Join other parents on a Special Journey and exploration of a parent-friendly book on Sunday, May 21, 6:30 pm. 

The book is: "UNIQUELY HUMAN:

A DIFFERENT WAY OF SEEING AUTISM”

 by Barry M. Prizant, PhD.

 This book is for parents and caregivers who have children with Autism and other challenging behaviors. The group will discuss a different perspective and approach to these behaviors. If you need assistance acquiring the book, please let us know. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please register with Norma at norma@ascfamily.org

 or text her 973 5341557;

or contact Julie at Julie@ascfamily.org 

or call her at 973-728-8744.

Mental health conditions are very common. Research shows that 1 in 6 youth/adolescents will experience a mental health condition in any given time. Additionally, 50% of all lifetime mental health conditions begin before the age of 14 and 75% start before the age of 24. However, identifying warning signs or symptoms and seeking treatment early can make a difference in reducing the impact of a mental health condition.

To be able to provide the best possible care for your children’s mental health, it is helpful to be aware of what to look for, when to worry and how to respond.

Children go through developmental phases that include changes in emotions, thoughts and behavior. Most of the time, these are typical periods in development, such as the “terrible twos” when children usually have trouble separating and experience “melt-downs,” which is a stark contrast to one year olds who are not as troubled by exploring their world.

When teenagers give you the cold shoulder, shut down or “snap” at you, they may be trying, as teens should, to become their own individuals. During this time, they’re developing their personal identities and breaking away from the family. Again, this is typical behavior. But when this type of situation persists or begins causing difficulty in their daily life, it may be a symptom of a mental health condition. This is the time to intervene. Go to the following link for more information.

https://nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Kids

Talking to Toddlers

Talking to toddlers — and getting them to actually listen — is not easy. What can parents do to help?

Giving clear, easy-to-follow directions is important: “Pick up the ball. Now put it in the box.” The clearer the directions, the more likely your child is to follow them. Kids do best when they know what to expect, so “five more minutes” should mean five more minutes, period. 

Toddlers don’t have much control over their lives (and that’s a good thing!). But giving kids small choices can help them feel like you’re taking their needs seriously. For example, when it’s time to get dressed you could say: “Do you want to wear your tiger shirt or your dinosaur shirt?”  

A big reaction to bad behavior can send the message that acting out is a good way to get attention. Instead, praise behaviors you do want to see. And try to respond calmly when kids are being difficult. There are going to be times where you lose your cool, and that’s okay. Use them as a chance to model healthy emotional habits for your child. “I’m sorry I got mad. Next time I’ll try to be more patient.” 

 Showing your child that you care how they feel and helping them put words to emotions can reduce tantrums. And it can make it easier for them to explain their feelings more clearly next time. This can be as simple as saying: “I know you want that cookie right now. It’s hard when you don’t get what you want. I’m sorry you’re mad.”  

You come home from a walk and tell your toddler, “Okay, time to put your shoes away.” Seems pretty straightforward, right? Not if you’re two.

Toddler communication is its own special language, one that isn’t always intuitive for parents. We asked our experts what parents can do to make talking to toddlers more effective and less fraught. As the mother of an almost-three-year-old I was pretty eager to hear what they had to say. For more tips in this article copy, paste and click on link below 

https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-toddlers/

Rae Jacobson, Rae Jacobson is a writer, ADHD expert, and former senior editor at the Child Mind Institute. This article was last reviewed or updated on March 3, 2023

TUESDAY, May 9, 2023

7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Parent Circle Time

Transitioning from Early Intervention:

Exploring Preschool and Next Steps

1. Understand what “transition” means in Early Intervention

 2. Discuss the process of transitioning from Early Intervention to Special Education and other available options.

3. Review tools and resources you can use to prepare yourself and your child for the transition

 Link to register: https://rb.gy/trgav

Presenters: Amanda Villamar and Cindy Weber, Early Childhood Training and TA Specialists

 For Questions Contact:

Amanda or Cindy at avillamar@spanadvocacy.org or cweber@spanadvocacy.org

The Parent Circles are presented monthly and are in English and Spanish.