Archive for ADHD

Every Kid With ADHD Needs Captain Underpants by Cristina Margolis

Posted by Gary Yorke 
· November 10, 2017 
· 1 Comment

“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Delightfulness is how I prefer it.  Everyone else calls it a disorder,” says Dav Pilkey, the popular children’s author of the Captain Underpants series.  When Pilkey was in second grade, he was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Dyslexia.  Like many children with ADHD, Pilkey had a difficult time focusing, staying still, and “behaving properly” in class.  He was constantly criticized by his teachers and he often felt like an outsider in the classroom.

In second grade, Pilkey began creating Captain Underpants comic books, which his classmates absolutely loved.  He had a natural talent for making kids laugh and he loved it.  His teacher however, was not fond of Pilkey’s cartooning at all.  One time, she even ripped up one of Pilkey’s Captain Underpants drawings in front of the entire class, told Pilkey that his comic books would never amount to anything, and sent Pilkey out into the hallway.  What do you think young Pilkey did then?  Well, he did what any other determined and hyperfocused ADHDer would do: He immediately began creating another Captain Underpants comic book!

During Pilkey’s childhood, his parents were very supportive of his passion for cartooning and they never listened to the negative critiquing of his teachers about his ADHD.  His parents embraced his ADHD and helped Pilkey see his ADHD as a remarkable gift.  When Pilkey got to college, one of his professors noticed his gift as well and encouraged him to become a children’s book author.  Pilkey then wrote several children’s books and at 31 years old, got Captain Underpants published.  Pilkey is a classic example of what having supportive and loving family and teachers can do for a person with ADHD.  Twenty years after Captain Underpants was first published, the series is still a huge hit with kids, mine included.

 

 

My ADHDer reading her first Captain Underpants book

 

Let me tell you a bit about my own ADHDer.  She is eight years old and before she read her first Captain Underpants book, she hated reading.  Getting her to read her assigned book for school was like pulling teeth.  She complained that reading was boring and a waste of time.  When she got to a big word that was difficult to pronounce, she’d become frustrated and would start crying.  She would also lose her place a lot and would reread paragraphs.  She was also not very good at comprehending what she had read, because even though she was reading the words, she wasn’t really paying attention to the words.

Then one day, Captain Underpants entered her life and Tra-Laa-Laaa, my ADHDer loved reading!  While we were at the library, she asked if she could check out a Captain Underpants book and I said “Yes” of course.  As soon as we got home, she plopped herself on the couch and began reading.  Then she’d lay upside down on the couch and keep reading.  Then, she’d kneel down on the floor and use the couch as a table and keep reading.  Needless to say, she devoured that book.  While she was reading, she was smiling and laughing.  She was really enjoying herself and I have never ever seen her love reading so much.  I have Dav Pilkey and his ADHDmazing imagination to thank for that.  He absolutely has a talent for getting kids, particularly kids with ADHD, to love reading!  The layout of his books are great for kids like mine too.  The words are not overwhelming, the chapters are short, and there is a picture on practically every single page.  There are even mini-breaks from reading the kids take without even realizing it with Pilkey’s Flip-O-Rama feature throughout the book.

Now I know the Captain Underpants series is known for its potty humor, which is one of the main reasons why children love the stories so much, but as a parent of an ADHDer, what I love the most about the series are the relatable characters for my ADHDer and the hidden (perhaps not-so-hidden) messages that kids with ADHD pick up on.

Captain Underpants And The Perilous Plot Of Professor Poopypants, by Dav Pilkey

The main characters in Captain Underpants are two little boys named George and Harold.  They are best friends who are both fun, creative, mischievous, and smart… oh, and they both have ADHD.  Pilkey makes it no secret that the boys have ADHD and explains what it is like for children with ADHD.  “George and Harold weren’t really bad kids. They were actually very bright, good-natured boys. Their only problem is that they were bored in school,” Pilkey writes in Captain Underpants And The Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants (Yes, that is the actual title of the book).

Pilkey also includes some hidden ADHD messages behind his stories.  Movie Spoiler Alert: In the new Captain Underpants film, Professor Poopypants hates anything that is funny, so he creates a machine that zaps the humor out of people’s minds so that people will no longer think anything is funny.  Professor Poopypants tries to zap the humor out of George’s and Harold’s brains, but it doesn’t work, because the humorous part of their brains are too big and powerful.  We know that the brains of people with ADHD are hardwired differently.  ADHD is a condition people are born with and it is not something people can simply grow out of.  Nobody can “zap” ADHD out of anyone and honestly, why would they want to?  ADHD is a big part of what makes children like George and Harold so fun and clever and ADHD is a big part of what makes Pilkey so imaginative and passionate.  If it weren’t for ADHD, Captain Underpants wouldn’t even exist!

Meeting Dav Pilkey was EPIC!

My family and I had the pleasure of meeting Dav Pilkey last month at his Supa-Epic Tour O’ Fun celebrating 20 epic years of Captain Underpants and the release of his latest Dog Man book.  It was such a huge honor to be able to hear Pilkey tell us about his ADHD and how he used it to his advantage.  He definitely gives ADHD a good name!  It is so important to have role models in our ADHDers’ lives that treat ADHD as a gift.  Pilkey is without a doubt, one of the very best role models for kids with ADHD today.  We are so happy we were able to tell Pilkey how much his books mean to us and how ADHDmazing we think he is.  It was definitely a moment I’ll never forget, because I could see in my daughter’s eyes that she was proud to be an ADHDer, just like Pilkey.  Just like Pilkey, she too is creative, intelligent, and remarkable and just like Pilkey, there is no doubt in my mind that she too will be going places.

 

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Did you love this post as much as we did? Get more from Cristina Margolis at MyLittleVillagers.com

 

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Categories : ADHD, Behavior, Books, Impulse Control, Parenting, Play Therapy books
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What are the “Must Have” Toys for a New Play Therapist? By Jennifer Taylor

Posted by Gary Yorke 
· September 11, 2017 
· 1 Comment

Questions about “must have” toys get asked so many times by clinicians new to the field of play therapy.  And, the answers can vary widely.  I’ve given parents some of my favorite toys in the past.

Dr. Landreth’s “Must Have” Toy Categories:

The foundation for play therapy training for a lot of clinicians is Dr. Garry Landreth and Child Centered Play Therapy.  He advises that play therapists include several toys from each of three categories.  Note that this list does not include everything that would fit into each category (they are just examples) and also that you do need everything on any list

Real Life

Expressive/Creative

Aggressive/Emotional Release

Directive Play Therapists “Must Have” Toys

When doing  more structured or directive play therapy interventions, you usually need things like:

“Must Have” Elements of a Play Therapy Space

It can be quite easy to find excellent toys everywhere you go.  And Dr. Garry Landreth reminds us all to beware of the urge to get everything.  He says in his book, The Art of the Relationship, “Toys should be selected, not collected.”  

And I created this infographic to summarize my thoughts on creating the perfect play therapy space that you might find helpful.

Reframing The Question

But, I just recently heard it explained in a wonderful way by a colleague, Dr. Jessica Stone, who responded to this very question during a discussion board about the Play Therapy Summit.   She gave me permission to share it with you:

Hi all, I like to take an approach of collecting gems along my way in this field. I am not sure I could identify the one thing my office couldn’t live without. It is complex. Is that my personal favorite thing? Or my client’s? Or the majority of my clients? What comprises a favorite thing?

I believe what we have in our offices needs to be a balance of 1) what is congruent with who we are, what we believe, what our theoretical foundation is, what our space allows comfortably, etc. and 2) what speaks our client’s language, what helps our clients speak, what speaks to our clients, what allows them to experience feeling heard, seen, important, and understood.

I like to take a gem from Maria Montessori and think of the tools in my office as a way of scaffolding within the office. There are items that fit where they are in this moment, items that help them move forward, and items that work when they need to regress a bit.

Sometimes these tools aren’t our preferred or favorite. Sometimes they are. As I look around my office in response to your question I think about the clients who use the majority of the tools in my office on any given day but I also think about that one client, the one who found the tool that meant the most to them and they used it in the most amazing way – whatever that meant for them – Jessica Stone, Ph.D., RPT-S”

As I was packing up my office to move out of the state this week, I found Dr Stone’s words especially helpful.  I usually play loud music when doing tasks like this, but this time, I held each of the toys and remembered the children that used them and how they used them.  It was a mix of joy and sadness as I reflected on all of those shared moments in this specific playroom.

Final Thoughts:

In the end, I would recommend selecting a few items from each of Dr. Garry Landreth’s categories and then considering Dr. Stone’s advice about seeing the value of all the different toys in the playroom. But, know that whatever you have is enough.  As long as you are in the room,  focusing on the relationship with the child and responding in an authentic manner

 

**The post What are the “Must Have” Toys for a New Play Therapist? appeared first on Jennifer Taylor Play Therapy.

 

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Categories : ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Art Therapy, Behavior, Books, Child Development, Communication, Conflict, Depression, Feelings, Intervention Ideas, Play Therapy, Play Therapy books, Play Therapy Toys, Reader Submissions, Sandplay/Sand Tray Therapy, Social Issues

May Play Therapy Wrap-Up

Posted by Gary Yorke 
· June 9, 2017 
· No Comments

“Necessity may be the mother of invention, but play is certainly the father.”

