his own, such as:

Cooking – I let him play in the kitchen as long as he would like.

Listening to music – We never discouraged any forms of music. I must admit however that I don’t care for some of the music, but I voice what I do and do not like about his music and he respects my opinions (translation: doesn’t play that music when I am within earshot).

Having friends over – We encouraged him to invite friends over when he was young and he continues to invite them to this day. Ours is the party house (where we are always in attendance).

So what happened when the second child came along?

Posted by Elizabeth at 6:51 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In his new book The Power of Play: How Spontaneous Imaginative Activities Lead to Happier, Healthier Children, author David Elkin, child psychologist and Professor of Child Development at Tufts University, writes “We are seeing too many stressed-out kids cutting themselves, committing suicide, anorexic. All of those are symptoms of stress.” He goes on to blame this phenomenon on the lack of playtime.

In an article titled Playtime Packs It In, published Friday, November 2 in the Seattle P-I, reporter Paul Nyhan found other experts who also believe that overscheduled children suffer from a lack of downtime. Nyhan’s article quotes Dr. Jeffrey Kaiser, a child psychologist at Seattle’s Children’s Hospital and Medical Center: “Kids are feeling overwhelmed. I see a lot of depressed and anxious kids.

The American Academy of Pediatrics feels much the same way, issuing a plea to parents to protect “playtime.” In their Caution! Children at Play!, the AAP recognizes that “kids learn as they play. As they practice making decisions, play with imagination, and take active leadership, they also grow in confidence and resilience.” They also quote Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: “Each child deserves enrichment activities, time to deeply connect with family, and free, unscheduled time to master his or her environment. “ Dr. Ginsburg goes on to stress the role of “play in promoting healthy child development and building strong parent-child bonds.”

But what parent doesn’t want to give her child every advantage that she never had? Chinese lessons (after all China may be the next Superpower), math tutoring (for calculating interest on student loans while attending Ivy League schools), multiple sports practices (soccer scholarship, basketball scholarship, football? You choose.)

A friend’s five-year-old daughter currently reads at a third-grade level and is constantly purchased new books to read each day (what happened to browsing the library?). She also takes German (her father insists on speaking only German at the dinner table). Of course there’s also ballet AND soccer (no stereotypes for this little girl). And music lessons. She loves to sing but Mom says she can choose between piano and violin.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these activities, but considering she attends a full-day kindergarten, when does she have time to play or even stare into space?

According to Nyhan’s article, “not everyone agrees that there is a problem.” He mentions that “Business leaders are ‘telling us the young people they are hiring now are not as creative…and don’t have the same social skills’” as previous generations.

Hmm. That makes me think that when these children do have some down time, they spend it in front of a video screen. Ah! A topic for another time.

Nyhan’s article offers these tips from Linda Young, Seattle University staff psychologist:

• Set priorities and protect unscheduled family time each week.
• During family time, let everyone’s imagination have free reign.
• Think back to what you did for fun before technology and hyper-scheduling.

Personally, I believe these strategies are even more important for parents and children with challenges. (More on that tomorrow.)

For more of Linda's tips and the complete article, clickhere.

Posted by Elizabeth at 3:17 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

It occurs to me that loving another person is not easy if you don’t love yourself first. Thanks mom for that useless advice, you say. But wait. Hear me out.

How many days go by in a whirlwind of activity: work, school, after-school activities, more work, household upkeep, meals, doctor appointments, therapist appointments, PT appointments, parent-teacher conferences? Every day. Right?

Well, I’m living proof that I parent better (translation: I don’t scream as much) when I’ve taken a few minutes for myself.

Here are a few of suggestions to help make that happen:

• Do something that you love doing. Be creative. Leave a chocolate under your pillow for YOU.
• Give yourself the gift of love. Take a long bubble bath, curl up with your cat, dance to your favorite music. Notice how good it makes you feel. And plan on doing it again!

For other Love ideas, visit Plant the Seeds of Love.

