Understanding High Functioning Autism Or Asperger’s

“High Functioning Autism”; was also previously referred to as Asperger’s Syndrome. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is now the accurate term used to encompass all Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses. ASD is defined as a Neurodevelopmental Disorder that presents at a young stage of development (perhaps as early and reliably diagnosed by 18 months of age by […] Continue reading

How To Parent Children With Learning Disabilities

The Learning Disabilities Association of America believes that there are about 2.4 million students who have a learning disability today. Of these students, approximately 41% are receiving special education services. These services are meant to support students who have a wide array of disabilities such as dyslexia (difficulties related to reading and language processing), auditory […] Continue reading

How To Motivate Your ADHD Teen When Distance Learning

When your teen is in a classroom setting at school, they are surrounded by their teachers and classmates. Their surroundings, or environment, can help manage behavioral expectations. For example, teachers who have a good command of their classroom are able to regulate behaviors in the classroom. Some parents may still find themselves working from home […] Continue reading

Autism and Medical & Psychiatric Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often concurrently presents with other psychiatric disorders and medical conditions (this is referred to as comorbidity). Although estimations vary, 10% of children and young adults with ASD are estimated to present with at least one medical condition such as seizures, gastrointestinal issues, and auditory disorders and related infections (Kohane, 2012). Studies […] Continue reading

Equitable and Comprehensive Autism Testing

Written by Dr. Irma Campos, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist Background on Autism and Prevalence Rate Among Diverse Groups Autism Spectrum Disorder (also referred to as ASD) is a Neurodevelopmental Disorder hypothesized to develop as a result of interactive genetic/biological and environment factors. It is considered a mental disorder, per the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical […] Continue reading

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Fully Treats Anxiety, Panic, and Phobias

Anxiety disorders, including Panic Disorder, Specific Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder are the most common mental disorders in the United States (see https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders). They impact individuals of diverse racial/ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic sociocultural groups (note: notable mental health disparities exist that we will discuss in other articles). Cognitive Behavioral […] Continue reading

ACT Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

Article By Dr. Irma Campos, Ph.D. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Hayes, 2004) is a behavioral therapy has helped children, teens, and adults address anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, externalizing behaviors, ADHD, high functioning Autism, and other mental health concerns. ACT therapy has been found to effectively treat a range of anxiety disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, […] Continue reading

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for ADHD or ADD

Written by Dr. Campos, Ph.D. What is CBT? Cognitive Behavior Therapy, or CBT, is a time-limited, goal-oriented, and evidence-based therapy that proposes that maladaptive (or unhelpful) thinking styles can lead to unhelpful, recurrent emotional states, actions, and mental disorders. CBT also theoretically incorporates behavior therapy or behaviorism principles. These principles include identifying the antecedents and […] Continue reading

Why Early Autism Diagnosis and Treatment Matters

Written by: Dr. Campos, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Psychological research continues to support the importance of an early Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and treatment (Reichow & Wolery, 2009). Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of the fastest growing disabilities, and it is defined as a neurodevelopmental or neurobiological disorder characterized by social-communication deficits and restricted, […] Continue reading

Enhancing Employees’ Mental Health: What Workplaces Can Do

Article Written By Irma Campos, PH.D. In addition to the financial and physical health implications, psychological research has determined that COVID-19 has contributed to negative mental health symptomatology. A recent national survey in late June 2020 revealed that an astounding 40% of U.S. adults reported negative mental health symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance abuse), […] Continue reading