–  Roger von Oech (President, Creative Think)

 

Blog

Thanks to Amy Flaherty for helping us get the sand toys organized. Shelf by shelf she reshaped the room that helps her client’s shape their sandtrays! If you need to organize your playroom and you need ideas for how, this is the post for you! Click here to read more!

Stacy Garcia re-invented the classic board game Sorry! and made it a great fit for her play therapy practice. Stacy believes that any game can be implemented as an effective tool for intervention and to help her clients learn.  Read about how she uses Sorry! here.

Articles

The Stellenbosch University of South Africa has done a study that shows that the emotional and behavioral health of teens with PTSD can be dramatically improved with therapy intervention. The treatment consisted of prolonged exposure therapy or supportive counselling in up to 14 sessions of 60 to 90 minutes each. The children who received the individual therapy maintained the benefits of the counseling longer then those who received group therapy session. For more information click here.

A new medication is being tested for autistic children that is thought to be helpful in children up to 14 years old. Tests so far on the drug have an effect that “restarts a more normal pattern of neurological development.” More testing is needed on the drug before it will be approved and available to the public. For more information click here.

While medication can be helpful to children with ADHD, a new study has shown that a more effective treatment may include Neurofeedback (NF), a form of behavioral therapy which aims to build skills in cortical self-regulation, in addition to medication. There are still more studies needed for NF training and its effect on children with ADHD. For more information click here.

 

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Categories : ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Behavior, Child Development, Monthly Wrap-Up, Wrap Up
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The Shiny Playground – Play Therapy for ADHD Kids by Cristina Margolis

Posted by Gary Yorke 
· December 9, 2016 
· No Comments

the-shiny-playground-play-therapy-for-adhd-kids

My seven year old child has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and if you think ADHD is simply not being able to focus or stay still, you are wrong.  So very, very wrong.  Children with ADHD can be impulsive, anxious, easily frustrated, and highly sensitive.  They can be socially awkward, have low self esteem, and be very defiant.  The list goes on and on and ADHD affects children differently.  While one child with ADHD may have a difficult time making and keeping friends, another child with ADHD can be the most popular kid at school.  Each child with ADHD is unique and so are their symptoms.  Even ADHD medication can affect children differently.  What works wonders for one child’s focusing could turn another child into an emotional wreck.  When it comes to treating ADHD, it’s a whole lot of trial and error unfortunately, but once you find something that works, it can be a Godsend for your child and your family.

My child’s behavioral therapist has taught her some wonderful coping mechanisms, like deep breathing and imagining she is in a forest when she is feeling overwhelmed.  At home, my child and I do role playing and act out situations that may arise in real life, so when they do happen, she will know what to say and do.

My child has taken role playing and her love for acting (She started Drama this year) and turned it into her very own play therapy as a way to cope with her ADHD.  She comes up with a situation that she has recently found herself in and has her toys and dolls act it out in a video.  She has covered topics such as becoming distracted in school and starting ADHD medication.  This is great therapy for her, because it helps her to really think about the situation and her feelings and it is all on her terms.  The best part of all is she is providing the therapy for herself through playing, which I think is absolutely amazing.  We decided to turn her videos into a series called The Shiny Playground on My Little Villagers’ YouTube channel.  She hopes her videos will help teach other young children with ADHD that they are not alone, as well as educate children without ADHD about what it is like for children with ADHD.  She is helping bring ADHD Awareness to the world and she is only seven years old!  Kids with ADHD are truly amazing!

She also hopes that The Shiny Playground videos will inspire other children with ADHD to do their own play therapy at home.  Not only is it a great way for children to work through their emotions and really think about what is going on in their lives, I am finding that it is teaching my child excellent life skills.  For example, she is learning great organization and planning skills.  She organizes the scenes, characters, and most important of all, the scripts.  She carefully plans what the story will be about, which is helping her learn to not be so impulsive and to be more patient.  She is also learning to control her behavior better.  On her very first episode of The Shiny Playground (Sam’s Classroom Trouble), she was very excited and practically screaming in the video.  After I explained to her that her screaming may hurt people’s ears, she has been making a conscious effort to keep her voice at a reasonable volume.  Parents of children with ADHD know how difficult it is for our children to pause and take note of their behavior and then alter it, so for my child to do this is truly remarkable to me.

If you have a young child, we hope you will show them The Shiny Playground series and encourage them to do play therapy at home.  If you or your child has an idea for The Shiny Playground, please leave a comment.  My child would love to hear your suggestion!  Thank you!

Thank you to Cristina Margolis for this truly inspiring post! To see more from Cristina on her website, click here!

 

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Categories : ADHD, Behavior, Child Development, Parenting, Reader Submissions

Death By A Thousand Cuts: Experiencing ADHD

Posted by Gary Yorke 
· November 22, 2016 
· 1 Comment

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It’s no exaggeration to suggest that the self-esteem of children with ADHD, over the span of their childhood, experiences a thousand cuts. Even in the presence of well-meaning and supportive adults an individual with ADHD is constantly reminded that they’re not quite making it: forgotten homework, incomplete chores, poor grades, reminders to be quiet, lost or misplaced shoes, gloves, jackets and school materials, and tardiness, to name just a few of the negative behaviors displayed by someone with ADHD. And then there are the comments: “how many times do I have to tell you?” When will you learn?” How hard is this?”  “Why can’t you get this?” and “Just be quiet!” Then there is the endless parade of negative consequences: time outs, lost electronics, no recess, no play time, frowns, irritation, and disappointment from parents and teachers, and in some cases much worse consequences. Humans are resilient. A single cut, and the body heals itself. Multiple cuts, spread over a life-time, and the body heals itself. But a thousand cuts massed over a short time period, and the body dies.

In their book, “Death by A Thousand Cuts” Brook, Bourgon, and Blue note that the purpose of this type of execution isn’t just about inflicting physical pain and death. It was also meant to deny the victim hope of life after death, and inflict shame. The thousand cuts experienced by an individual with ADHD often has a similar effect, the infliction of shame and the loss of hope, not for a life after death, but a decent life while they still have breath. Adults with ADHD are disproportionally represented in incarcerated populations, experience more academic failure, more employment disruption, and more marital conflict.

What to do? First, we need to make sure we understand ADHD. It isn’t just about being hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive. Individuals with ADHD experience a complex set of difficulties including emotional sensitivity, executive functioning deficits, social skill deficits and challenges regulating their attention.  Individuals with ADHD can pay attention if the thing they are attending to is intrinsically interesting to them, or they have been offered a big enough carrot. The challenge for an individual with ADHD is arousing themselves to attend adequately to things that are tedious and monotonous. Additionally, individuals with ADHD may over-focus and have difficulty disengaging from what they are involved in.

What else? Let’s stop trivializing the diagnosis. ADHD won’t physically kill you, but it does contribute to a great deal of emotional distress and a lifetime of challenges. And, let’s start diagnosing it correctly. Take the time to get a thorough history, review school records, and get standardized questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. We also need to acknowledge that ADHD is a neurological problem that doesn’t fix itself, and doesn’t get fixed with psychotherapy. While therapy is often an important component of treatment, parents and children with ADHD need to be educated (constantly) about ADHD, individuals with ADHD frequently need increased structure (e.g., 504 plan, regularly scheduled homework time, bedtime, and mealtime), increased support (homework assistance, tutoring, organizing their backpack) and finally medication. We need to get educated about medication and quit being afraid of it. Enlist the support of a good psychiatrist or pediatrician, and a good psychologist if the diagnosis is not clear, or there are multiple diagnoses to be ruled out.

By acknowledging the emotional distress experienced by individuals with ADHD over their lifetime, we increase our ability to respond empathically and appropriately to our clients with ADHD, and put them in a better position to lead successful and fulfilling lives.

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Categories : ADHD, Behavior, Impulse Control, Play Therapy, Self-Esteem, Social Issues

BIBLIOTHERAPY

Posted by Gary Yorke 
· September 6, 2016 
· 1 Comment

 

Bibliotherapy is a fancy way of saying it’s OK to use books in therapy.  Bibliotherapy is the use of literature to bring about a therapeutic interaction between the adult and the child.  The term originated in 1916 in an article in The Atlantic Monthly. Samuel Crothers suggested using books in hospitals to help patients solve problems and develop insight. There is a very powerful dynamic that takes place when we sit next to a child and read a book. There are thousands of self-help books written for children.  When we sit next to the child and read them the book it becomes a catalyst to discuss their challenges, identify strategies, and then role play and practice those strategies. Books can be sent home with the child, with specific instructions to read them with the parent and bring them back next week.

 

One of the more popular and enduring series of self-help books for children are from Parenting Press. The Children’s Problem Solving Series contains titles such as “I Want It,” My Name is Not Dummy,” and “Mommy Don’t Go.”  The Dealing With Feelings Series contains titles such as I’m Frustrated,” I’m Furious,” and “I’m Scared.” A nice feature of these books is that they are interactive. Children get to pick different behaviors or strategies to challenges presented in the stories. The reader then goes to the section of the book where that strategy is tried and together, reader and child, discover how that affects the outcome.  It is recommended that therapist and child role play and practice the strategies they choose whenever possible. The child should also be asked to explain the strategy to the parent and the parent can be loaned the book to read it to the child during the week.books

 

Other books that might be useful:

A Boy and A Bear: The Children’s Relaxation Book, by Lori Lite, A CD with this and two other stories is also available: Indigo Dreams CD.  The child and parent can then listen to the stories together. This story is a nice one to read, or listen to, at night just before going to sleep. From Head to Toe, by Eric Carle, is a picture book that can be used to practice deep muscle relaxation. As you go through the book with the child, practice the stretches along with deep breathing. Don’t Feed the Worry Bug (& Wince the Worry Monster) is a nice story to read with children who have generalized anxiety.
books1

 

 

Childtherapytoys.com carries a wide selection of books for children.  Here are some of the books we carry, organized by subject.

