Articles containing: social skills

A Closer Look at Autism

Autism, more formally referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), are conditions where individuals struggle with social relationships and communication. People with autism also often face challenges in handling changes to their normal routines, or attempts to expand their usually narrow range of interests.

Shy Kids: Understanding Them and Helping Them Thrive

Some degree of shyness is normal and common in all children. For most, it’s a healthy cautiousness in reaction to a novel social encounter.

Here’s an example:

At a neighborhood barbeque, 4-year-old Tommy wouldn’t show his face, and buried his head in his mom’s skirt behind her. Mom gently encouraged him.

Processing Speed in Social Relationships

This post is one in a multi-part series from Dr. Braaten entitled Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up.

Learning Over The Summer

When parents of school-aged kids think about summer vacations, what would you expect their favorite part to be?  Taking the kids to the beach?  Sleeping in late?  Foregoing the school year’s rigid schedule?  Nope.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Testing?

Jim’s mom was frantic when she called me.  Jim had been having difficulty in school since the end of kindergarten, at which point it was clear he still didn’t recognize all the letters of the alphabet.  He continued to struggle in first and second grade, getting some extra help from the reading specialist.