Articles by Gene Beresin

October 2, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Talking to Kids About Natural Disasters (The Weather Channel)

Over the past month, the devastation of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria has topped the headlines and media outlets. The earthquake in Mexico has shocked the world. These events have shaken countless individuals, families, and communities, including our children. While natural disasters, like terrorist attacks, are rare and terrifying, they raise additional concerns for our […]

September 11, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

When Teens Talk of Suicide: What You Need to Know

Suicide can be a scary topic to think or talk about. Yet, suicide is often preventable when family members, friends, and entire communities know what signs to look for in a young person, when to worry, and what to do upon any concerns. The multi-media resources on this page share information to help you in […]

September 10, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Older Not Wiser: Senior High School Drivers Take More Risks Than Younger Teens According to New Study

Back to school. For seniors, it’s often a stressful time as they prepare for a new era in life after high school, but also one of enthusiasm as they feel a greater sense of confidence and autonomy. It’s also a time parents worry more – about their teens’ future and about risky behaviors. And while […]

September 8, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

School Refusal: When Back-to-School Is a Struggle

Jump to: Ways to Help Most school-age kids are typically eager to head back to school after a break. Sure, they’ll miss their vacation, but the prospect of seeing friends again, moving up a grade, or even having a new teacher can be exciting. Yet, for a few kids, it’s a nightmare. And when children […]

August 3, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

In Memoriam: Landon T. Clay, 1926-2017

Every year, Steve Schlozman and I travel on behalf of the Clay Center to speak with the 1,400 kids at Lake Wales High School. We really look forward to this event. As much as we enjoy our relationship with the high school students and staff, the highlight of this annual excursion is staying with the […]

June 8, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

When Kids Leave Home: Part 1

This is the first blog post in a two-part series on adolescents’ transition to the “real world.” To view the second blog post, click here.  Intro music written and performed by Dr. Gene Beresin. Outro music arranged and performed by Dr. Gene Beresin. If the end of high school senior year is upon you, it means […]

May 12, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

John Oliver On Mental Health

In the clip above from Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Oliver masterfully speaks to the serious misunderstandings and poor care associated with mental illness in the U.S. today.  While the segment clearly uses humor in clever and captivating ways, his many points tell it like it is: Mental illness is a huge problem facing […]

May 9, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Pediatric Visit? Don’t Forget About Mental Health

The Clay Center is an educational and informational outlet only, and so we do not provide clinical services or referrals for treatment. However, many of our partners here at MGH do. Naturally, one of our biggest partners related to child and adolescent health is the MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC), which provides treatment and services for children […]

May 8, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Are Parents Good Role Models for Teen Drivers?

Parents. Is this scenario familiar? You’re driving the kids home from school. As always, there’s plenty to do, plenty on your mind. Maybe you’re upset because your boss is making some stupid demand that you need to review. You stop at a red light, grab your phone, and check your email, scrolling as fast as […]

April 10, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Music For Autism Is Music For All: Reshaping And Expanding A Disability-Friendly Space

Intro and outro music written and performed by Dr. Gene Beresin.   Linda Rodgers Emory, daughter of the great American composer Richard Rodgers, writes in one of her poems that, “Music for Autism is music for you!” She is the Honorary Chair of the Music for Autism Board of Directors, so it is no small […]