All the Pieces

Autism

When Autism Parents Are Hesitant to Share the Diagnosis

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on December 5, 2016

How inappropriate speculation related to Donald Trump’s son, highlights the concerns of many parents of children with autism about how and when to share their child’s diagnosis.

How inappropriate speculation related to Donald Trump’s son, highlights the concerns of many parents of children with autism about how and when to share their child’s diagnosis.

Autism

Back to School, Back to Stress: 5 Tips for Autism Parents

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on August 11, 2016

For many parents of children with autism and special needs, the days and weeks leading to “Back to School” can be extremely nerve-wracking.

For many parents of children with autism and special needs, the days and weeks leading to “Back to School” can be extremely nerve-wracking.

Autism

Don’t Miss the Rainbow Searching for a Pot of Gold

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on March 14, 2016

A St. Patrick’s Day reminder that all victories are lucky charms

A St. Patrick’s Day reminder that all victories are lucky charms

Autism

Autism Parents: You Didn’t Win Powerball but That’s OK

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on January 14, 2016

You might not be a new billionaire, but you wouldn’t want to spend $1.5b on new autism therapy options anyway.

You might not be a new billionaire, but you wouldn’t want to spend $1.5b on new autism therapy options anyway.

Motivation

Treat Your New Year’s Resolution Like Your Child's IEP Goals

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on January 3, 2016

Keeping the same standards from your child’s IEP goals can help you set realistic and attainable new year’s resolutions.

Keeping the same standards from your child’s IEP goals can help you set realistic and attainable new year’s resolutions.

Stress

The New Date Night: Dinner and...Therapy?

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on November 18, 2015

With date nights occurring so rarely, many couples want to take advantage of their limited time together. They may want to talk, but forget how. Therapy can provide a safe, sympathetic and constructive environment where couples can express their wants and needs within a relationship, relieving the expectation to tackle each issue while they are in a more social setting.

With date nights occurring so rarely, many couples want to take advantage of their limited time together. They may want to talk, but forget how. Therapy can provide a safe, sympathetic and constructive environment where couples can express their wants and needs within a relationship, relieving the expectation to tackle each issue while they are in a more social setting.

Autism

Do “Autism Parents” Face Increased Stigma for Mental Health?

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on July 27, 2015

Despite the fact that mental health is centrally tied to our overall well-being, parents of children with autism may find themselves not only combating the general public’s shared stigma related to mental illness and therapeutic services, but must also contend with additional challenges in overcoming the stigmatization of supporting their own psychological needs.

Despite the fact that mental health is centrally tied to our overall well-being, parents of children with autism may find themselves not only combating the general public’s shared stigma related to mental illness and therapeutic services, but must also contend with additional challenges in overcoming the stigmatization of supporting their own psychological needs.

Autism

6 Tips for a Fun 4th of July for Parents of Kids With Autism

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on June 30, 2015

The 4th of July is a fun and exciting holiday filled with many amazing activities for your children. However, for some individuals with autism and their families, the crowded public spaces and the crack and shimmer of fireworks can be difficult and uncomfortable.

The 4th of July is a fun and exciting holiday filled with many amazing activities for your children. However, for some individuals with autism and their families, the crowded public spaces and the crack and shimmer of fireworks can be difficult and uncomfortable.

Autism

Do Warning Signs Apply to Parents of Kids With Autism?

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on June 10, 2015

Many parents of children with autism find themselves becoming accustomed to routine discomfort, and, as a result, may not acknowledge typical warning signs as an indication to seek outside support.

Many parents of children with autism find themselves becoming accustomed to routine discomfort, and, as a result, may not acknowledge typical warning signs as an indication to seek outside support.

OCD

When a Joke Raises Questions About Mental Health Awareness

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on May 29, 2015

As Mental Health Awareness month comes to a close, I hope that we can raise our acceptance and understanding of psychological conditions, whether they be related to OCD, depression, personality disorders or autism, and find something funnier to laugh about.

As Mental Health Awareness month comes to a close, I hope that we can raise our acceptance and understanding of psychological conditions, whether they be related to OCD, depression, personality disorders or autism, and find something funnier to laugh about.

Autism

Holiday Gift Guide for Parents of Children with Autism

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on December 18, 2014

Confused about what to get friends or family with a child with autism or special needs? Most of the time, they want what any other parent would like – a gift that shows you care.

Confused about what to get friends or family with a child with autism or special needs? Most of the time, they want what any other parent would like – a gift that shows you care.

Stress

5 Keep Cool Travel Tips for Parents of Children with Autism

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on December 10, 2014

Traveling with a child with special needs takes preparation and planning to help ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable for not only the child, but also the parents. Finding resources and strategies to remain calm can not only make the travel experience more enjoyable for you, but also your child.

Traveling with a child with special needs takes preparation and planning to help ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable for not only the child, but also the parents. Finding resources and strategies to remain calm can not only make the travel experience more enjoyable for you, but also your child.

Autism

5 Ways to Improve the Parent/Service Instructor Relationship

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on November 5, 2014

I spoke with direct staff members who provide in-home behavioral services to children with autism, to answer the question: What do you wish you could tell parents of children with autism about your time working with their child?

I spoke with direct staff members who provide in-home behavioral services to children with autism, to answer the question: What do you wish you could tell parents of children with autism about your time working with their child?

Autism

Need for Services for Parents of Children with Autism

Darren Sush Psy.D., BCBA-D on October 3, 2014

Parents of children with autism experience immense joy in sharing in the accomplishments and growth of their children. Unfortunately, with the stress and struggles of navigating the world of autism, a growing number of parents of children with autism find themselves physically and emotionally exhausted, and feeling as though they have nowhere to turn.

Parents of children with autism experience immense joy in sharing in the accomplishments and growth of their children. Unfortunately, with the stress and struggles of navigating the world of autism, a growing number of parents of children with autism find themselves physically and emotionally exhausted, and feeling as though they have nowhere to turn.