And speaking of love, for those in the Seattle area, here's an upcoming event worth chekcing out.

On Thursday, November 8, four bestselling authors share their ideas on:

Parenting Like an Adult: Top Parenting Authors Talk About Preserving Your Inner Adult, Romance and Marriage While Raising Kids.

This event is sponsored by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Parent Map.

Featured authors include:

Christie Mellor, author of The Three-Martini Playdate (I haven’t read the book but I love the title.)

Heidi Raykeil, author of Confessions of a Naughty Mommy: How I found My Lost Libido

Faith Conlon and Gail Hudson, authors and editors of I Want to Be Sedated!: 30 Writers on Parenting Teenagers. (This is an anthology of essays by many different authors, some famous, some not, some rich, some poor. Very well done. I also like the title. My son saw the book on the table and wanted to know if it was for him or for me. Hmm.)

And it’s free!
When: November 8 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Queen Anne Books, 1811 Queen Anne Ave N. in Seattle
Phone: 206.283-5624.
Visit Working Dad for more info.

Posted by Elizabeth at 7:22 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Interesting article in the New York Times on September 11, 2007:

Health
Not Autistic or Hyperactive. Just Seeing Double at Times by Laura Novak

Difficulty in school isn’t always a sign of a learning disorder, it may just be a sign that a child’s eyes aren’t working properly.

After several different diagnoses, including autism, anxiety disorder and ADHD, one 9-year-old
found that she suffered from "convergence insufficiency, in which the patient sees double because the eyes cannot work together at close range.

The article goes on to quote Dr. Eric Borsting, an optometrist and professor at the Southern California College of Optometry who has also studied the links between vision and attention problems, “We know that kids with C.I. are more likely to have problems like loss of concentration when reading and trouble remembering what they read,” he said. “Doctors should look at it when there’s a history of poor school performance.”

Something new to consider when trying to find the right diagnosis for your child.

For more information visit Convergence Insufficiency on Optometrists Network.

Posted by Elizabeth at 8:14 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For seminars throughout the U.S. visit:

Cross Country Education
Education Resources Inc.

Seattle Area Classes and Seminars:

Below are classes, groups and seminars offered in and around the Seattle area. This information is provided by Catherine Whiting , MS, OTR/L, and Shannon Renae West, MS, Registered Counselor.

Bainbridge Island, Washington

Sensory Avoiding and Sensory Seeking Behavior (from babies to adults)
Presented by Catherine Whiting
Saturday September 29th
10:00 .am. -11:30 am
13881 John Street NE
206.855.7996
Free. Adults only please. RSVP

The classes below are held at Collaborative Family Therapy
9431 Coppertop Loop, Suite B
206.780.7822

Voices: A Group For Adolescent Young Women
This group for middle school and junior high teens is intended to be a fun and creative place for teens to bring their voices together: to talk about their experiences, to support one another in friendship, and share their expertise and encouragement about navigating the teen years as young women. Shannon West will facilitate this group. Wednesday evenings, 6-7:30, beginning in September through November.

Getting Along Beautifully: Parents and Children Living along the Autism Spectrum
Two groups will take place simultaneously: one for elementary school-age children who fit into the Autism spectrum, and one for their parents. Groups facilitated by Sally McIntosh Stoehr and Kimberly Delaney. Tuesday evenings, 4-5:30, beginning in September through November.

Families In Transition: Groups for Parents and Siblings in Transition
These concurrent groups, one for children ages 7-12 and one for parents, will focus on providing support for all family members going through a significant family transition around separation, divorce, and/or remarriage. Siblings are encouraged to attend together. Children may attend without a parent in the parents' group, and likewise for parents. Groups facilitated by Sally McIntosh Stoehr and Kimberly Delaney. Thursday evenings, 6-7:30, beginning in October through mid-December.

