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Showing posts from March, 2023

Mental Health and Downtime by Kelly Jean Sullivan

        data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp -auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> Why downtime is important for mental health? Downtime   gives us time and space to enjoy our personal lives and get personal tasks done . It grants us time with family, friends, and our hobbies. On a brain level, it allows us to reach homeostasis and is a necessary break from the aroused state, Dr. Hanson says. What is downtime in mental health? This mental downtime — aka  when you're not actively focusing on and engaging in the outside world and are simply letting your mind wander or daydream  — helps your brain become reenergized and better able to deal. But Americans are getting less mental downtime than ever (and the same goes for sleep)

Autism and Pattern Seekers by Kelly Jean Sullivan

       data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> What is Baron-Cohen's theory of mind? Baron-Cohen develops a theory that draws on data from comparative psychology, from developmental, and from neuropsychology.  He argues that  specific neurocognitive mechanisms have evolved that allow us to mindread, to make sense of actions, to interpret gazes as meaningful, and to decode "the language of the eyes." How do autistic people think differently? Non-autistic people tend to assess concepts before details, also known as top-down thinking. Autistic people  take the opposite approach with bottom-up thinking and use details to build concepts . It may take longer to filter out sensory details with this approach, but you're les

Teacher Self Care Awareness by Kelly Jean Sullivan

      data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens   How do you teach teachers self-care? Practicing self-care: 5 tips for teachers Set and maintain boundaries. . Acknowledge moments of gratitude or joy. . Reflect on your feelings and needs. . Recognize what is and isn't in your control. . Use self-care routines throughout your day 6.art therapy 

Early Screening and autism by Kelly Jean Sullivan

      data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens What is early screening for autism traits? Type of Measure: Early Screening of Autistic Traits (ESAT) is  a primary screening checklist that was designed for infants 0-36 month(s) old . It is based on prominent early signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and was designed to be completed by parents/caregivers during well-baby visits. What is the earliest age to screen for autism? Doctors look at the child's developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at  18 months of age or younger . By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. What are the 3 main signs of autism? Common signs of autism in adults include:  finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling . getting very anxious about so

Brain and autism by Kelly Jean Sullivan

        data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> In the autistic brain, the brain  reduced connectivity, known as hypoconnectivity, allows weakly connected regions to drift apart, with sulci forming between them .” Research has shown the deeper theses sulcal pits are, the more language production is affecte

Mental Health and Social Media by Kelly Jean Sullivan

     data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> How is social media affecting mental health? However, multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an  increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts . Social media may promote negative experiences such as: Inadequacy about your life or appearance. The pros and cons of social media on mental health Pros – how social media keeps us connected. ... Fostering a friendly, helpful environment. ... Cons – when a picture doesn't tell the whole story. ... Increased impacts on mental health lead to a burgeoning self-harm crisis.

Autism Data 1-36 By Kelly Jean Sullivan

     data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens About 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. [ Read article ] ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. [ Read article ] ASD is more than 4 times more common among boys than among girls. [ Read article ] About 1 in 6 (17%) children aged 3–17 years were diagnosed with a developmental disability, as reported by parents, during a study period of 2009-2017. These included autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, blindness, and cerebral palsy, among others

OCD and Alcohol by Kelly Jean Sullivan

      data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> Can alcohol make your OCD worse? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, (OCD), is a common co-occurring disorder that is often present alongside alcoholism. The compulsions one feels seem to be lessened with the effects of alcohol; however,  alcohol actually can make compulsions become more intense . Is there a link between OCD and alcoholism? OCD has been associated with higher than average rates of drug or alcohol addiction , which can negatively impact the outcome of the disorder. People with OCD who misuse alcohol or drugs may have more severe obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Why you shouldn't drink with OCD? Using alcohol to cope with OCD symptoms  can lead to numerous health risks, includ

Magazine Collage Lesson Calmit19 By Kelly Jean Sullivan

    data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens •       Materials S •       white paper  Scissors •       Elmers  Glue sticks •      magazines for collage