 

About Therapy – For Kids

A Child’s First Book About Play Therapy by Marc Nemiroff, Ph.D. and Jane Annunziata, Psy.D.

My Listening Friend: A Story About the Benefits of Counseling Book by P.J. Michaels

 

Abuse, Neglect & Domestic Violence

It’s My Body: A Book to Teach Young Children How to Resist Uncomfortable Touch by Lory Freeman

Something Happened and I’m Scared to Tell: A Book for Young Victims of Abuse by Patricia Kehoe, Ph.D.

Loving Touches: A Book for Children about Positive Caring Kinds of Touching by Lory Freeman

Something Is Wrong at My House by Diane Davis

Mi Cuerpo es MIO (It’s MY Body) by Lory Freeman

Algo Paso y Me Da Miedo Decirlo (Something Happened and I’m Scared to Tell) by Patricia Kehoe, Ph.D.

El Problema con Los Secretos (The Trouble with Secrets) by Karen Johnsen

Algo Anda Mal en Mi Casa (Something Is Wrong at my House) by Diane Davis

The Trouble with Secrets by Karen Johnsen

A Terrible Thing Happened: A story for children who have witnessed violence or trauma by Margaret M. Holmes

Reena’s Bollywood Dream: A Story about Sexual Abuse by Jewel Kats

Annabelle’s Secret: A Story about Sexual Abuse by Amy Barth

I Can Play It Safe by Alison Feigh

Will the Courageous: A Story about Sexual Abuse

Hannah Without a Home by Patti Hall, LCSW, and Shelia Devine, MIM

My Body Is Mine, My Feelings Are Mine by Susan Hoke, LCSW, ACSW

 

Adolescence

ADHD: A Teenager’s Guide by James J. Crist, Ph.D.

Mad: Hot to Deal with Anger and Get Respect by James Crist, Ph.D.

How to Talk to an Autistic Kid by Daniel Stefanski

Why Are You So Scared? A Child’s Book About Parents with PTSD by Beth Andrews

When No One Understand by Brad Sachs, Ph.D.

Be the Boss of Your Pain: Self-Care for Kids by Timothy Culbert, M.D., and Rebecca Kajander C.P.N.P, M.P.H.

Be the Boss of Your Stress: Self-Care for Kids by Timothy Culbert, M.D., and Rebecca Kajander C.P.N.P, M.P.H.

How to Take the GRRRR Out of Anger by Elizabeth Verdick and Majorie Lisovskis

The Inside Story on Teen Girls: Experts Answer Teens’ Questions by Karen Zager, Alice Rubenstein

Life Lists for Teens: Tips, Steps, Hints, and How-Tos for Growing Up, Getting Along, Learning and Having Fun by Pamela Espeland

When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens by Bev Cobain, R.N., C.

The Courage to Be Yourself: True Stories by Teens About Cliques, Conflicts, and Overcoming Peer Pressure edited by Al Desetta, M.A., and Educators for Social Responsibility

Too Stressed to Think? A Teen Guide to Staying the Same When Life Makes You Crazy by Annie Fox, M.Ed., and Ruth Kirschner

The Power to Prevent Suicide (for teens, updated edition) by Richard E. Nelson, Ph.D, and Judith C. Galas

GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens (Revised & Updated Second Edition) by Kelly Huegel

My Anxious Mind: A Teen’s Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic by Michael Tompkins and Katherine Martinez

The Mouse, the Monster, and Me – Assertiveness for Young People (Curb Bullying) by Pat Palmer, Ed.D.

 

ADD/ADHD and Learning Differences

ADHD: A Teenager’s Guide by James J. Crist, Ph.D.

All Dogs Have ADHD by Kathy Hoopmann

Annie’s Plan: Taking Charge of Schoolwork and Homework by Jeanne Kraus

Cory Stories: A Kids Book About Living with ADHD by Jeanne Kraus

Ditzabled Princess: A Comical Diary by Jewel Kats

Eukee the Jumpy Elephant by Clifford L. Corman, M.D.

I Just Want to Do It My Way! My Story About Staying on Task by Julia Cook

It’s Hard To Be A Verb! (a book about focusing) by Julia Cook

Learning to Slow Down and Pay Attention by Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D., and Ellen B. Dixon, Ph.D.

Max Pays Attention by Barbara Gibson-Paul, Psy.D.

Me Van A Ayudar: El TDA explicado a los niños by Marc A. Nemiroff, Ph.D., and Jane Annunziata, Psy.D.

My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook

Otto Learns about His Medicine: A Story about Medication for Children with ADHD (third edition) by Matthew Galvin, M.D.

Out of This World: Hey Max… Pay Attention! The Importance of Concentration by Jon Filitti

Out of This World: Max Strives for Success! Victory through Motivation by Jon Filitti

Soda Pop Head (cool down before you fizz!) by Julia Cook

Sometimes I Drive My Mom Crazy (But I Know She’s Crazy About Me) by Lawrence E. Shapiro, Ph.D.

The Asperkid’s Launch Pad: Home Design to Empower Everyday Superheroes by Jennifer Cook O’Toole

The Don’t Give Up Kid by Jeanne Gehret

The Princess and the Ruby: An Autism Fairy Tale by Jewel Kats

The Rabbit Who Lost His Hop by Marica Shoshana Nass

The Survival Guide for Kids with ADD or ADHD by John F. Taylor, Ph.D.

This Morning Sam Went to Mars: A Book about Paying Attention by Nancy Carlson

Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome by Clarabelle van Niekerk and Liezl Venter

What is it Like to Be Me? A Book About a Boy with Asperger’s Syndrome by Alenka Klemenec

Can I Tell You About Dyslexia? A Guide for Friends, Family and Professionals by Alan M. Hultquist

The Survival Guide for Gifted Kids by Judy Galbraith, M.A.

How to Be Human: Diary of an Autistic Girl by Florida Frenz

Learning to Feel Good and Stay Cool: Emotional Regulation Tools for Kids with AD/HD by Judith M. Glasser, Ph.D., and Kathleen G Nadeau, Ph.D.

Attention Girls: A Guide to Learn All About Your AD/HD by Patricia O. Quinn, M.D.

 

Adoption/Foster Care

All About Adoption by Marc Nemiroff and Jane Annunziata

Finding the Right Spot: When Kids Can’t Live With Their Parents by Janice Levy

Maybe Days: A Book for Children in Foster Care by Jennifer Wilgocki, MS, and Marcia Kahn Wright, Ph.D.

Zachary’s New Home: A Story for Foster and Adopted Children by Geraldine M. Blomquisst, M.S.W. and Paul Blomquist

Kids Need to Be Safe: A Book for Children in Foster Care by Julie Nelson

Families Change: A Book for Children Experiencing Termination of Parental Rights by Julie Nelson

Billy Had to Move: A Foster Care Story by Theresa Ann Fraser, CYW, B.A.

Who is in Your Family? A Celebration in Diversity by Susan Bowman

Good for You, Grisha: Teaching Kids Ways to Cope by Karen Westhoven

 

Anger

What to Do When You’re Cranky and Blue by James J. Crist, Ph.D.

Boom the Anger Tamer: An Emotes Book About Anger by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Cloud’s Best Worst Day Ever by Amy Novesky

Cool Down and Work Through Anger by Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed.

Every Time I Blow My Top I Lose My Head! By Laura Slap-Sheltion, Psy.D., and Lawrence E. Shapiro, Ph.D.

Everything I Do You Blame on Me! By Allyson Aborn, MSW, CSW

Frog’s Breathtaking Speech by Michael Chissick

Hands are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi, Ph.D.

How to Take the GRRRR Out of Anger by Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis

Mad: How to Deal with Anger and Get Respect by James J. Crist, Ph.D.

Out of This World: Face to Face with X-35 by Jon Filitti

Soda Pop Head (cool down before you fizz!) by Julia Cook

Sometimes I Like to Fight (But I Don’t Do It Much Anymore) by Lawrence E. Shapiro, Ph.D.

The Penguin Who Lost Her Cool by Marla Sobel

The Very Angry Day That Amy Didn’t Have by Lawerence E. Shapiro

The Very Frustrated Monster by Andi Green

What to do When Your Temper Flares by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D.

When You’re MAD and You Know It by Elizabeth Crary, M.S. and Shari Steelsmith

Zach Apologizes by William Mulcahy

Zach Get Frustrated by William Mulcahy

Cant Loses His Cool: An Emotes Book About Temper Tantrums by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Cant Pierde Su Calma: Un Libro Emotes Sobre Las Rabietas by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Boom the Anger Tamer: An Emotes Book About Anger by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Learning to Feel Good and Stay Cool: Emotional Regulation Tools for Kids With AD/HD by Judith M. Glasser, Ph.D., and Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D.

I Hate Everything! By Sue Graves

 

Anxiety/Worry/Shyness

A Boy and a Bear: The Children’s Relaxation Book by Lori Lite

Be the Boss of Your Stress: Self-Care for Kids by Timothy Culbert, M.D., and Rebecca Kajander C.P.N.P., M.P.H.