Seattle, Washington

Nutrition Therapy For Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Presented by Elizabeth Strickland
October 17th 8:00-3:30 $179.00

Renton, Washington

Best Practices in Treating Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
Presented by Angela Mansolillo
Nov. 2-3rd $379.00

Shoreline, Washington

Augmentative-Alternative Communication & Assistive Technology Conference
Presented by many practitioners (including Dr. David Beukelman, PhD, CCC-SLP,Dr. Stephen Glass; Steven Shores)
Shoreline Conference Center
January 31st-February 1st
199.00 for one day and 325.00 for both days

Photo © Konstantinos Kokkinis - Fotolia.com

Posted by Elizabeth at 7:31 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Since we wrote about custodial and non-custodial parents in the June & July issues of the A Wild Ride Blog, I thought some of you might find this article in today's Seattle Post-Intelligencer of interest. Reporter Claudia Rowe uncovered a signiicant issue facing many Washington state divorced parents as they attempt to do right by the children.

In her article, Families' futures decided with little oversight. Parent evaluators set own fees while wielding enormous power, Claudia reports:

In the field of family law, a little-examined group of professionals has enough influence to separate fathers from children and relegate mothers to weekends-only status, based on little more than an opinion.

So-called parent evaluators need no particular credentials or training. They may use any method they wish, charge what they please and remain virtually free of oversight. Yet their word can upend families in a single stroke.

In recent decades, as dockets have become clogged with warring parents battling for custody of their children, overwhelmed judges have turned increasingly toward this cluster of psychologists and social workers for guidance. But as there is almost no check on their influence, any human foible might result in a faulty or unfair report -- with enormous implications for those families under the microscope.

Claudia goes on to say: In June, after a decade of discussion, the board adopted newly binding regulations for psychologists working as parent evaluators. They must now document the reasons behind each recommendation, provide a written breakdown of fees and be free of previous relationships with either parent. Violating any of these conditions could be grounds for license suspension.

Note: This new law only applies to psychologists and does not apply to social workers or anyone else who may present themselves as evaluators.

To read the parent-evaluator regulations for psychologists, visit Rules . Go to page three.

Read more of Claudia's story.

Posted by Elizabeth at 1:42 PM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In yesterday's New York Times:

The Disorder Is Sensory; the Diagnosis, Elusive by Benedict Carey

"For decades some therapists have argued that there are youngsters who do not adjust at all, or at least not normally. They remain oversensitive, continually recoiling from the world, or undersensitive, banging into things, duck-walking through the day as if not entirely aware of their surroundings."

Look for our comments this weekend on the Blog.

Posted by Elizabeth at 8:52 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This morning on NPR: Siblings of the Mentally Ill Often Feel Forgotten. Click here to listen in.

This week in the news: Doctors Checking Babies for Mental Disorders (AP/MSNBC)
Autism, attention deficit disorder diagnosed, treated earlier and earlier

Posted by Elizabeth at 8:44 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Study: Moms Of Autistic Kids Cope Well

According to a study released in the May issue of Pediatrics: Most Mothers Of Children With Autism Show Great Strength Under Stress.

"The findings come from a nationally representative survey of almost 62,000 mothers of school-aged children, including 364 mothers of children with autism.

New research into the coping skills of mothers of autistic children confirms that they are more likely to report "poor or fair" emotional health and mental health than other moms. But they are also more likely to show "remarkable strengths," the study's lead researcher tells WebMD." -- Moms, take a bow!

Study: Mothers most affected by children who have difficulties going to bed

According to a study reported by NBC: Parents' health suffers when kids can't sleep.

"In a study of more than 10,000 families with infants or preschoolers, Australian researchers found that parents who said their children had sleep problems tended to report poorer physical health and more emotional distress." -- No dah!

In the New York Times this week: The intersection of money and medicine has become one of the most contentious issues in psychiatry.

In their article Psychiatrists, Children and Drug Industry’s Role , authors Gardiner Harris, Benedict Carey and Janet Roberts present both sides of the drug debate, though not equally. They contend the "increasing payments to doctors [by the drug manufacturers] have coincided with the growing use in children of a relatively new class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics."

