By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist
At Rice Psychology in Tampa, FL, we work with many young people who struggle with learning and attention issues. In order to provide the best service to those clients, I am always on the look out for new information, therapies, treatments, breakthroughs, etc. and recently, it seems I’ve hit quite a jackpot of resources.
My favorite thing about these resources? They aren’t just for Psychologists and Therapists. They are available to everyone to educate and help you with the challenges of your child’s mental health!
Dealing with the struggles of learning and attention issues can be difficult for young people. Let us help your loved ones take the first step in the right direction.
Children with Mental Heatlth, Behavior, Learning and/or Attention Struggles:
Understood – Fifteen (yes 15!) nonprofit organizations have now joined their collective brilliant minds to create a most wonderful website designed to support parents who are supporting kids who struggle with learning and attention issues. They called it simply “Understood” (www.understood.org) and, this is their mission:
“Our goal is to help the millions of parents whose children, ages 3–20, are struggling with learning and attention issues. We want to empower them to understand their children’s issues and relate to their experiences. With this knowledge, parents can make effective choices that propel their children from simply coping to truly thriving.”
Child Mind Institute- Another gem, The Child Mind Institute (www.childmind.org), is devoted to “transforming mental health care for children everywhere.” They offer fantastic short videos and articles explaining practically anything one could ever want to know about young people and mental health. It was co-founded by one of my mentors, Dr. Harold Koplewicz, author of It’s Nobody’s Fault and many other books and articles.
Lives In the Balance – Do you have, know or work with any challenging kids? Are you tired of behavior charts, taking things away and explosive temper tantrums? Do you struggle with children who are inflexible, easily frustrated and very emotional? If so, it is time to check out Lives in the Balance (www.livesinthebalance.org) or read one of Dr. Ross Greene’s books, The Explosive Child or Lost in School. His thinking that children would if they could (as opposed to the idea that they don’t because they don’t wanna) is a radical shift. Check out his videos, articles and other resources to learn more.
Dyslexia and Other Reading Disorders
Learning Ally – For kids who struggle with reading we often recommend audio books. Learning Ally (www.learningally.org) is a great resource to help blind, visually impaired, and dyslexic students succeed. We don’t routinely work with those who have marked vision impairments, but we do work with students who have dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities and have found this to be a wonderful resource.
Headstrong Nation – We also love the work done by Ben Foss who founded Headstrong Nation (www.headstrongnation.org) because he is all about empowering kids and adults with dyslexia.
Yale Center for Dyslexia – One more for out of the box thinkers when it comes to dyslexia is The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity (www.dyslexia.yale.edu). Their mission is :to uncover and illuminate the strengths of those with dyslexia, disseminate the latest innovations from scientific research and practical advice, and transform the treatment of children and adults with dyslexia.”
ADD and ADHD Related Challenges:
ADDitude Magazine – This fantastic print and online magazine (www.additudemag.com) has short, very readable articles geared to help people of every age who are affected by ADHD including parents, adults with ADD or ADHD, teachers who work with kids, and even some articles that are geared directly at teens. They have the country’s best professionals on their editorial board and providing articles as featured authors.
Families Struggling with Challenges Related to Autism Spectrum and Other Related or Sensory Disorders:
Nike – Yes, it seems an unlikely pairing but, a trending article online right now involves a very cool pair of sneakers, created by Nike, at the suggestion of a boy with cerebral palsy who struggles with motor coordination. He was over having to ask friends and family to help him tie his shoes and, with the help of Nike, he did something about it. You can read all about the Flyease Shoe here: http://huff.to/1gyhAaT
Independence Day Clothing – They say that necessity is the mother of invention, right? So, here is a great clothing line (www.independencedayclothing.com) for kids and adults who struggle with getting dressed, turning their clothes right side out, and getting them on the right way. It is ideal for those with sensory integration problems, sensitivity to tags and fabrics (I hate tags!) and folks on the autism spectrum who may struggle with basic daily functions.
StimTastic – If you or your child constantly needs stimuli of some type this “Stim” shop (www.stimtastic.co) offers a wide array of toys, jewelry and more to help. Founded by Cynthia Kim, a person with autism, the goal for the company is to “become a community of celebration of stimming” and, 10% of all proceeds are given back to the autistic community through donations and direct charity to individuals in need.
Making Strides with your Young Ones in Mind
At Rice Psychology Group, we know your child’s development is invaluable to your family. Let us help you and your loved ones take the first step in the journey for improved development and behavioral health. Our psychologists are determined to evaluate the issue and help with the right course of action. Contact us in Tampa today for more information.
Do you have a resource we can add to our list? Sometimes some of the best websites and information come from our patients. We would love it if you’d share it in the comments below.