Blueloon by Julia Cook

Bolsitas raras by Tiziana Bruno Rosa

Bug Makes a Splash by Amy Novesky

Caillou: Day Care by Christine L’Heureux and Gisèle Lègarè

Can I Tell You About Selective Mutism? A Guide For Friends, Family, and Professionals by Maggie Johnson and Alison Wintgens

Celia the Great: Tricks for Being a Happy Kid by Abby Jacobs

Cómo apreciarme by Pat Palmer

Cucho le dice NO al estrés by N. Barceló G. / C. Bordagorry A.

Does This Make Me Beautiful? By Harriet Morse

Don’t Blame Me! Prepare to Excel Beyond Your Wildest Dreams by Larry Cole

Don’t Feed the Worry Bug by Andi Green

Frog’s Breathtaking Speech by Michael Chissick

The Monster Who Couldn’t Decide by Andi Green

Full Mouse, Empty Mouse: A Tale of Food and Feelings by Dina Zeckhausen, Ph.D.

Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life for Teens by Joseph V. Ciarrochi, Ph.D., Louise Hayes, PH.D., and Ann Baily M.A.

Good for You, Grisha: Teaching Kids Ways to Cope by Karen Westhoven

How to Feel Good: 20 Things Teens Can Do by Tricia Mangan

Joi’s Cyber-Coaster Adventure: An Emotes Book About Positive Thinking by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Liking Myself (3rd Edition) by Pat Palmer, Ed.D.

Mideos y Manias by Lluís Farré

My Anxious Mind: A Teen’s Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic by Michael Tompkins and Katherine Martinez

Nuevas téchnicas de relajación para niños y adolescents by Silvina Hopkins

Please Explain “Anxiety” to Me! : Simple Biology and Solutions for Children and Parents by Laurie Zelinger, Ph.D. and Jordan Zelinger

Pressure-True Stories by Teens About Stress edited by Al Desetta

Scary Night Visitors: A Story for Children with Bedtime Fears by Irene Wineman and Paul Marcus, Ph.D.

Sometimes I Don’t Like to Talk (But Sometimes I Can’t Keep Quiet) by Jessica Lamb-Shapiro

Sometimes I Worry Too Much (But Now I Know How To Stop) by Dawn A. Huebner, Ph.D.

Sometimes I’m Scared by Jane Annunziata, Psy.D., and Marc Nemiroff, Ph.D.

Stress Can Really Get On Your Nerves by Trevor Romain and Elizabeth Verdick

The Bear Who Lost His Sleep by Jennifer Lamb-Shapiro

The Chimp Who Lost Her Chatter by Lawrence E. Shapiro

The Dragon Who Pulled Her Scales by William Michael Davidson

The Hyena Who Lost Her Laugh by Jennifer Lamb-Shapiro

The Lion Who Lost His Roar by Marcia Shoshana Nass

The Lonely Little Monster by Andi Green

The Monster in the Bubble by Andi Green

The Mouse the Monster and Me– Assertiveness for Young People by Pat Palmer

The Nose That Didn’t Fit by Andi Green

The Panicosaurus by K.I. Al-Ghani

Think Confident, Be Confident for Teens by Marci G. Fox Ph.D. and Leslie Sokol Ph.D.

Tommy Starts Something Big: Giving Cuddles and Kindness by Chuck Gaidica and Kris Yankee

What to Do When You Dread Your Bed by Dawn Huebner

What to Do When You Grumble Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Negativity by Dawn Huebner

What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner

What to Do When You’re Scared & Worried: A Guide for Kids by James J. Crist, Ph.D.

What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming OCD by Dawn Huebner

When Lizzy Was Afraid of Trying New Things by Inger Maier, Ph.D.

When No One Understands by Brad Sachs, Ph.D.

Who Feels Scared? By Sue Graves

Why Are You So Scared? A Child’s Book About Parents with PTSD by Beth Andrews

Why Would Someone Want to Die? By Rebecca C. Schmidt

Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook

Some Days Are Lonely by Young-Ah Kim

Big Ernie’s New Home: A Story for Children Who Are Moving by Teresa and Whitney Martin

Jumpi Goes to Camp: An Emotes Book About Being Afraid by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Super and Perfecto: An Emotes Book About Confidence by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Good Night Giants by Heinz Janisch

New Kid, New Scene: A Guide to Moving and Switching Schools by Debbie Glassner, Ph.D., and Emily Schneck

Understanding Myself: A Kid’s Guide to Intense Emotions and Strong Feelings by Mary C. Lamia, Ph.D.

Can I tell you about OCD? A Guide for Friends, Family and Professionals by Amita Jassi

Oh No, School! By Hae-Kyung Chang

Drain and the Mystery of Sleep by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Jumpi Va a Campar: Un Libro Emotes Sobre Tener Miedo by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

A Happy Hat by Cecil Kim

School Made Easier: A Kid’s Guide to Study Strategies & Anxiety Busting Tools by Wendy L. Moss

 

Autism/PDD

All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy Hoopmann

How to Talk to an Autistic Kid by Daniel Stefanski

I Just Want to Do It My Way! My Story About Staying on Task by Julia Cook

Keisha’s Doors: An Autism Story/Las Puerton de Keisha: Book One by Marvie Ellis

Tacos Anyone? / Alguien quiere tacos? By Marvie Ellis

The Asperkid’s Launch Pad: Home Design to Empower Everyday Superheroes by Jennifer Cook O’Toole

The Princess and the Ruby: An Autism Fairy Tale by Jewel Kats

The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents) by Elizabeth Verdick and Elizabeth Reeve, M.D.

Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome Clarabelle van Niekerk and Liezl Venter

What Is It Like to Be Me? A Book about a Boy with Asperger’s Syndrome by Alenka Klemen

How to Be Human: Diary of an Autistic Girl by Florida Frez

 

Behavior Management

Imagine That! Imagery Stories to Help Young People Learn to Improve Their Behavioral Self-Control by Janis L. Silverman, M.A.

The Survival Guide for Kids with Behavior Challenges by Tom McIntyre, Ph.D.

I Can’t Do Anything by Thierry Robberecht

 

Bullying, Teasing, Peer Conflict, Friendship

Becoming Someone’s Hero: A Book for the Bystanders of Bullying by Sandy Ragona

Browser the Moues and His Internet Adventures by Barbara C. Trolley, Ph.D., CRC, Constance Hanel, M.S.Ed, and Kinda L. Shields, M.S.Ed

Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain by Trevor Romain

But Why Can’t I? By Sue Graves

Bystander Power: Now with Anti-Bulling Action by Phyllis Kaufman Goodstein and Elizabeth Verdick

Caillou: Play With Me! By Christine L’Heureux

Cliques Just Don’t Make Cents by Julia Cook

Crow by Leo Timmers

Dare! By Erin Frankel

Don’t Squeal Unless It’s A Big Deal: A Tale of Tattletales by Jeanie Franz Ransom, M.A., and Jackie Ubanovic

Girl Grudges: Learning How to Forgive and Live by Cheryl Dellasega, Ph.D. and Shileste Overton Morris, B.A.

How Not to be a Bully Target by Terry Centrone

How To Be A Bully! …Not! By Marcia Nass, MS

How to Talk to an Autistic Kid by Daniel Stefanski

I Am Stumped by Lisa Rivard

If You’re Bothered…and you know it by Tricia Murin

It Will Get Better: Finding Your Way Through Teen Issues by Melinda Hutchings

Kicky the Mean Chick Learns Her Lesson & Other Kicky Tales by Erika Karres

Mookey the Monkey Gets Over Being Teased by Heather Lonczak

My Best Friend is Me! By Beth Ann Marcozzi

My Name is Not Dummy by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

The Lonely Little Monster by Andi Green

Not Fair, Won’t Share by Sue Graves

Out of This World: Tiglos vs Secca Ma by John Filitti

Pressure – True Stories by Teens About Stress edited by Al Desetta

Ricky Sticky Fingers by Julia Cook

The Nose that Didn’t Fit by Andi Green

Soda Pop Head (cool down before you fizz!) by Julia Cook

Tease Monster: A Book about Teasing vs. Bullying by Julia Cook

Teddy Bear Princess: A Story About Sharing and Caring by Jewel Kats

The Hero in Me by Susan Fitzsimonds

The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy

The Mouse, The Monster, and Me – Assertiveness for Young People by Pat Palmer

The Penguin Who Lost Her Cool by Marla Sobel

Tough! By Erin Frankel

Vicious – True Stories by Teens About Bullying edited by Hope Vanderberg

Weird! By Erin Frankel

Words Are Not for Hurting/Las palabras no son para lastimar by Elizabeth Verdick

Zach Apologizes by William Mulcahy

Zach Gets Frustrated by William Mulcahy

Don’t Call Me A Tattletale! By Kimberly Koskos

El Ratón, El Monstruo y Yo: Conducta asertiva para los jóvenes by Pat Palmer, Ed.D

Eli’s Lie-O-Meter by Sandra Levins

Abash and the Cyber-Bully: An Emotes Book About Bullying by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Imp and the Fib Invasion: An Emotes Book About Telling the Truth by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Joi’s Cyber-Coaster Adventure: An Emotes Book About Positive Thinking by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Circle of Three: Enough Friendship to Go Around? By Elizabeth Brokamp

Stand Up and Speak Up! By Bob Sornson

Sally Sore Loser: A Story About Winning & Losing by Frank J. Sileo

New Kid, New Scene: A Guide to Moving and Switching Schools by Debbie Glassner, Ph.D.

