Do You Have a Healthy Personality?
Some pessimistic professionals suggest that aiming for personality health is unrealistic and self-defeating; others believe having a “north star” to aim towards helps with motivation towards personal growth. Here we’ll explore personality health, its aspects, and how therapy assists in its promotion.
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The Benefits of a Diagnostic Evaluation for Autism Spectrum Disorder
This guest post is by Apex Therapy staff member Bethany Gorka, BCBA, Behavior Analyst in our Autism Program.
As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. If you’ve noticed signs of developmental delays or symptoms commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you might want to consider a professional diagnostic evaluation.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how individuals experience and engage with the world. Children with ASD may communicate, socialize, or process sensory input differently than their neurotypical peers. They may also engage in repetitive behaviors or have intensely focused interests. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of experiences within autism, recognizing that each individual has unique strengths and challenges.
While the decision to pursue an evaluation can feel overwhelming, it is a crucial step in understanding your child’s unique needs. Early identification and intervention can significantly influence a child’s development, helping them build essential communication, social, and behavioral skills. Here’s why obtaining a diagnostic evaluation is so important.
The Benefits of Early Diagnosis
Early evaluation and diagnosis can unlock resources and supports that empower children to thrive. Research shows that children who begin receiving individualized interventions at a young age, often before five, can develop communication, social, and adaptive skills in a way that aligns with their unique strengths.
Early intervention programs, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), are designed to help children develop and strengthen essential life skills. These programs are customized to meet each child’s specific needs, enabling families to access the right resources for their child’s unique developmental journey.
Understanding your child’s individual profile empowers you to advocate effectively for educational and therapeutic resources that best meet their needs. Many schools and therapy providers value an official diagnosis, as it can facilitate access to individualized support and accommodations. Additionally, some therapies, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), may require a medical diagnosis of ASD to initiate services or receive insurance coverage. Thus, obtaining a diagnosis is crucial for accessing therapies that can significantly enhance your child’s development.
Choosing a Diagnostician
Our experience at Apex Therapy leads us to suggest that you ask these questions when interviewing potential resources:
- What will a diagnosis enable us to do for our child?
- Do you personalize your approach for each evaluation?
- Do you use standardized assessments, interviews, or observational methods—or a combination of any or all—to understand my child?
- How do you involve the family members throughout the evaluation process?
- How will you assure that I, as a parent, understand the results of your evaluation?
- What kind of written documentation will I receive outlining the insights gained during the evaluation?
- Our evaluation team understands the diverse nature of ASD and embraces a personalized approach for each evaluation. We use a combination of standardized assessments, interviews, and observational methods to thoroughly understand your child’s strengths and unique qualities.
As a benchmark, the Apex Therapy team personalizes the approach for each child, using a combination of standardized and criterion-based assessments, interviews, and observational methods. We prioritize collaboration with families throughout the evaluation process, fostering a supportive environment in which parents feel valued and engaged. During a feedback session, we review the results with you and provide a detailed written diagnostic report to ensure that you understand what we’ve learned.
Conclusion
If you believe your child may be on the autism spectrum, pursuing a diagnostic evaluation is an essential step in understanding their unique needs. This evaluation offers valuable insights into your child’s strengths and paves the way for individualized interventions that can significantly enhance their development and overall well-being. Trust your instincts as a parent; seeking support is a proactive and affirming choice that enables your child to thrive in their own way.
Apex Therapy Services is honored to be a partner with many families in providing that support.
Bethany Gorka is a board-certified behavior analyst who employs a client-centered and trauma-informed approach. She is committed to individualized treatment that prioritizes skill-building while respecting the dignity, autonomy, and preferences of each client. Experienced in diagnostic assessment, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and working with families/caregivers, Bethany approaches her work with a neurodiversity-affirming mindset.
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Humor as Strength under Stress
Some days simply don’t go our way. Maybe you woke up feeling off, or perhaps something stressful threw your day into a tailspin. One way or another, we can end up having a bad day. Regardless of the cause, when you’re feeling overwhelmed or worn down, laughter is probably the last thing on your mind.
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Goal Setting to Reduce Stress
We may not always realize it, but we are all working towards goals. Perhaps our goals are lofty, dreaming of changing the world. Sometimes our goals are much smaller, such as cleaning the house or making it through the day. Occasionally, we don’t even realize we have a goal, but we know we want something to be different.
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Grounding in the Face of Insecurity and Uncertainty
As humans, we’re designed to adapt to change, but our brains are also wired for patterns and predictability. This means when we feel unsure or insecure, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by negative emotions like anxiety, anger, fear, or shame.
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What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, typically in the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter, although some people can experience it in the spring or summer as well.
SAD is a subtype of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, and typically begins in late fall or early winter and can last until the spring. People with SAD experience the same symptoms as those with major depressive disorder, and these symptoms can often include low energy, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite (particularly cravings for carbohydrates), weight gain, and oversleeping. Some people also experience irritability and social withdrawal. On the flip side, summer-onset SAD can cause symptoms like insomnia, weight loss, and increased agitation, though it is less common.
The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its onset.
- Reduced sunlight exposure: During the winter months, shorter days and less exposure to natural sunlight can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm (internal clock), leading to changes in sleep patterns and mood regulation. Lack of sunlight may decrease serotonin levels, contributing to feelings of depression.
- Melatonin imbalance: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Reduced daylight in the winter can lead to an overproduction of melatonin, making individuals feel sleepier and more lethargic.
- Genetics and family history: Like other forms of depression, people with a family history of depression or SAD are more likely to experience the condition themselves.
- Age and gender: SAD is more common in women than men, and its onset is most often seen in individuals between the ages of 18 and 30.
Treatment options include:
- Light therapy: One of the most common and effective treatments for winter-onset SAD is light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a special light box that mimics natural sunlight. This treatment helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and increase serotonin levels. Typically, patients use the light box for 20-30 minutes each morning.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common therapeutic approach for SAD. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression.
- Medications: Antidepressant medications may be prescribed for people with moderate to severe SAD. These medications help balance serotonin levels in the brain and alleviate symptoms of depression.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation can help reduce symptoms of SAD. Additionally, making an effort to spend time outdoors during daylight hours can be beneficial, even on cloudy days.
The Two Sides of Acceptance
Acceptance as an approach to emotional regulation is both widely mentioned and misunderstood. This prevalence is, in part, because insights associated with Buddhism and Eastern philosophy in general are experiencing a revival in Western culture, especially in psychotherapy circles.
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Insight through Transference Therapy
Transference-focused psychotherapy helps individuals process conflict both within one’s mind and in relationships.
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Affective Disorders Can Be Treated
Affective disorders, often referred to as mood disorders, can significantly impact a person’s emotional state. They include depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders. Their prevalence numbers are in the millions worldwide.
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The Less-Known Narcissism
Vulnerable narcissism is one of two core expressions of pathological narcissism. The grandiose narcissist makes their accomplishments known, feels entitled to the admiration of others, actively manipulates people to get what they want, has fantasies of unearned power, and explodes with anger when they don’t get their way.
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