Calming Music for autism by Kelly Jean Sullivan

      data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens What kind of music calms autism? If your autistic child is upset, angry or agitated, play  classical music  for him/her. Classical music has been shown to have a calming effect on children of all ages with all different challenges. Can music therapy help with autism? Research has shown that music therapy can help children develop or improve skills like shared attention, communication and play.  It might help autistic children and children with intellectual disabilities more than typically developing children

Art Therapy and Autism by Kelly Jean Sullivan

        data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens H <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> ow does art therapy help autism? Art therapy  allows children with ASD to recognise and control their emotions in a structured situation . Many individuals on the autism spectrum have a lack of impulse control and can be easily overstimulated. Art therapy helps participants to identify trigger situations and develop coping mechanisms

Sleep Benefits and the Brain By Kelly Jean Sullivan

      data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens Does your brain work better with more sleep? Without sleep, you can't form or maintain the pathways in your brain that let you learn and create new memories, and it's harder to concentrate and respond quickly What lack of sleep does to the brain? Sleep deprivation makes us moody and irritable, and  impairs brain functions such as memory and decision-making . It also negatively impacts the rest of the body – it impairs the functioning of the immune system, for example, making us more susceptible to infection

Fun Self Care Activates for Teachers by Kelly Jean Sullivan

       data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> Drink herbal tea Read a good book Go for a walk Make time for your own family Schedule time for self-care activities Give yourself the best gift from time to time Visit a  holistic chiropractor  regularly Go for a swim Deep breathing Start a  no-till garden Try out a new face mask Use your personal time Listen to your favorite podcast Subscribe to your  favorite teacher self-care box Learn a new mindfulness practice Have alone time Go for a bike ride Get away on a  holiday break Set boundaries Plan for  healthy lunches at work Invite family members out to dinner Have a salon or spa day Play an instrument Binge watch your favorite shows Spend time coloring (there are lots of cool adult co

Homeschooling Children with autism by Kelly Jean Sullivan

        data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens Is homeschool good for autistic child? Pros of Homeschooling for Children with Autism The learning environment has fewer distractions and fewer stressors . If a student has been dealing with bullies in school, homeschooling provides a safe haven. All aspects of education can be individualized to fit the student's needs. Tips for Homeschooling Your Child with ASD Work with topic fixations. ... Share your power as the authority figure with your child. ... Encourage real-world socialization. ... Incorporate physical exercise. ... Stick to your schedule, but take frequent breaks. ... Know when to ask for help

Self care for Art Teachers By Kelly Jean Sullivan

     data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens So what might self-care look like for an art teacher?   Let's keep it simple with a few of these suggestions. Make art. As art teachers and artists, we know art is naturally therapeutic. ... Do something for someone else. Yes, self-care should be for you. ... Take a nap. ... Prepare a homemade meal. ... Unplug

Autism diagnosis By Kelly Jean Sullivan

     data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens How is the DSM-5 used to diagnose autism? DSM-5-TR criteria for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Professionals diagnose autism spectrum disorder  on the basis of difficulties in 2 areas – 'social communication', and 'restricted, repetitive and/or sensory behaviors  or interests' .

Benefits of Nature and Mental Health By Kelly Jean Sullivan

    data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration . Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety

Teacher Burnout by Kelly Jean Sullivan

      data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens These seven methods are all proven to help prevent teacher burnout: Stay healthy. Indulge in personal time. Talk to your colleagues. Recognize what you do well. Prepare ahead of schedule. Leave schoolwork at school. Make yourself a priority.

Autism and Sleep By Kelly Jean Sullivan

     data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens How does autism affect sleep? Autistic children can have particular sleep and settling difficulties, including:  irregular sleeping and waking patterns  – for example, lying awake until very late or waking very early in the morning. sleeping much less than expected for their age, or being awake for more than an hour during the night.

Crayon Resist Watercolor Lesson By Kelly Jean Sullivan

    data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <amp-auto-ads type="adsens •       materials •       Several pictures of brightly colored tropical fish •       Practice (scrap) drawing paper •       Fat Crayola markers •       8x12 white paper •         Crayola Crayons (light colors) •       Watercolor paints •       Watercolor brushes (small and large) •       Water container