Navigating Your Child’s Psychological Evaluation: Part 2

on February 25, 2025 at 4:09 PM /

Testing and Assessment

By. Amanda M. Cosgriff, Ph.D., BCBA & Licensed School Psychologist When you search for the term “recommendation” online, it is defined as “a suggestion or proposal as to the best course of action.” Psychological assessment reports typically include a long list of recommendations—some may feel too vague, while others might seem overwhelming or excessively detailed. This can make it difficult for the adults in the child’s life to determine the best path forward. What Should I Do with the Recommendations? Ultimately, the decision to implement recommendations rests with the parent and educational team (e.g., teacher, school administrators, tutors). While these recommendations are not...

Understanding Processing Disorders: How They Affect Learning and Daily Life

By Rice Psychology Group

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. ...

Supporting Your Child While Taking Care of Yourself: A Parent’s Guide to Self-Care

By Rice Psychology Group

on February 13, 2025 at 4:35 PM /

Parenting is an extraordinary journey filled with love, joy, and challenges. As a parent, it's easy to get caught up in the daily hustle of caring for your child—managing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, doctor's appointments, and household responsibilities. Yet, in the whirlwind of these duties, it's essential to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your child. The happier and healthier you are both mentally and physically, the better equipped you'll be to support your child in their own growth and development. In this blog, our team of licensed psychologists in Tampa explore practical tips...

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...

What Does It Mean To Raise A Resilient Child?

By Rice Psychology Group

on January 14, 2025 at 6:11 PM /

Skills Development

Every parent wants their child to thrive in life. They want them to be independent, strong, and able to bounce back from whatever life may throw their way. But what does that really mean? If you’re raising your child to be resilient, what traits are you instilling in them? What are you actually teaching them? Resilience is one of those words that is often misconstrued, and when taught to a child in the wrong way, it can inadvertently hurt their mental health rather than help it. At Rice Psychology Group, we understand that learning to cope and push through life’s toughest...

Clearing the Hurdles: Living with ADHD

By Rice Psychology Group

on October 30, 2024 at 3:19 PM /

ADHD
Blog

By Dr. Wendy Rice If you’ve ever wondered whether ADHD is a real condition, let me assure you it is. The forgetfulness and absentmindedness can be just as frustrating for those who have it as they are for the people around us. A bit about me: I’m a competitive adult amateur equestrian. Due to my family situation, I couldn't compete much as a child. I rode whenever possible but never envisioned owning my horse or qualifying for a national year-end final. I’ve been working incredibly hard on both my physical and mental fitness. I've pushed through fears, anxieties, and physical limitations, all to...

Let’s Discuss Hurricane Fatigue

By Rice Psychology Group

on October 18, 2024 at 2:08 PM /

Floridians are exhausted. In less than two weeks,, hurricanes Helene and Milton made their way through Florida, leaving widespread damage behind. We know that some have lost absolutely everything and have to start their lives over. Others have their homes but are missing parts of their roofs or are dealing with the aftermath of flooding. And too many homes and businesses are still without power. And while the recovery and repairs of property are already underway, many are trying to figure out how to repair their mental health as well. The feelings of anxiety, stress and exhaustion that can come before, during...

Parents and Mental Health: Taking Care of Yourself During a Crisis

By Rice Psychology Group

on September 12, 2024 at 9:31 AM /

Parenting

It’s not easy being a parent, especially in today’s world. It seems as if there is one tragedy after another. Each day is filled with worries that parents of the previous generation didn’t have to bother themselves with. One of the biggest issues parents have to worry about today is their children’s safety at school. Unfortunately, every parent’s worst nightmare once again came to light by the horrific events that recently took place at Apalachee High School in Georgia. When a crisis like this occurs, most parents immediately focus on their family and their children’s needs. And while this is exactly...

Advice from Our Tampa Therapists: Youth Sports – Mostly Harmful or Helpful?

By Rice Psychology Group

on August 8, 2024 at 9:51 AM /

Skills Development

As the back-to-school season is ramping up, so is the upcoming season of youth sports. While it can seem incredibly chaotic and overwhelming to think about your child rushing to practice after a full day of school, the reality is it’s more than likely helping them far more than it is hurting them. Why do we say that? There are several reasons why our Tampa therapists believe putting your child on a sports team can be beneficial to their mental well-being, which we will explain, however, we also believe it can be good for the parents and your relationship with your...