 

Comics/Out of This World Guidance Series

Out of This World: Hey Max…Pay Attention! The Importance of Concentration by John Filitti

Out of This World: Max Strives for Success! Victory Through Motivation by John Filitti

Out of This World: Face to Face with X-35 by John Filitti

Out of This World: Tiglos vs Secca Ma by John Filitti

 

Conflict Resolution

The Kids’ Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along by Naomi Drew, M.A.

The Courage To Be Yourself: True Stories by Teens About Cliques, Conflicts, and Overcoming Peer Pressure edited by Al Desetta

Don’t Call Me a Tattletale by Kimberly Koskos

Circle of Three: Enough Friendship to Go Around? By Elizabeth Brokamp

 

Cyber/Internet Safety

Abash and the Cyber-Bully: An Emotes Book About Bullying by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Joi’s Cyber-Coaster Adventure: An Emotes Book About Positive Thinking by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Browser the Mouse and His Internet Adventure by Constance Hanel, Ph.D., C.R.C., Linda Shields, M.S.Ed, and Barbara Trolley, M.S.Ed

 

Depression/Sadness/Negative Thinking

What to Do When You Grumble Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Negativity by Dawn Huebner

What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming OCD by Dawn Huebner

Jenny Is Scared! When Sad Things Happen in the World by Carol Shuman

What to Do When You’re Scared & Worried: A Guide for Kids by James J. Crist, Ph.D.

When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens by Bev Cobain, R.N., C.

What Are You So Sad? A Child’s Book About Parental Depression by Beth Andrews

Sometimes I Get Sad (But Now I Know What Makes Me Happy) by Jane Ratcliffe

What To Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D.

Full Mouse, Empty Mouse: A Tale of Food and Feelings by Dina Zeckhausen, Ph.D.

The Power to Prevent Suicide (for teens, updated edition) by Richard E. Nelson, Ph.D., and Judith C. Galas

Why Would Someone Want to Die? By Rebecca C. Schmidt

Liking Myself (3rd Edition) by Pat Palmer, Ed.D.

I’m Not Happy by Sue Graves

Who Feels Scared by Sue Graves

Feeling Sad by Sarah Verroken

Does This Make Me Beautiful? By Harriet Morse

Don’t Blame Me! Prepare to Excel Beyond Your Wildest Dreams by Larry Cole

Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness: Three Rules for a Happier Life by Carol McCloud

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? : A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud

Tommy Starts Something Big: Giving Cuddles and Kindness by Chuck Gaidica

What Color is Your Heart? By Linda Reau

Why Are You So Scared? A Book Bout Parents with PTSD by Beth Andrews

Blueloon by Julia Cook

I Am Stumped! By Lisa Rivard

Has Llenado una Cubeta Hoy? Una Gui a Diaria de Felicidad para Niños by Carol McCloud

Cloud’s Best Worst Day Ever by Amy Novesky

Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life for Teens by Joseph V. Ciarrochi, Ph.D., Louise Hayes, Ph.D., and Ann Bailey, M.A.

When No One Understands by Brad Sachs, Ph.D.

Hannah Without A Home by Patti Hall, LCSE, and Sheila Devine, MIM

What Does Dead Mean? A Book for Young Children to Help Explain Death & Dying by Caroline Jay and Jenni Thomas

el PEOR dia de TODA mi vida/The Worst Day of My Life EVER by Julia Cook

The Grouchies (Chase Away a Grumpy Mood) by Debbie Wagenbach

Bubba Under Pressure: An Emotes Book About Happiness by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Bubba Bajo Presion: Un Libro Emotes Sobre La Alegria y La Presion by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Joi’s Cyber Coaster Adventure: An Emotes Book About Positive Thinking by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

What to Do When It’s Not Fair by Jacqueline B. Toner, Ph.D., and Claire A. B. Freeland, Ph.D.

A Happy Hat by Cecil Kim

What to Do When You’re Cranky and Blue by James J. Crist, Ph.D.

Shy Spaghetti and Excited Eggs: A Kid’s Menu of Feelings by Marc Nemiroff and Jane Annunziata

Ick and the Emotastone: An Emotes Book About Accepting Differences by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Celia the Great: Tricks for Being a Happy Kid by Abby Jacobs

Understanding Myself: A Kid’s Guide to Intense Emotions and Strong Feelings by Mary C. Lamia, Ph.D.

 

Disabilities

The Don’t Give Up Kid by Jeanne Gehret, M.A.

Los latidos de Yago by Conchita Miranda

What Do You Use to Help Your Body? By Jewel Kats

Cinderella’s Magical Wheelchair by Jewel Kats

Ditzabled Princess: A Comical Diary by Jewel Kats

 

Divorce

Ginny Morris and Mom’s House, Dad’s House by Mary Collins Gallagher, M.A., L.P.C.

My Parents Are Divorced Too: A Book for Kids by Kids (2nd Edition) by Melanie, Annie, and Steven Ford, as told to Jan Blackstone-Ford

What Can I Do? A Book for Children of Divorce by Danielle Lowry

Was It the Chocolate Pudding? A Story for Little Kids About Divorce by Sandra Levins

Families Change: A Book for Children Experiencing Termination of Parental Rights by Julie Nelson

Divorced Together for the Sake of the Children by Kristi Schwartz

Sending Love, My Different-Functional Family by Lori Hilliard

I Have Two Homes by Marian De Smet

My Life Turned Upside Down, But I Turned It Rightside Up by Mary Blitzer Field and Hennie Shore

 

Eating Disorders

Full Mouse, Empty Mouse: A Tale of Food and Feeling by Dina Zeckhausen, Ph.D.

My Big Fat Secret: How Jenna Takes Control of Her Emotions & Eating by Lynn R. Schechter

How To Be Comfortable in Your Own Feathers by Julia Cook

 

Enuresis/Encopresis

Clouds and Clocks: A Story for Children Who Soil by Matthew Galvin, M.D.

Sammy the Elephant and Mr. Camel: A Story to Help Children Overcome Bedwetting While Discovering Self-Appreciation (2nd Edition) by Joyce C. Mills, Ph.D., and Richard Crowley, Ph.D.

Sammy el Elefante y el Senor Camello (A story to help children overcome bedwetting by Joyce C. Mills, Ph.D., and Richard Crowley, Ph.D.

 

Feelings

Abash and the Cyber-Bully: An Emotes Book About Bullying by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Abash y el Peleon-Cibernetico: Un Libro Emotes Sobre la Intimidacion de Peleones Ciberneticos by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Así me siento yo by Janan Cain

Boom the Anger Tamer: An Emotes Book About Anger by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Bubba Bajo Presion: Un Libro Emotes Sobre La Alegria y La Presion by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Bubba Under Pressure: An Emotes Book About Happiness by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Cant Loses His Cool: An Emotes Book About Temper Tantrums by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Cant Pierde Su Calma: Un Libro Emotes Sobre Las Rabietas

Como apreciarme by Pat Palmer, Ed.D.

Don’t Feed the Worry Bug by Andi Green

Double-Dip Feelings: Stories to Help Children Understand Emotions, Second Edition by Barbara Cain

Drain and the Mystery of Sleep by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Drain y el Misterio del Sueno: Un Libro Emotes Sobre Tener Habitos Saludables by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Feeling Better: A Kid’s Book About Therapy by Rachel Rashkin

Feeling Sad by Sarah Verroken

Fill a Bucket: A Guide to Daily Happiness for young Children by Carol McCloud

The Monster Who Couldn’t Decide by Andi Green

Full Mouse, Empty Mouse: A Tale of Food and Feelings by Dina Zeckhausen, Ph.D>

Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness: Three Rules for a Happier Life by Carol McCloud

Have You Filled A Bucket Today? : A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud

How to Feel Good: 20 Things Teens Can Do by Tricia Mangan

I’m Excited by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

I’m Frustrated by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

I’m Furious by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

I’m Mad by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

I’m Not Happy by Sue Graves

I’m Proud by Elizabeth Crary

I’m Scared by Elizabeth Crary

Ick and The Emotastone: An Emotes Book About Accepting Differences by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Jenny Is Scared! When Sad Things Happen in the World by Carol Shuman

Joi’s Cyber-Coaster Adventure an Emotes Book about Positive Thinking by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Jumpi Goes to Camp: An Emotes Book About Being Afraid by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Jumpi Va a Campar: Un Libro Emotes Sobre Tener Miedo by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Liking Myself (3rd Edition) by Pat Palmer Ed.D.

Mixy’s Quest: An Emotes Book About Confusion by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

My Body Is Mine, My Feelings Are Mine by Susan Hoke, LCSW, ACSW

The Lonely Little Monster by Andi Green

Onionhead® Children’s A-Z Dictionary of 52 Emotions

Proud of Our Feelings by Lindsay Leghorn

The Nose That Didn’t Fit by Andi Green

The Monster in the Bubble by Andi Green

The Lion Who Lost His Roar by Marcia Shoshana Nass

The Monster Who Couldn’t Decide by Andi Green

The Penguin Who Lost Her Cool by Marla Sobel

The Very Frustrated Monster by Andi Green

The Way I Act by James Metzger

The Way I Feel by Janan Cain

Understand and Care by Cheri J. Meiners, Ed.D.