The practice of paying doctors is not uncommon. The authors admit that "Drug makers underwrite decision makers at every level of care. They pay doctors who prescribe and recommend drugs, teach about the underlying diseases, perform studies and write guidelines that other doctors often feel bound to follow."

However the authors suggest that "studies present strong evidence that financial interests can affect decisions, often without people knowing it."

To read more of this article, visit Psychiatrists, Children and Drug Industry’s Role.

Posted by Elizabeth at 1:58 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Julie Moos wrote an interesting piece on Dot Moms today, reflecting on a new survey by the Pew Research Center. This was a national survey conducted Feb.16-March 14 among 2,020 Americans.

Julie's title, "Motherhood is harder these days and it was harder back then, too," sums up the findings nicely. According to the survey, "today's parents are not measuring up to the standard that parents set a generation ago. Mothers are seen as having the more difficult job, but they are also judged more harshly than are fathers."

However, as Julie points out, when we "dig even deeper, it turns out we don't feel quite as badly as the mothers before us. While "most women (71 percent) say it is more difficult to be a mother today than it was 20 or 30 years ago ... in 1997, an even greater percentage of women expressed this view (81 percent)." Thus her personal finding that motherhood was hard then and it's hard now.

But the survey itself also says: "older women are more likely to say today's mothers are doing a worse job, they are also more likely to believe the job has become more difficult. Roughly eight-in-ten women ages 50-64 (81%) say it is harder to be a mother today."

Darn right it's harder to be a mother today if you are between the ages of 50-64! Could it be that at least a certain number of the respondents are actually mothers in their 50's who are still in the thick of parenting younger children (below the age of 18)? And if that's the case, I believe that we believe we don't know what the heck we are doing!!! Hence, we have it harder, and no, we're not doing a very good job.

Throw in our potential problems with parenting challenging children, and of course the previous generation did a better job. If fact, doesn't your mother, or mother-in-law, or older lady next door, tell you that she would do a better job discipling that out-of-control child of yours?

Regardless of age, I believe that mothers today deal with diffiuclt issues. Whether we have it better or worse than a generation or two ago is irrelevant. Motherhood is what it is and I believe we all deserve a pat on the back for putting one foot in front of the other in order to make it through the day.

Posted by Elizabeth at 2:35 PM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In addition to Mother’s Day, May brings significant observances apropos to ourselves and our challenging children, including: Mental Health Month & Better Sleep Month. Other dates of note are:

May 2 Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
May 4 Childhood Depression Awareness Day
May 6 – 12 National Hug Holiday (honoring Seniors – but hey, we all need hugs!)
May 6 – 12 Mental Health Counseling Week
May 12 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day
May 13 – 19 Women’s Health Week
May 20 – 26 Schizophrenia Awareness Week

During the month of May, Nina, Mary and I will write on many of these issues. On May 4th, we begin a series on childhood depression titled “Down and Out.” We also plan a multi-day series for Women's Health Week.

May also brings a new feature to the A Wild Ride Blog: Guest Bloggers. Our first guest Blooger is McEwen (Whitterer on Autism) who offers us “7 Tips – Coping Mechanisms for Parents of Children who have just been Diagnosed with Autism.” McEwen’s “Tips” apply to any parent dealing with a challenging child -- no diagnosis necessary.

And of course, we’ll honor our website theme Nurturing Ourselves with numerous entries on self-care, including the importance of friends and support.

Happy May!!

