This presentation by Dr. Joan Baran and Gina Baldi, MeD, focuses on the ways in which you can support a young child who is on the autism spectrum. Among the topics covered: what is needed for successful social interactions, facilitating one-on-one interaction, creating the environment and opportunities for interaction, and finding teachable moments. Read more ›
An Epi-Aid is an investigation of an urgent public health problem. The focus of Epi-Aids is to try to determine the cause(s) and/or extent of a specific health problem and to develop prevention and control recommendations. From 2009 through 2015, there were a number of suicides among incoming, current, or alumni members in one school district in Palo Alto, in Santa Clara County. In response, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requested assistance from the CDC to understand youth suicide in Santa Clara County and the affected cities and school districts.
The preliminary results of the research are presented in a slideshow prepared by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. Read more ›
Parents wonder what they could be doing to better help their kids navigate the sometimes-treacherous waters of their adolescent years. Fortunately, scientists who study teen depression have some preliminary advice.
By looking at new findings in neuroscience as well as other psychological research and longitudinal data, scientists are zeroing in on a better understanding of what impacts teen depression and how to prevent it. Here are some of the suggestions coming out of the science. Read more ›
The Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) is part of University of California at Berkeley’s Institute of Human Development, which has been an organized research unit of UC Berkeley since 1927. GGSC studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society. Read more ›
Adolescent Counseling Services teamed up with the Peninsula’s top mental health professionals to share their expertise on communication with teens.
Ninety-Nine Tips for Talking With Your Teenager is a free guidebook that offers practical, concrete tips written by local therapists skilled in helping parents of young people ages eleven to nineteen years old. Read more ›
What does it feel like to have a child with mental illness?
“When our daughter was diagnosed with OCD and clinical depression at age 12, we discussed treatment options with the psychiatrist. At first, we were wary of medication, as most parents are. “If your child had type 1 diabetes, wouldn’t you give her insulin?” the doctor asked. “This is a disease—in fact it’s a life threatening disease. Medication is required. And so is regular therapy.”
And that was the beginning of our journey to understanding that our daughter has an illness, it needs to be treated, and she requires ongoing special care.” Read more ›
Palo Alto psychiatrist Dr. Adam Strassberg provides suggestions to help us all “Keep Calm and Parent On” in an article published in Palo Alto Online. Read more ›
According to the CDC, as many as 70 percent of high school students do not get enough sleep.
For decades, information about the importance of sleep has been targeted at parents and school boards. But now, Stanford University’s Center for Sleep Sciences is attempting to tackle the issue by taking their message directly to teens. Read more ›
The Internet can be a wonderful resource for kids. They can use it to research school reports, communicate with teachers and other kids, and play interactive games. Kids who are old enough to swipe a screen can have access to the world. But that access can also pose hazards.
That’s why it’s important to be aware of what your kids see and hear on the Internet, who they meet, and what they share about themselves online. Read more ›
According to Larry Magid, technology journalist and CEO and co-founder of ConnectSafely.org, “…while it’s true that there are some privacy and security risks that are beyond our control, there is a lot we can do to protect ourselves.”
First and foremost, create strong passwords that are easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Read more ›
