Scotch Plains Highlights Written by: Rory Panter Each year at HI-STEP Scotch Plains, we have a week dedicated specifically to helping others. Our goal is to help our students develop their own sense of empathy while assisting others in the community. Throughout the week, we discussed the idea of “charity” and why it is important…
The Autism-OCD Connection Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have an increased risk of experiencing a number of anxiety disorders. In particular, OCD and High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder have a high comorbidity (37% or higher). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is diagnosed by the presence of obsessions (unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges) that…
As the numbers of children identified as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have increased in recent years, obtaining a comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluation and accurate diagnosis has become even more critical. Embarking on the assessment process can seem overwhelming for parents of a child who is experiencing significant developmental delays, including social, behavioral,…
What is Social and Emotional Learning? Social and emotional learning is a complex process in which children and adults acquire and utilize skills that are necessary to interact with oneself and others in a positive manner. Core competencies for individuals to learn include managing one’s emotions, setting and achieving positive life goals, establishing and maintaining…
The sun is setting and all you can think about is “Not another bedtime!” The yelling and crying last night was enough to last a week. Just when you thought you were in the clear, you hear calls from your child’s bedroom after he wakes up and cannot fall back to sleep. Bedtime can be…
At this time, let’s revisit the question presented at the beginning. Recall the exasperated parent asking, “Why can’t you just do what I told you to do?” On the surface, it appears that the difference lies between hearing and listening. Hearing involves the registration of sound waves through the eardrum which stimulates particular parts of…
To help move from abstract concepts to skills, let’s look at impulsivity. Impulsivity can be looked at as a deficit in inhibition and impulse control, otherwise known as delayed gratification. Delayed gratification is waiting for a larger or higher quality reward in lieu of a lower quality, smaller reward. Identifying delayed gratification brings about behavior…
Overall, ADHD symptoms suggest difficulties with executive functioning, and may highlight that ADHD is partially a disorder of executive functioning. Executive functioning consists of three areas: working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. Working memory is where information is manipulated or transformed in conscious awareness. Working memory is utilized if you are recalling a mental…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) most recent survey data in 2011, there were 8.8% of children ages 4 to 17 diagnosed with ADHD, which was an increase from 2007, with 7.2% of children diagnosed with ADHD. Males are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD in both children and adults compared to…
An Assessment of ADHD Symptoms How we diagnose ADHD symptoms Assessment of children suspected of ADHD should be conducted according to best practice. This includes gathering medical, developmental, social, and educational information, reviewing educational and medical records, in addition to previous evaluations, interviewing parents, teachers, other professionals who have worked with the child, and, when…