Understanding Processing Disorders: How They Affect Learning and Daily Life

on February 20, 2025 at 4:13 PM /

A processing disorder is a condition that affects the way the brain receives, interprets, and responds to information. It can impact learning, communication, and daily functioning. Unlike general learning disabilities, processing disorders specifically affect how sensory information—such as sounds, sights, and touch—is understood and processed by the brain. They are not related to intelligence but can cause significant struggles in school, work, and social settings. Recognizing the signs early can help individuals, including gifted children, receive the appropriate support and interventions. Types of Processing Disorders Processing disorders can affect different sensory pathways, leading to various challenges. The most common types include: Auditory Processing...

When to See a Child Psychologist in Tampa: Signs Your Child May Need Support

By Rice Psychology Group

on February 20, 2025 at 3:46 PM /

Children experience many emotions and challenges as they grow, but some struggles may require professional intervention. A child psychologist can help address emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns to ensure your child’s well-being. As a parent, you may wonder whether your child’s behavior is part of normal development or if professional support is needed. Understanding key warning signs can help you make the best decision for their mental health. Signs Your Child May Need a Child Psychologist If your child is experiencing persistent emotional or behavioral struggles, therapy may be beneficial. Some common signs include: Intense anxiety or fears that interfere with daily life. ...

Navigating Your Child’s Psychological Evaluation: What Comes Next?

By Rice Psychology Group

on February 11, 2025 at 10:36 AM /

Therapist

By Amanda M. Cosgriff, Ph.D., BCBA & Licensed School Psychologist After an extensive search for a psychologist, providing background information, answering seemingly endless questions, undergoing hours of testing, and waiting weeks for results, you finally receive the call to schedule your feedback meeting. During this meeting, the psychologist explains the evaluation results, outlines your child’s learning profile, and, if applicable, provides a diagnosis. You leave thinking, “We finally have an explanation—now we can move forward.” However, over the next couple of days you may start to feel overwhelmed. Where do you begin? How do you take the next steps? If this sounds...

Psychologists Tampa Diagnosis: Tips to Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Concerns

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 15, 2024 at 1:20 PM /

Therapist

I learned a long time ago that diagnosis informs treatment. I can credit Harold Koplowitz, MD, founder of the Child Mind Institute, for that gem. Many people come to me wanting a psychologists Tampa diagnosis, while others specifically do not want a diagnosis. Either way, everyone wants an understanding of what's wrong and how to make it better. That is what I believe we do best at Rice Psychology Group. We Offer Individualized Care I have recently been doing comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for elementary and middle school kids. While I don't love writing reports I do love the process of coming up with...

Yes, You Can Survive This Valentine’s Day

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 10, 2023 at 11:42 AM /

Therapist

If you have recently walked through a grocery store, you have already seen it. There are hearts, candies, and romantic gifts everywhere. While this time of year is a celebration of love of every kind – romantic, platonic, self-love, etc., this holiday has placed a silent but immense pressure on many people. Everywhere you look, you’re being encouraged to spend hundreds of dollars on elaborate gifts and perform over-the-top gestures to prove your love. (Thanks, social media!) If you’re single, you may have been made to feel as if you should have a significant other this day. Rice Psychology Group wants you...

Weathering the Storm: How You Can Ease Your Storm-Related Anxiety

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 30, 2022 at 12:00 PM /

As we recently watched Hurricane Ian make landfall in Florida, these storms not only impact our homes, and our safety, but can negatively impact our mental health. Anxiety and overwhelming fear about what is happening, especially if you have experienced weather-emergencies before, is common. If you struggle with anxiety or depression brought on by past events or can’t seem to calm your nerves every time storm season rolls through, then you aren’t alone. Our licensed Tampa psychologists and therapists are here to help by providing some clarity on how to maintain good mental health during hurricane season. Be Prepared Unlike our friends on...

9/11: Managing Your Emotions

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 9, 2022 at 1:28 PM /

Most of us remember exactly where we were on September 11th, 2001. To many, it seems like yesterday when we were learning about those devastating attacks and now it’s odd to even think that there are adults who weren't even born yet. This weekend will mark the 23rd anniversary of this tragic event, and the mental health effects for those who were there and even for those of us who were watching it on the news, continues to linger on. Mentally letting go of the fear, anxiety, and depression caused by such an event isn’t easy. Fortunately, it can be managed,...

Helping Your Kids Unplug and Socialize

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 7, 2022 at 11:15 AM /

Therapist

Last week, on my way to work, I passed a group of middle school kids on a corner all standing around talking with an older woman in a wheelchair. She might have been one of the kids’ grandmothers, but I’m not sure. It just warmed my heart to see the kids all interacting with each other, smiling and not on their phones. This was in contrast to what I saw a few days later in my neighborhood. There was another group of similar aged kids standing about 15 feet apart from each other, all looking kind of forlorn, in their...

Monitor Your Mood: Staying Positive in a Not So Positive World

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 17, 2022 at 10:00 PM /

2020 was a hard year. So was 2021. Unfortunately, on some days it seems 2022 is continuing this unwanted trend. It’s as if you can’t turn on the news without hearing about a new health crisis, act of violence or the downward spiral of our economy. Turning to social media to take your mind off things isn’t much help either. While it can be nice to watch a funny video or look at pictures from your friend’s summer vacation, the negative stories are there too. Not to mention the constant bickering and horrible comments that seem to be the norm...

Testing & Assessments – Are You Getting What You Deserve?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 27, 2022 at 10:09 PM /

Would you like to know what makes me angry? When I learn that a child was brought to a psychologist for an evaluation because they had a reading problem—and the psychologist gives their favorite tests - and in the end doesn’t make a diagnosis or reach a conclusion that addresses the reading problem. Perhaps they don’t make a diagnosis because they don’t think the child’s scores are low enough, or they don’t have enough training in Dyslexia and other reading disorders, or they believe they have to wait until the child receives more instruction before they can be diagnosed. So,...