Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder and OCD: Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
Interventions shown to be highly effective in treating symptoms of autism are already limited, but the options shrink even further in the presence of anxiety comorbidities, particularly obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Research has been focused not only on identifying a specific anxiety disorder in children and adolescents with autism, but also in distinguishing between the symptoms of each disorder and how to treat each disorder. Read more ›
National data indicates that about one-third of teenagers will experience an anxiety disorder, with 8 percent seriously impaired. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that these numbers, higher than in decades past, reflect a real increase, not just a rise in reporting. 
For parents, childcare providers, and early educators, new research describes a simple and powerful way to build children’s brains: talk with them, early and often. 
There are days (okay, maybe a lot of days) where we feel like we’re constantly saying “don’t” and “no.” It’s our job as parents to set and enforce boundaries and to keep our children safe. Our children also need to hear us say things will make them feel good about themselves— things that can lift their spirits and sustain them in good times and bad. 
How can we help the children in schools across the country who, in the wake of another school shooting, struggle to cope with feelings of fear, confusion and uncertainty? 
Only about 50 percent of adolescents with depression 
Harold S. Koplewicz, MD
In a recent poll that asked tens of thousands of high school students how often they feel stressed, nearly 45% said “all the time,” citing relationships and teachers as the primary reasons why. “How often are you stressed,” was one of the four questions asked in the stress and mental health awareness poll hosted by the social network After School. 
When children are chronically anxious, even the most well-meaning parents can fall into a negative cycle and, not wanting a child to suffer, actually exacerbate the youngster’s anxiety. It happens when parents, anticipating a child’s fears, try to protect her from them. 
As parents and teachers, you are the first line of support for kids and teens. It’s important for you to have an open line of communication with them and build a sense of trust. When your kids and teens are having difficulties, you want them to feel comfortable turning to you for help. 