Elizabeth

Posted by Elizabeth at 8:18 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This week on CNN:

"Story Highlights:

• Antidepressants' benefits in kids, teens outweigh small risk of suicidal thoughts
• Comprehensive analysis finds risk lower than the FDA identified in 2004
• Drugs did best on anxiety, moderately well on obsessive-compulsive disorders
• They worked less well, but were still effective in treating depression"

For the complete article, visit: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/04/17/antidepressants.kids.ap/index.html

Posted by Elizabeth at 8:58 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Parents of the Autistic Weigh Lifelong Care Options by Jon Hamilton

"Autism begins in childhood, and it doesn't go away. Children with autism generally become adults with autism. Many will never live on their own. For their parents, that can mean responsibilities that last a lifetime — and beyond. In Maryland, one family is struggling to create a future for their son, Joey." Read and hear more: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9496250

Posted by Elizabeth at 12:29 PM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

From Washington University's School of Medicine:

"Investigators at the Silvio Conte Center for the Neuroscience of Mental Disorders at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are recruiting schizophrenia patients and their siblings for a study to determine whether subtle differences in brain structure can predict who is at risk for developing the illness.

John G. Csernansky, M.D., the Gregory B. Couch Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobiology at the School of Medicine and director of the Conte Center, and "his team are studying patients just diagnosed with schizophrenia and their siblings who are also at risk for developing the disorder. In theory, family members at risk may have the same changes in brain structure and function as their affected siblings. The researchers want to clarify which markers of brain structure and function are most closely related to risk.

By identifying brain differences that increase risk, Csernansky believes it eventually may be possible to start treatment more quickly, perhaps even before full-blown psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, occur. "

For more information, visit http://mednews.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/9044.html or call the Conte Center at (314) 747-2162 or toll-free at (888) 747-2162.

Posted by Elizabeth at 8:03 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Remember the 1975 Broadway play The Wiz? No? Well, neither do I. But if we did, we might recall the famous line of the wicked witch: “Don’t nobody bring me no bad news!” For mothers today (especially those of us with challenging children), that’s a tall order. Is it my imagination or does the news seem filled with ominous findings?

Never fear. After some extensive research, I managed to find some if-not-good-at-least-positive news:

Top 5 Positive Effects of Single Parenting
http://singleparents.about.com/od/familyrelationships/tp/raised_single.htm

Rita Wilson Stars in ADHD Play
http://specialchildren.about.com/b/a/259002.htm (From Terri Mauro: “Whether it succeeds as drama or not, seeing our own and our children's concerns onstage can be an empowering experience.”)

Anti-reflux drugs safe for long-term use in kids
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSFLE68245920070326

Depressed Mothers Can Still Be Good Moms
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=65228

Washington State Senate OKs expanded coverage for mental disorders
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2003633810_mental24m.html

But, if you are like me, you also need to know the latest findings relating to challenging children. Here are some “ripped from today’s headlines”:

The study on the effects of day care (http://www.nichd.nih.gov/ ) defines day care "as care by anyone other than the child’s mother that was regularly scheduled for at least 10 hours per week. This included care by fathers, grandparents and other relatives."

Anxiety Rising on U.S. College Campuses http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2007/03/27/hscout603147.html

Study Shows Kids With ADHD Risk Alcohol Abuse as Teens
http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/20070327/adhd-at-6-alcoholic-at-16

Patients seen in specialty clinics were also more likely to have their first depressive episode in childhood or adolescence
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/psychiatryNews/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=198700568&cid=BreakingNews

Don't Nobody Bring Me ANYMORE News!

Posted by Elizabeth at 9:42 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Do you know what I like best about the news media? I enjoy the fact that for every piece of new research, there are numerous interpretations, and I can decide whether I am guilty or not guilty, whether I made the right choice…or the wrong one.

For example, yesterday a study released by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development reported that “children who received higher quality child care before entering kindergarten had better vocabulary scores in the fifth grade than those who received lower quality care. The study authors also found that the more time children spent in center-based care before kindergarten, the more likely their sixth grade teachers were to report such problem behaviors as ‘gets in many ‘fights,’ ‘disobedient at school,’ and ‘argues a lot.’ ”

This study ran in the New York Times under the headline “Poor Behavior Is Linked to Time in Day Care.” Guilty – I placed my son in day care while I worked full-time.