What Color is Your Heart? By Linda Reau

What to do When Your Temper Flares by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D.

When You’re HAPPY and You Know It by Elizabeth Crary, M.S., and Shari Steelsmith

When You’re MAD and You Know It by Elizabeth Crary, M.S., and Shari Steelsmith

When You’re SHY and You Know It by Elizabeth Crary, M.S., and Shari Steelsmith

When You’re SILLY and You Know It by Elizabeth Crary, M.S., and Shari Steelsmith

Who Feels Scared? by Sue Graves

Don’t Feed the WorryBug by Andi Graves

Yawni and the Perspecto-Goggles: An Emotes Book About Boredom by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Shy Spaghetti and Excited Eggs: A Kid’s Menu of Feelings by Marc Nemiroff and Jane Annunziata

My Big Fat Secrets: How Jenna Takes Control of Her Emotions & Eating by Lynn R. Schechter

Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein, J.D., Psy.D.

What to Do When It’s Not Fair by Jacqueline B. Toner, Ph.D., and Claire A.B. Freeland, Ph.D.

Some Days Are Lonely by Young-Ah Kim

A Happy Hat by Cecil Kim

Understanding Myself: A Kid’s Guide to Intense Emotions and Strong Feelings by Mary C. Lamia, Ph.D.

 

Friendship Skills

El Ratón, El Monstruo y Yo: Conducta asertiva para los jóvenes by Pat Palmer, Ed.D.

Circle of Three: Enough Friendship to Go Around by Elizabeth Brokamp

Toodles and Teeny: A Story About Friendship by Jill Neimark and Marcella Bakur Weiner

New Kid, New Scene: A Guide to Moving and Switching Schools by Debbie Glasser, Ph.D., and Emily Schenck

Loving Touches: A Book for Children About Positive, Caring Kinds of Touching by Lory Freeman

Teddy Bear Princess: A Story About Sharing and Caring by Jewel Kats

Sally Sore Loser: A Story About Winning & Losing by Frank J. Sileo

Big Ernie’s New Home: A Story for Children Who Are Moving by Teresa and Whitney Martin

A Good Friend: How to Make One, How to Be One by Ron Herron and Val J. Peter

Sometimes I Feel Like I Don’t Have Any Friends (But Not So Much Anymore) by Tracy Zimmerman and Lawrence Shapiro, Ph.D.

Tommy Starts Something Big: Giving Cuddles and Kindness by Chuck Gaidica and Kris Yankee

Cat’s Not So Perfect Sandcastle illustrations by Hanako Wakiyama

My Best Friend is Me! By Beth Ann Marcozzi

 

Grief and Bereavement

Samantha Jane’s Missing Smile: A Story about Coping with the Loss of a Parent by Julie Kaplow, Ph.D., and Donna Pincus, Ph.D

What On Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies? By Trevor Romain

Why Would Someone Want to Die? By Rebecca C. Schmidt

Good-bye Max by Diane Cantrell

Aractina Aprende a Decir Adios by M. Acuña M/ C. Bordagorry A. / N. Barceló G.

Cuerpo de nube by Ana A. de Eulate

Stella Our Star: Coping with a Loss During Pregnancy by Mandi Kowalik

Someone I Love Died by Suicide by Doreen Cammarata

Honey Bear Died by Jennifer E. Melvin

What Does Dead Mean? A Book for Young Children to Help Explain Death & Dying by Caroline Jay and Jenni Thomas

Ben’s Flying Flowers by Inger Maier

Healing Days: A Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma by Susan Farber Straus

Kate, The Ghost Dog: Coping With the Death of a Pet by Wayne L. Wilson

Goodbye, Brecken by David Lupton

 

Medical

Be the Boss of Your Pain: Self-Care for Kids by Timothy Culbert, M.D., and Rebecca Kajander C.P.N.P, M.P.H.

Be the Boss of Your Stress: Self-Care for Kids by Timothy Culbert, M.D., and Rebecca Kajander C.P.N.P, M.P.H.

You Can Call Me Willy: A Story for Children About AIDS by Joan C. Verniero

Ditzabled Princess: A Comical Diary by Jewel Kats

 

Pre-Adolescence

What to do When Your Temper Flares by Dawn Huebner, Ed.D.

What to do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming OCD by Dawn Huebner, Ed.D.

Be the Boss of Your Pain: Self-Care for Kids by Timothy Culbert, M.D., and Rebecca Kajander C.P.N.P, M.P.H.

How Not To Be a Bully Target by Terry Centrone

Stress Can Really Get on Your Nerves by Trevor Romain and Elizabeth Verdick

How to Do Homework Without Throwing Up by Trevor Romain

True or False? Tests Stink! By Trevor Romain and Elizabeth Verdick

The Kid’s Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along by Naomi Drew, M.A.

Feeling Better: A Kid’s Book About Therapy by Rachel Rashkin, M.S.

See My Pain! 3rd Edition by Susan Bowman, Ed.S., L.P.C., and Kaye Randall, LMSW

Girl Grudges: Learning How to Forgive and Live by Cheryl Dellasega, Ph.D., and Shileste Overton Morris, B.A.

Full Mouse, Empty Mouse: A Tale of Food and Feelings by Dina Zeckhausen, Ph.D.

The Power to Prevent Suicide (for teens, updated edition) by Richard E. Nelson, Ph.D., and Judith C. Galas

Why Would Someone Want to Die? By Rebecca C. Schmidt

What to Do When Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough: The Real Deal on Perfectionism by Thomas S. Greenspon, Ph.D.

The Mouse, The Monster, and Me – Assertiveness for Young People by Pat Palmer, Ed.D.

 

Self Injury

A Short Introduction to Understanding and Supporting Children and Young People Who Self-Harm by Carol Fitzpatrick

Stopping the Pain: A Workbook for Teens Who Cut and Self-Injure By Lawrence E Shapiro

See My Pain! 3rd Edition (Youth who self-injure) by Susan Bowman, Ed.S., L.P.C., and Kaye Randall, LMSW

 

Self-Esteem

Always Late Nate (a book about making positive choices) by Nathan Krivitzky

Como apreciarme by Pat Palmer, Ed.D.

Does This Make Me Beautiful? By Harriet Morse

Don’t Blame Me! Prepare to Excel Beyond Your Wildest Dreams by Larry Cole

Frog’s Breathtaking Speech by Michael Chissick

I Like Myself! By Karen Beaumont

It’s Hard to be A Verb! By Julia Cook

Sometimes I Don’t Like to Talk (But Sometimes I Can’t Keep Quiet) by Jessica Lamb-Shapiro

Sometimes I Drive My Mom Crazy (But I Know She’s Crazy About Me) by Lawrence E. Shapiro

Sometimes I Feel Like I Don’t Have Any Friends (But Not So Much Anymore) by Tracy Zimmerman and Lawrence Shapiro, Ph.D.

Sometimes I Get Sad (But Now I Know What Makes Me Happy) by Jane Ratcliffe

Sometimes I Like to Fight (But I Don’t Do It Much Anymore) by Lawrence E. Shapiro, Ph.D.

Sometimes I Worry Too Much (But Now I Know How to Stop) by Dawn A. Huebner, Ph.D.

Stick Up For Yourself! Every Kid’s Guide to Personal Pwer and Positive Self-Esteem (revised and updated) by Gershen Kaufman, Ph.D., Lev Raphael, Ph.D., and Pamela Espeland

The Dragon Who Pulled Her Scales by William Michael Davidson

The Hero in Me by Susan Fitzsimonds

Tommy Starts Something Big: Giving Cuddles and Kindness by Chuck Gaidica and Kris Yankee

Lola Goes to Work: A Nine-to-Five Therapy Dog by Marcia Goldman

My Big Fat Secret: How Jenna Takes Control of Her Emotions & Eating by

Don’t Call Me a Tattletale! By Kimberly Koskos

Celia the Great: Tricks for Being a Happy Kid by Abby Jacobs

How To Be Comfortable in Your Own Feathers by Julia Cook

Feel Confident! By Cheri J. Meiners

 

Separation

Mommy Don’t Go by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

I’m Lost by Elizabeth Craary, M.S.

 

Social and Emotional Competence Skills

A Boy and a Bear: The Children’s Relaxation Book by Lori Lite

Accept and Value Each Person by Cheri J. Meiners

Be the Boss of Your Stress: Self-Care for Kids by Timothy Culbert, M.D., and Rebecca Kajander C.P.N.P, M.P.H.

Becoming Someone’s Hero: A Book for the Bystanders of Bullying by Sandy Ragona, M.S.Ed.

Caillou: Day Care by Christine L’Heureux and Gisèle Lègarè

Caillou: Hurry Up! By Joceline Sanschagrin

Caillou: Play With Me! By Christine L’Heureux

Can I Tell You About Selective Mutism? A Guide for Friends, Family, and Professionals by Maggie Johnson and Alsion Wintgens

Cliques Just Don’t Make Cents by Julia Cook

Cucho le dice NO al estrés by N. Barceló G./ C. Bordagorry A.

