Hello!
Finally, after years of monthly distributions, we are highlighting my husband and co-owner of MFS in this newsletter! I even included a few fun facts about him that not too many people know!
In addition to information on ADHD (check out the free Zoom presentation TONIGHT) and Dyslexia, get some expert pumpkin carving tips and see how you do with our Halloween Trivia questions!!
All my best,
Dr. Pam McCaskill
734-416-9098
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McCaskill Family Services Newsletter
Term: Fall| Issue 22| October 26th, 2021
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October is more than just a time for pumpkins and candy, it's also Dyslexia and ADHD awareness month!
Did you know that when left untreated ADHD and Dyslexia can lead to other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, school drop out or unemployment. Unfortunately, ADHD and Dyslexia often go unnoticed since many individuals who are struggling with other mental health disorders don't realize that the chronic stress of these conditions could be the root of the problem. What's the main point here? Receiving a proper diagnoses is important.
Think about it this way: When you need a directory to help you navigate, there has to be a "You are here" mark in order to orient yourself. Why? Because without knowing where you are, you can't know where you need to go or the most effective path to take to get there. Think of a diagnosis the same way.
Dr. John McCaskill is a leading expert when it comes to diagnosing Dyslexia. With over 25 years of experience, he knows a thing or two about Learning Disabilities. Click below to read his article about the Top Ten Early Warning Signs for Dyslexia.
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At McCaskill Family Services, we specialize in working with children and adults who are struggling with ADHD, Learning disabilities, and co-occurring mood symptoms. If your family or someone you know could benefit from our services, please contact us. Our clinicians are trained in empirically-based techniques, and would be happy to promptly schedule an appointment in person or via tele-health. We can be reached by phone at 734-416-9098 or by email at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com.
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Halloween Trivia & Pumpkin Perfection |
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- In what country did Halloween originate?
- Out of what vegetables were Jack O' Lanterns originally made from?
- Who wrote the novel Frankenstein?
- What is the significance of seeing a spider on Halloween?
- How much money does the US spend on pet costumes for Halloween annually?
- Complete this lyric, "I was working in the lab late one night......
- What is the color order for a piece of candy corn from small tip to bottom?
- Besides sucking blood, what do vampires and bats have in common
- Pumpkins can be white, orange, green, and what other color?
- Every Halloween, Charlie Brown helps his friend Linus wait for what character to appear?
Answers at the end of the newsletter!
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ADHD & Dyslexia Evaluations |
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ADHD and Dyslexia are often comorbid, meaning that many people whom have one, may have the other. Misdiagnosis of these disorders are often common in young children, gifted individuals, and those struggling with social and emotional problems. It's never too early or too late to seek testing and intervention.
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At MFS we specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations that can put the puzzle pieces together and provide you and your family with clarity, while getting you started on the road to successful intervention. |
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Dr. John McCaskill has received advanced training and attained specialization in the areas of developmental, child clinical psychology, and neuropsycho-educational testing/assessment via Children’s Hospital of Michigan. He has quite the resume! Click on the link under his photo for a more extensive background about his training, experience, expertise and presentations.
Before beginning the McCaskill practice, Dr. John previously worked as a Clinical/Pediatric Psychologist at William Beaumont Hospital’s Center for Human Development. He specializes in diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning for children, adolescents and adults with a wide variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, he works closely with school personnel for the consultation and integration of educational/therapeutic interventions; advocating and securing appropriate specialized educational services for those with ADHD, Dyslexia, etc.
We were able to snag his wife, Dr. Pamela McCaskill, to reveal some fun and interesting facts about John.. and it's an impressive and interesting list! Example? Dr. John has a black belt in karate and has studied martial arts for over 40 years!
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What you see: Difficulties with reading, perfectionism, communication errors, emotional dysregulation, adversity to school/conduct issues, low self-esteem, poor memory, attentional weaknesses, etc. (aka: the tip of the iceberg)
What's underneath: Dyslexia, ADHD, Specific Learning Disability, Autism, Mood Disorder, etc. (aka: the bigger issues)
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ADHD and Dyslexia Statistics |
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Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (12.9% compared to 5.6%).
About 5 out of 10 children present with a co-occurring behavioral or conduct problem.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends combined medication and behavioral therapy for children 6 years and above to treat ADHD.
9 out of 10 children receive school supports and academic accommodations for ADHD.
3.3 million children ages 12-17 were diagnosed with ADHD in 2016.
People with ADHD are generally more creative and "out of the box" thinkers than their non-ADHD counterparts.
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1 in 5 students have a language-based learning disability
30% of those have a comorbid diagnosis of ADHD.
25 % to 65% of children with dyslexia also have a parent with dyslexia.
Assistive Technology (audio book, speech to text, literacy suits) can be a helpful resource and intervention. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Reading "more" does not improve reading skills in those with Dyslexia. It requires them to read "differently".
Albert Einstein, Walt Disney, Steven Spielberg, George Bush, and Jim Carrey are just a few famous people with Dyslexia.
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Join a FREE ADHD Support Group |
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Newsletter Editor's Notes |
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Living Authentically
Halloween is all about dressing up as your favorite super hero, celebrity, or TV character. It can be fun to play a different part, hide within a costume, and live a different life, if only for a moment. One day a year, we can pretend to be someone different, someone we don't even know.
My challenge to you this month is in asking yourself if you play a different role or hide away from your true self more than you realize. On a daily basis, how often do we shy away from our truth or give in to societal pressures, versus how often do we own who we are and communicate with others what we truly believe in and need or want? How honest are we about our values, our actions, our faults, and our strengths? Do we even know these things about ourselves? Or are we just pretending? Are we guilty of not being our authentic selves?
With busy lives, we often devote little time to self-reflection. However, it is only in self-reflection and understanding ourselves that we can grow. Being in therapy is a beautiful way to aide in self-discovery; to help you understand your relationship & attachment patterns, areas of growth or opportunity, underlining values, thinking patterns, and emotional cues. Once we know these things about ourselves, the next brave step is how we communicate them with others, and begin applying them on a daily basis in order to create a life that we feel is purposeful.
In the spirit of "knowing where we are in order to know where we need to go" as I talked about earlier in the newsletter, I urge you to reflect on if psychotherapy is something that may be right for you. It is never too late, too early, and let's face it, we could all use a bit of extra support, no matter the circumstance.
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Cue the holiday season! I'm a masters level clinician at McCaskill Family Services who specializes in the treatment of OCD, anxiety, self-harm and eating disorders for all ages. I co-run the McCaskill Family Services DBT groups for teens and adults, and specialize in psychological assessment. I am also our monthly newsletter editor and social media manager!
I'd like to personally thank you for staying in touch with our practice, and hope you find this newsletter inspirational and informative. If you or someone you know would like to schedule an appointment with me, please contact our office at 734-416-9098 or email us at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com. I look forward to working with you!
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Halloween Trivia Answers:
- Ireland
- Turnips
- Mary Shelley
- The spider is thought to be the spirt of a deceased love one watching over you
- 500 million annually (half a billion!)
- "When my eyes beheld an eerie sight."
- White (tip) orange (middle) yellow (bottom)
- They only come out at night
- Blue
- The Great Pumpkin
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409 Plymouth Road, Suite 250, Plymouth, MI 48170 • 734.416.9098
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