What is Social Skills Training?
Challenges with social communication are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For example, people with ASD may experience difficulty making eye contact, interpreting non-verbal cues, initiating interactions, engaging in back-and-forth conversation, and understanding what others are thinking or feeling. These difficulties can inhibit the ability to form relationships with peers, which can contribute […]
The Mental Health Toll of COVID19
At this point, it is likely an understatement to say that we are in unsettling, trying, and stressful times. With what felt like very little warning, our global economy has ground to a halt, disrupting almost every aspect of daily life. School, work, social gatherings, and regularly scheduled appointments have been altered, modified, or canceled […]
Introduction to Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): What is It and How Can It Help You Parent Your Child?
One of the major goals of parenting is the socialization of children, during which parents teach their children to cope with the stresses of life in socially appropriate ways. At certain developmental ages, (i.e. temper tantrums in toddlers or adolescent rebellion), negative and disruptive displays of behavior are fleeting and considered “normal.” When these behaviors […]
Maintaining Mental Health in a Crisis
We are currently in a crisis, including threat to our health and well being, economic insecurities, and major disruptions to our routine. This crisis state increases our chances of depression, anxiety, and physical health complaints, and those who have a mental health condition, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or mood disruptions are particularly vulnerable to […]
All About Telehealth
If there is a phrase to sum up what we are all going through right now, it is “unprecedented times.” At the same time that we are experiencing increasing uncertainty, upheaval to our work and school routines, and rapid adjustments to expectations economically, socially, and for recreation, we are also faced with increasing isolation and […]
Upside Therapy & Evaluation Center’s New Location
We are excited to share our new location with clients of Upside Therapy & Evaluation Center! Our office has moved from our former location, at the intersection of Coit Road and 15th Street, to our new address, at 1255 W. 15th Street, Suite 320. This new location is still proud to serve Plano and the […]
Social Media and Teenagers
Whether we like it or not, technology is an ever present force in an adolescent’s life. Probably accompanying this technology is involvement in social media. Social media is used for a variety of reasons, from reconnecting with old friends, finding new friends, sharing information, or receiving feedback. For teenagers and young adults in particular, social […]
Parents Just Don’t Understand: The Teenage Years
To say that the teenage years of raising children can be challenging would be an understatement. Even with all of the technology available to make communication easier, you may be wondering, “Why doesn’t my teenager want to talk to me? Why does my teenager stay in their room or only talk to their friends?” You’ll […]
What Happens When Kids With Autism Grow Up?
When Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is discussed, a major emphasis on childhood and early intervention is usually a part of this conversation. This is great news, as there is endless support and evidence for the need for early intervention for toddlers and young children with the diagnosis, as early intervention improves prognosis and outcomes. Yet […]
How To Help Kids Deal With Bullying
Bullying continues to be a major factor in schools and child environments. While policy makers, schools, and parents have increased efforts to prevent bullying and respond quickly, the increase in technology and the ever present power dynamics and hierarchies that exist within social structures means that bullying will continue to be a factor for children’s […]