Does This Make Me Beautiful? By Harriet Morse

Don’t Blame Me! Prepare to Excel Beyond Your Wildest Dreams by Larry Cole

Don’t Squeal Unless It’s A Big Deal: A Tale of Tattletales by Jenanie Franz Ransom, MA

el PEOR dia de TODA mi vida/The Worst Day of My Life EVER by Julia Cook

Fill a Bucket: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Young Children by Carol McCloud

Frog’s Breathtaking Speech by Michael Chissick

Good For You, Grisha: Teaching Kids Ways to Cope by Karen Westhoven

Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness: Three Rules for a Happier Life by Carol McCloud

Has Llenado una Cubeta Hoy? Una Gui a Diaria de Felicidad para Niños by Carol McCloud

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? : A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud

How to Talk to an Autistic Kid by Daniel Stefanski

I Am Stumped by Lisa Rivard

I Can’t Wait by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

I Just Want to Do It My Way! My Story About Staying on Task by Julia Cook

I Want It by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

I Want to Play by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

I’m Lost by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

Ick and the Emotastone: An Emotes Book About Accepting Differences by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

If You’re Bothered… and you know it by Tricia Murin

It’s Hard to Be A Verb! By Julia Cook

Kicky the Mean Chick Learns Her Lesson & Other Kicky Tales by Erika Karres

Liking Myself (3rd Edition) by Pat Palmer, Ed.D.

Listen and Learn by Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed.

Mad: How to Deal With Anger and Get Respect by James J. Crist, Ph.D.

Mommy Don’t Go by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook

My Name is Not Dummy by Elizabeth Crary, M.S.

Nobody Likes Me, Everybody Hates Me: The Top 25 Friendship Problems and How to Solve Them by Michele Borba, Ed.D.

Nuevas téchnicas de relajación para niños y adolescents by Silvina Hopkins

Out of This World: Max Strives for Success! Victory Through Motivation by John Filitti

Out of This World: Face to Face with X-35 by John Filitti

Out of This World: Tiglos vs Secca Ma by John Filitti

Pressure-True Stories by Teens About Stress edited by Al Desetta

Ricky Sticky Fingers by Julia Cook

Sometimes I Don’t Like to Talk (But Sometimes I Can’t Keep Quiet) by Jessica Lamb-Shapiro

Sometimes I Feel Like I Don’t Have Any Friends (But Not So Much Anymore) by Tracy Zimmerman and Lawrence Shapiro, Ph.D.

Sometimes I Get Sad (But Now I Know What Makes Me Happy) by Jane Ratcliffe

Sometimes I Like to Fight (But I Don’t Do It Much Anymore) by Lawrence E. Shapiro, Ph.D.

Stick Up For Yourself~ Every Kid’s Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem (revised and updated) by Gershen Kaufman, Ph.D., Lev Raphael, Ph.D., and Pamela Espeland

Teamwork Isn’t My Thing, and I Don’t Like to Share! By Julia Cook

Tease Monster: A Book about Teasing vs. Bullying by Julia Cook

Teddy Bear Princess: A Story About Sharing and Caring by Jewel Kats

The Courage to Be Yourself: True Stories by Teens About Cliques, Conflicts, and Overcoming Peer Pressure edited by Al Desetta, M.A., and Educators for Social Responsibility

The Hero in Me by Susan Fitzsimonds

The Mouse, the Monster, and Me – Assertiveness for Young People (Curb Bullying) by Pat Palmer, Ed.D.

The Princess and the Ruby: An Autism Fairy Tale by Jewel Kats

The Rabbit Who Lost His Hop by Marica Shoshana Nass

The Way I Act by James Metzger

Tommy Starts Something Big: Giving Cuddles and Kindness by Chuck Gaidica and Kris Yankee

Try and Stick with It by Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed.

Understand and Care by Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed.

Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome by Clarabelle van Niekerk and Liezl Venter

What Color is Your Heart? By Linda Reau

What Do You Use to Help Your Body? By Jewel Kats

What to Do When Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough: The Real Deal on Perfectionism by Thomas S. Greenspon, Ph.D.

What to do When Your Temper Flares by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D.

When You’re HAPPY and You Know It by Elizabeth Crary, M.S., and Shari Steelsmith

When You’re MAD and You Know It by Elizabeth Crary, M.S., and Shari Steelsmith

When You’re SHY and You Know It by Elizabeth Crary, M.S., and Shari Steelsmith

When You’re SILLY and You Know It by Elizabeth Crary, M.S., and Shari Steelsmith

Who is in Your Family? A Celebration in Diversity by Susan Bowman

Words Are Not for Hurting/Las palabras no son para lastimar by Elizabeth Verdick

Yawni and the Perspecto-Goggles: An Emotes Book About Boredom by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Zach Apologizes by William Mulcahy

Zach Get Frustrated by William Mulcahy

No, No, No! by Marie-Isabelle Callier

Ick and the Emotastone: An Emotes Book About Accepting Differences by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

El Ratón, El Monstruo y Yo: Conducta asertiva para los jóvenes by Pat Palmer, Ed.D

The Grouchies (Chase Away a Grumpy Mood) by Debbie Wagenbach

Abash and the Cyber-Bully: An Emotes Book About Bulying by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Super and Perfecto: An Emotes Book About Confidence by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Cant Loses His Cool: An Emotes Book About Temper Tantrums by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Mixy’s Quest: An Emotes Book about Confusion by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

A Happy Hat by Cecil Kim

What to Do When You’re Cranky and Blue by James J. Crist, Ph.D.

How to Be Human: Diary of an Autistic Girl by Florida Franz

Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein, J.D., Psy.D.

What to Do When It’s Not Fair by Jacqueline B. Toner, Ph.D., and Claire A.B. Freeland, Ph.D.

The Survival Guide for Kids with Behavior Challenges by Tom McIntyre, Ph.D.

Lola Goes to Work: A Nine-to-Five Therapy Dog by Maria Goldman

Boom the Anger Tamer: An Emotes Book About Anger by Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey

Joi’s Cyber-Coaster Adventure: An Emotes Book About Positive Thinking

Healing Days: A Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma by Susan Farber Straus

Eli’s Lie-O-Meter by Sandra Levins

Goodbye, Brecken by David Lupton

Some Days Are Lonely by Young-Ah Kim

I Can’t Do Anything by Thierry Robberecht

New Kid, New Scene: A Guide to Moving and Switching Schools by Debbie Glassner, Ph.D., and Emily Schneck

Understanding Myself: A Kid’s Guide to Intense Emotions and Strong Feelings by Mary C. Lamia, Ph.D.

 

Trauma

Something Happened and I’m Scared to Tell: A Book for Young Victims of Abuse by Patricia Kehoe, Ph.D.

Algo Paso y Me Da Miedo Decirlo (Something Happened and I’m Scared to Tell) by Patricia Kehoe, Ph.D.

A Terrible Thing Happened: A story for children who have witnessed violence or trauma by Margaret M. Holmes

Jenny Is Scared! When Sad Things Happen in the World by Carol Shuman

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Categories : ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Behavior, Bibliotherapy, Books, Bullying, Child Development, Communication, Conflict, Divorce, Feelings, Play Therapy books, Self-Esteem, Sexual Abuse, Social and Emotional Competence, Trauma and Grief

The Importance of Play: What can a child therapist do?

Posted by Gary Yorke 
· July 26, 2016 
· No Comments
play games

                                  (Basic Play Therapy Game Package by Dr. Gary)

 

Child clinicians have always been aware of the importance of play. And by play I don’t mean playing a video game or staring at a screen! Some studies are now indicating that the average nine-year-old spends 35 hours in front of a TV, and another 10 hours per week in front of other screens. Researchers are beginning to talk about a “Play Deficit Disorder.” Peter Gray in his 2014 TED talk offers a succinct and convincing argument that play is declining and what the consequences are of this decline in play.

So what is play? According to the United Kingdom’s Children’s Play Information Service:

Play includes a range of self-chosen activities, undertaken for their own interest, enjoyment and the satisfaction that results for children;

Very young children, even babies, show playful behavior when they explore sound and simple actions and experiment with objects of interest;

Play activities are not essential to meet basic physical survival needs. But play does seem to support children’s emotional well-being as well as a wide range of learning within their whole development;

Children can play alone, but often they play with other children and with familiar adults. Even very young children engage in simple give-and-take or copying games with their peers, older siblings or with adults;

A playful quality in activities is shown by the exercise of choice, enjoyable repetition and invitation to others to join the play.

 In the 1930s Vygotsky noted the centrality and importance of play in normal development. In a fascinating TED talk “Play Is More Than Just Fun” Stuart Brown noted that not only does play make us happy, but it also makes us smarter. His studies of criminals revealed that many of the folks that go on to commit horrible crimes against their fellow humans have been deprived of developmentally appropriate play.

play room1

               ( Rolling Filial Play Therapy Kit)

On a behavioral and social level play allow children to experiment with social behaviors and interactions. Links between children’s propensity to play and their development of cooperative skills, social competence, and peer acceptance have been empirically established. Play allows children to experiment with social interactions and behaviors. Piaget theorized that make-believe play provides children opportunities to reproduce real-life conflicts, to work out ideal resolutions for their own pleasure, and to ameliorate negative feelings.  Developmental psychologists suggest play constitutes an emotionally significant context through which themes of power and dominance, aggression, nurturance, anxiety, pain, loss, growth, and joy can be enacted productively.

