THE BRAIN - MyHope

Fulfill Your Potential By Examining Your Mindset

You may think your success is determined by your intelligence, experience, environment, or even your personality. But research suggests that it’s your point of view – your mindset – that may be the key. The mindset you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life, says Carol Dweck, PhD, author of Mindset: […]

4 Steps to Changing a Bad Habit

Ever wonder why bad habits seem so hard to stop? Researchers think it’s because our brains are eager to find energy-saving short-cuts. By turning simple routines into habits, the human brain can ramp down a bit. But because the behavior is then essentially hard-wired, it’s and more likely to be repeated without much thought. Bingo; […]

The Fine Art of Focusing

Just as you were starting to read this, did you suddenly stop, deciding to quickly check for that email you were expecting? No, it wasn’t there. So you’re back to the article. Then a text message calls for your attention. You send off a quick reply. And now, it’s time to focus. But, it’s not […]

Steps for Overcoming Low Self-Esteem

Today I went to the nearby grocery store and passed by the section where they have day old bread and dented and damaged goods. It brought to mind how many individuals view themselves as damaged goods. The price mark-down shelves were an additional example of how we can make ourselves feel of lesser value than […]

Taking Responsibility

Step up to the plate. Take charge. Make it happen. Do something. Speak up. You’ve heard these admonitions and probably many others. But it’s always easier said than done. Whether you’re concerned about the state of the world, the nation, your neighborhood, or your organization, you probably know the feeling. You’ve found a problem and […]

Activities for Teaching Behavior Management

I. Theories of Behavior 1. Observe a child trying to complete a task (e.g., toileting, completing a puzzle, etc.) Write a list of all of the discrete behaviors which are linked in the completion of that task. Observe another child completing that task and record for each step if the child performed the task independently […]

Autism Spectrum Disorders – Lecture for Physician Assistants

Autism Spectrum Disorders A Lecture for Physician Assistants (August 2013)Presented by: Susan Hepburn, Ph.D., Assoc. Professor, Depts. Of Psychiatry & Pediatrics/JFK PartnersUniversity of Colorado School of Medicine. e-mail: Susan.hepburn@ucdenver.edu Objectives: To provide future health care professionals with a succinct overview of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including signs & symptoms at different ages and basic facts […]

Feedback Games

SITUATION: Reggie, a 5th grader, is new to the district. The school team is concerned that he is not keeping up with 5th grade work. The school team initiated this meeting with Reggie’s parents. The goal of the meeting is to share information about concerns and obtain consent for assessment. PLAYERS: 4 MOM DAD GEN. […]

Main Points of Behavior Management Training

I. Theories of Behavior 1. Behaviors are observable phenomena which can be: A. Defined in concrete terms B. Altered by changing aspects of the environment 2. Behavior is influenced by the interaction of these factors: A. Characteristics of the child (e.g., learning style, motivation, etc..) Effects of autism includes discussion of social, communication, and sensory […]

Helping Less Verbal Youth with ASD Manage Strong Emotions

Learning Objectives: Participants will recognize how the biological features of ASD make coping (or self-regulation) very challenging, especially when a person doesn’t have easy access to language. Participants will increase awareness of the behavioral signs of escalating anxiety in youth with ASD. Participants will learn about a variety of strategies and resources that can be […]

Go Ahead and Ask: Food Obsessions

Question: My daughter with autism is 14 and non-verbal. Over the past few years, her obsessive-compulsive behaviors have become more of a problem— particularly around issues of food, hoarding, over-eating, etc. We have tried locking the food in cabinets and in the refrigerator. Unfortunately, it has been hard for us to be consistent in locking up […]

Resources for Families to Support Learning and Independence in School-Aged Children and Teens

Interactive Websites/Computer Resources Brainology. This is a software program designed for late elementary/middle school in particular, with the goal of improving metacognition (i.e., helping students to reflect on their own thoughts and attitudes) and developing motivation and resilience in the face of learning challenges. Brainology.comwww.brainology.us/educator/programDescription.aspxbrainology.com The interactive website may be particularly engaging for science-minded kids. […]