This same study popped up on “Healthwatch” for CBS News as “Study: Good Child Care Pays Dividends (Finds Link Between Pre-Kindergarten Care And Vocabulary Scores In 5th Grade)” Great – now I’m Not Guilty of making a bad decision when I put my son in day care.

And the study itself goes on to say: “However, the researchers cautioned that the increase in vocabulary and problem behaviors was small, and that the parenting quality was a much more important predictor of child development than was type, quantity or quality of childcare.” In regard to my parenting, I believe there's a hung jury.

To read the study, visit the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development site http://www.nichd.nih.gov/

The CBS article can be found here: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/03/26/health/main2607694.shtml

Go to http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/26/us/26center.html?em&ex=1175140800&en=44e7d2347df99b05&ei=5087%0A for the New York Times article.

Today I’m looking for a study that says “Most mothers doing the best they can!”

Posted by Elizabeth at 8:52 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Grab the March 26 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, March 19)! The cover story, "Exercise and The Brain," examines the latest research and science. The article goes on to describe how even a few minutes of exercise a day "affects mood, decreases anxiety, improves sleep, improves resilience in the face of stress and raises self-esteem."

I realize that some days even finding a few minutes is difficult, but the article offers the option of "exercise snacks." Examples of "exercise snacks" include pacing while talking on the phone (don't we moms do this already?), taking the stairs instead of the elevator, trekking up the stairs at home during a TV commercial break, parking the car as far a way from the grocery store as possible, and walking to the mail box.

Check out the cover story: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-18-2007/0004548169&EDATE=

Posted by Elizabeth at 8:01 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In today's New York Times:

“ 'Bipolar is absolutely being overdiagnosed in children, and the major downside is that people then think they have a solution and are not amenable to listening to alternatives,' which may not include drugs, said Dr. Gabrielle Carlson, a professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at Stony Brook University School of Medicine on Long Island.

Paraphrasing H. L. Mencken, Dr. Carlson added, 'Every serious problem has an easy solution that is usually wrong.'

Others disagree, insisting that increased awareness of bipolar disorder and use of some medications has benefited many children.

'The first thing to say is that the world does not see the kids we see; these are very difficult patients,' said Dr. John T. Walkup, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine."

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/15/us/15bipolar.html?_r=1&hp&ex=1171515600&en=9e852b7646730c39&ei=5094&partner=homepage&oref=slogin

Posted by Elizabeth at 7:35 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday that autism has become "an urgent health concern." Their study, the largest one conducted so far on the troubling disorder, "calculated an average autism rate 6.6 per 1,000. That compares with last year's estimated rate of 5.5 in 1,000.

This data today shows we're going to need more early intervention services and more therapists, and we're going to need federal and state legislators to stand up for these families," said Alison Singer, spokeswoman for Autism Speaks, the nation's largest organization advocating more services for autistic children."

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/02/08/autism.prevalence.ap/index.html

Posted by Elizabeth at 7:51 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health:

"About half of adults with an anxiety disorder had symptoms of some type of psychiatric illness by age 15, a NIMH-funded study shows.

Results of the study were published in the February issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry."

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/anxietyhistory.cfm

Posted by Elizabeth at 7:43 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to a news release today from the ABC News Medical Unit:

"Child and teen suicide rates rose for the first time in more than a decade in 2004 — and many psychological experts said the stronger warning labels that led to a drop in the number of prescriptions for antidepressant drugs may be to blame."

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Depression/story?id=2850783&page=1

Posted by Elizabeth at 9:08 AM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

From the National Institute of Mental Health:

Results of a new study may help improve the diagnosis and treatment of two debilitating childhood mental disorders — pediatric bipolar disorder (BD) and a syndrome called severe mood dysregulation (SMD).

http://http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/ped-bipolar-irritability.cfm

Posted by Elizabeth at 2:55 PM in News and Research | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)