Not only is play important for development of social and emotional intelligence, it is also necessary for the development of the brain. All mammals play, and animal research has clearly demonstrated the deleterious effects of no play. In his TED talk Stuart Brown reported that when play is suppressed in rats their survival behaviors become altered, and when exposed to a threat they hide as they should, but they never venture out from their hiding spot and subsequently die. In humans, play changes the connections of neurons in the prefrontal cortex, and it is these neurons that play an important role in executive functioning.

 

 

So what is a child therapist to do? Winnicott argued that playing is a necessary part of working with children: “Psychotherapy takes place in the overlap of two areas of playing, that of the patient and that of the therapist. Psychotherapy has to do with two people playing together. The corollary of this is that where playing is not possible then the work done by the therapist is directed towards bringing the patient from a state of not being able to play into a state of being able to play.”

It seems that we now find ourselves in a position of teaching many of our clients how to play! Other opportunities to promote play may arise when counseling parents or consulting in schools. There is probably not a single child clinician who hasn’t cringed when told that a child is routinely punished by withholding recess. If anything, we should be giving our clients more play time when they are challenged to regulate themselves in a classroom. IEPs and 504 plans should note that recess should not be used as a negative consequence. Many of our clients are over scheduled, and parents may need help prioritizing what activities the child is enrolled in. And of course, screen time needs to be regulated.

 

playtherapyroom2

                  Complete Play Therapy Room

Visit Child Therapy Toys for more play therapy supplies and kits!

 

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Categories : ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Art Therapy, Behavior, Child Development, Communication, Play Therapy, Play Therapy books, Play Therapy Games, Play Therapy news, Play Therapy Toys

How Therapy—Not Meds—Can Change Brains Of Kids With ADHD

Posted by Gary Yorke 
· May 20, 2016 
· No Comments

“75% of children between two and five with ADHD symptoms take medication, but do they need to?” Alexandra Ossala discusses why medication for a preschooler shouldn’t necessarily be the go-to solution for a rambunctious or inattentive child. Though medication often produces faster results. scientists still aren’t certain of the long term effects these medications have on the brain. Ossala suggests that behavioral therapy can be as effective as medication, if not more so, and could possibly reduce the need for medication management as the child grows as well!

 

Read more here!

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Categories : ADHD, Article of the Month

Psychological Testing and Diagnosis

Posted by Gary Yorke 
· June 15, 2012 
· No Comments

Reading through the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV it quickly becomes apparent that most of the diagnoses that we make for a child or adolescent are not dependent upon data obtained through psychological testing. Most DSM-IV diagnoses are based on history and symptoms. The most obvious exceptions are Learning Disabilities, cognitive processing disorders and Mental Retardation. In some cases, psychological testing is not required to make a diagnosis, but it is clearly indicated. For example, most clinicians recognize psychological testing can provide valuable information when there has been trauma at birth, developmental delay, a drug overdose, head injury, surgery, regression in development, or a serious medical illness.

Given that psychological testing is not needed to make a diagnosis, why is it so common for children referred for behavioral and emotional problems to undergo psychological testing? There are a number of very good reasons. In many cases testing can assist in clarifying a diagnosis. For example, depression and anxiety share many overlapping symptoms and behaviors. A brief battery of tests can assist in clarifying what the salient issues are. Testing is not decisive when making the diagnosis, but is undertaken to clarify the nature and extent of a particular problem. Psychological tests can be used to rule out other disorders and identify strengths and weaknesses. For example, a child suspected of having a Mood Disorder may be administered an IQ test, projective testing, and may be asked to complete a variety of questionnaires. The goal of this testing would be to ensure that there are no complicating factors such as a cognitive impairment or co-morbid condition, identify factors involved in the mood disorder (e.g., body image, self-esteem, peer issues), and to assess the seriousness of the mood disorder.

In some cases guidelines promulgated by professional organizations provide strong recommendations for obtaining information that can only be gathered through psychological testing. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics makes the following recommendation when assessing for ADHD:

“In the evaluation of a child for ADHD, the primary care clinician should include assessment for other conditions that might coexist with ADHD, including emotional or behavioral (e.g., anxiety, depressive, oppositional defiant, and conduct disorders), developmental (e.g., learning and language disorders or other neurodevelopmental disorders), and physical (e.g., tics, sleep apnea) conditions.”

As we learn more about disorders such as ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Asperger’s it is becoming very clear that most children with one of these diagnoses have other cognitive issues that affect their functioning. Impairments in long-term retrieval, working memory, and cognitive fluency can only be identified by psychological testing. Further, without proper assessment, appropriate accommodations and interventions cannot be identified. Children exhibiting behavior problems may have limited intellectual capacity, a learning disability, or a language delay. While a thorough Diagnostic Assessment can assist in identifying these issues, only a comprehensive psychological battery can rule out the presence of a learning disability, low intelligence, cognitive impairment, or language delay.

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Categories : ADHD, Asperger's, Bipolar Disorder
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Explaining medication to children

Posted by Gary Yorke 
· May 29, 2012 
· No Comments

Many of the children that we see in therapy will be prescribed medication for their behavioral and emotional difficulties. Sometimes we’ll be in agreement. At other times we may be dismayed that medication is being prescribed at all. We may also discover that some of the prescribing physicians we work with do not spend enough time discussing medication with the parents or child. As a result, prescriptions may not be filled, medication may be discontinued prematurely, or the child may refuse to take the medicine. Some children won’t refuse to take medication, they’ll just lie about it. All medications have side effects and not understanding the side effects of a particular medication may lead to side effects being ignored, missed, or their importance exaggerated. Prescribing psychotropic medications can be difficult, and multiple trials of different medications at different dosages may be required before a desirable result is obtained. Not understanding the process may contribute to both the parent and child becoming discouraged and prematurely discontinuing medication.

As child and family therapists it often falls on us to have a discussion with the child and parents about their medicine. Since we are not physicians we are at a decided disadvantage, but it is unlikely that we are going to see an increase in education about medication being provided by our medical colleagues. Therefore, it is extremely important that we remain current about medications so that we can have reasonably intelligent conversations with our clients about their medicine. I’d also recommend a cautious approach when reading about psychotropic medication on the internet. The internet has no filter and there is a tremendous amount of misinformation available.

When talking to parents and children about medication it is important to keep in mind that it is not our job to convince anyone to take medication, nor is it our job to discourage anyone from taking medication. It is ultimately the parent’s responsibility, in conjunction with their physician to make a determination about what medication, if any, should be prescribed. We can provide a path to understanding, and we can address issues of noncompliance.

When talking to parents and children about medication it is important to keep in mind that it is not our job to convince anyone to take medication, nor is it our job to discourage anyone from taking medication. It is ultimately the parent’s responsibility, in conjunction with their physician to make a determination about what medication, if any, should be prescribed. We can provide a path to understanding, and we can address issues of noncompliance.

The following suggestions are offered:

• Educate the child, in terms that they will understand, about their diagnosis. For example, with children who have ADHD, I compare their brain to a computer. “We know that you have a really good brain. And like a computer it comes preloaded with lots of programs. We know your programs for Spelling, Running, Talking, in fact most of your programs, are really good. But your program for paying attention, well that doesn’t work very well. So, your doctor is prescribing some medication to help that program work better.” Or for a child with depression I might say, “We know that people with even a great life, can feel depressed because of their brain chemistry. Your doctor wants you to take this medicine to change your brain chemistry, which might help you feel less grumpy and irritable. I don’t know if it will help. You’ll have to tell me
after you’ve taken it for a while.”

• Monitor the family’s attitudes about medication. If the child is getting teased by a sibling, or Dad is telling Mom, within earshot of the child, that they just need to “get it together,” cooperation from the child can diminish.

• Be realistic, especially with teens and pre-teens. Nobody wants to be perceived as defective and medication, as well as being taken to a therapist or psychiatrist, can imply that the child has been found to be inferior or defective in some way. Be realistic and understanding of the adolescent’s concerns. Understanding that the adolescent has all of the control in this situation can go a long way to breaking down resistance.

• Don’t exaggerate the benefits of medication. It is likely that the child will have to continue to work hard in therapy, at school, and at home to overcome their challenges. Parents may also need some help being realistic about the medication. Of course, if the child does have a dramatic response to the medicine join in on the celebration and then step back and see if the
dramatic effect really lasts.

• In families where there is a history of substance abuse there may be great concern about taking a psychoactive drug. Elementary school children may not understand the difference between the drug they are being prescribed and the drugs they are being warned about in the substance abuse prevention program at their school. Again, it is important to use language appropriate to the child. With parents I’ll often discuss the incidence of substance abuse among adolescents with mental health problems who did not receive treatment. With an adolescent it may be important to discuss the difference between self-medicating and treatment. Self-medication offers more reward in the short-term, while treatment aims toward long term benefit. Additionally, self-medication typically exacerbates existing problems.

• Use proper names. For example, children with ADHD should not be told their medicine is a vitamin pill. Educate all children, regardless of age, about their diagnosis. Left to their own devices young children have a limited vocabulary for evaluating themselves: fast or slow, smart or stupid, good or bad. Children with behavioral problems are prone to self-esteem issues and understanding why they are having their difficulties can alleviate some of these esteem issues. Additionally, we want to help children avoid externalizing blame for their difficulties onto others. By owning their challenges children and adolescents are in a better position to accept help, support, and work on overcoming their difficulties.

I have also developed a workbook for children being prescribed medication. It is available on my website, childtherapytoys.com and on Amazon. Check out this cool widget for a sneak peek.

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Categories : ADHD, Medication, Play Therapy books
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