Autism

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a developmental disability that contributes to challenges in socializing, communication and behavior. Children and teenagers with ASD may communicate, interact, behave and learn in different ways than is typical of most children and teenagers. ASD is a diagnostic term used for conditions that were previously diagnosed separately: pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 54 children have been identified with ASD in the United States. ASD is four times more common in boys than it is in girls.

Research has indicated that the autism population faces a higher mortality risk than the general population, with drowning among the leading causes of death. Additionally, children with ASD face higher rates of bullying from peers, as well as sexual abuse, compared to the general population.

There is no single diagnostic test for ASD. Medical professionals can make a diagnosis based upon behavior. A diagnosis of ASD by the age of two is typically reliable, but some children may not receive a final diagnosis until they are older. Though there is no single cure for ASD, many intervention treatments services have been demonstrated as effective in improving the development of a child diagnosed with ASD. Early intervention is crucial.

Families with young children with ASD may benefit from early childhood services at the Marks Family Right from the Start 0-3+ Center (RFTS) in Manhasset. RFTS offers parent education as well as therapeutic and support services for young children. North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center also offers the Grandparent Advocates Supporting Autistic Kids (GASAK) program, a monthly meeting of grandparents to support, inform and advocate for families with autistic children. For more information about our services for both young children and for teens, please call us at 516-626-1971.

Related programs:

Grandparent Advocates Supporting Autistics Kids (GASAK)

Read more in our blog:

Autism Awareness

Support for Grandparents

Sources:

CDC: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

NAA: Autism & Safety Facts

Bereavement

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Bereavement

Bereavement refers to the state of loss that follows the death of a loved one. This state can be expressed in a multitude of symptoms, including trouble sleeping, a loss of appetite, anger, guilt, mood swings and lower productivity.

Children and teenagers experiencing bereavement often grieve differently than adults. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry lists several signs that a child may be having serious issues after a loss, such as an extended loss of interest in activities, acting younger for an extended period of time, withdrawal from friends, repeated statements of wanting to join the late loved one, decrease in school performance, school refusal or repeated imitation of the late loved one.

It is incredibly important that children and teenagers struggling with bereavement seek mental health assistance if necessary. The Lucille and Martin E. Kantor Bereavement and Trauma Center in Roslyn Heights offers assistance to children, youths and their families during times of grief and trauma, including parents of murder victims and other homicide survivors (POMV). For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

Related programs:

The Schnurmacher Bereavement & Trauma Program

Lucille and Martin E. Kantor Bereavement and Trauma Center

Sources:

Psychology Today: Bereavement

AACAP: Grief and Children

Bullying

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Bullying

Bullying is an unfortunately common experience for children and teenagers. According to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, about one in three students have been bullied at school. Bullying can take many different forms, such as verbal threats, physical attacks, spreading rumors, and social exclusion. In the age of social media, cyberbullying is becoming more common as a form of bullying. Cyberbullying might include sending harassing messages or posting embarrassing photos of someone.

Middle school students report the highest incidence of bullying. Some children and teenagers may be more vulnerable to bullying than others. This may be due perceived differences from their peers, being seen as “less popular,” or having low self-esteem. Some students may become targets of bullies because of their race, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability as well. LGBTQ+ students are at an especially high risk for bullying.

Bullying can have a detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of children and teenagers. Research has shown that children and teenagers who are bullied are more likely to experience depression, anxiety and low self-esteem than non-bullied peers. Because of heightened rates of depression and anxiety, bullied children and teenagers may be more susceptible to suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Children and teenagers who have experienced bullying and are experiencing mental health issues should take advantage of the mental health services at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family, and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

Read more on our blog:

Stopping Bullies in Their Tracks

Stand Up Against Bullying

Stomp Out Bullying

Sources:

StopBullying.gov

CDC: The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide

Chronic Illness

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Chronic Illnesses

Chronic illnesses can be incredibly challenging for children and teenagers. Research has noted that suffering from a chronic illness can contribute to a higher risk for certain mental health conditions. Children who suffer from chronic illness are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety, with this susceptibility lasting through adulthood.

Depression can be treated, even while suffering from a chronic illness. Mental health services such as therapy or prescribed medications can contribute to improvement.

Mental health services are offered for children from birth through age 24 and their families at all three sites of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family, and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

Sources:

NIMH: Chronic Illness & Mental Health

Depression

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Depression

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a medical illness that differs from typical feelings of sadness. Symptoms of depression may include low self-esteem, feeling tired, inability to feel joy, increased irritability or anger, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, frequent crying, withdrawal from friends and family, changes in school performance, sleeping more than usual and loss of interest in usual activities.

Older children and teenagers are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than younger children. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 3.2 million teenagers ages 12 to 17 experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017. Girls are more likely to have depression, and receive treatment, than boys.

If your child or teenager appears to be displaying symptoms of depression, it is crucial to act quickly in seeking treatment. Some children and teenagers struggling with depression may consider suicide. Suicide is among the leading causes of death for Americans ages 10 to 24. Depression can be treated through psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.

Mental health services are offered for children from birth through age 24 and their families at all three sites of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. Additionally, the Latina Girls Project offers bilingual and bicultural mental health counseling as well as outings for adolescent girls suffering from depression. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

National Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741

In an emergency, call 911.

Related programs:

Latina Girls Project

The Fay J. Lindner Foundation Triage and Emergency Services

The Douglas S. Feldman Suicide Prevention Project

Read more in our blog:

Is its Normal Blues or Clinical Depression?

Recognizing Depression in Your Adolescent

Guidance Center Expands Suicide Prevention Efforts