— Introduction When was the last time you marveled at how a child navigates their world of friendships and play? Social-emotional skills are like the invisible threads that weave a child’s interactions together. They shape how children make friends, understand emotions, and deal with conflict. While these skills are crucial for developing robust relationships and […]
Tag: Pervasive developmental disorders
Unveiling the Power of Nonpharmacological Interventions in Autism: A Journey Through Mind and Behavior
Introduction: Navigating the Intriguing World of the Mind Without Medicines Imagine reaching into a toolbox of treatments designed to improve the social capabilities of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without relying on medication. For many families, this prospect offers a hopeful alternative ingrained with less risk and more sustainable interaction improvements. The [research paper](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291720) […]
The Unseen Dance: How We Conceal Our True Selves at Work
Introduction Picture this: it’s Monday morning, and you put on more than just your office attire. You slip into a different persona, one that fits seamlessly into workplace expectations. It’s a routine that many of us follow, often unconsciously. But for some, embarking on this daily act of transformation—or masking, as it’s known in psychological […]
Decoding the Mental Health Labyrinth in Autistic Adults
Introduction: Navigating the Complex Maze of the Mind Imagine living in a world where your brain operates a little differently from everyone else’s. Now, add on the challenge of navigating mental health complexities that can feel like a sprawling maze with no clear exit. This is the reality for many autistic adults, who often struggle […]
Reflecting Minds: Understanding Dutch Souls with Intellectual Challenges
Introduction Imagine standing in a crowded room, attempting to read the emotional cues of every stranger around you. Now, imagine that the tools to make these social connections—like understanding facial expressions or interpreting tones of voice—aren’t always at your disposal. For individuals with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBIDs), this scenario isn’t just an uncomfortable […]
Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Role of Video Calls in the Lives of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Introduction: A Window into New Connections In our fast-paced, digital world, where communication has rapidly evolved from face-to-face conversations to texts, emails, and video calls, there’s increasing interest in how these shifts influence our social interactions and psychological well-being. For individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), who often experience challenges with social communication and sensory […]
Navigating Uncharted Waters: How Parents of Children with Autism Weathered the COVID-19 Storm
Introduction: A Pandemic of Challenges Imagine living in a world where every day is a puzzle filled with social challenges and communication hurdles. Now, imagine that world suddenly turns upside down due to a global pandemic. For families with children on the autism spectrum, this was not just a thought experiment—it was their reality during […]
How Control and Reward Shape Our Choices: Insights from Autism Research
— Introduction: The Secret Powers behind Our Choices Every day, countless decisions shape our lives, from choosing what to eat for breakfast to making crucial career moves. But have you ever paused to wonder what drives these choices? Behind every decision lies a complex interplay between personal agency—the feeling that we are in control—and reward—the […]
Navigating Personal Space: Understanding Social Boundaries in Autism
Introduction Picture yourself at a bustling party. The room reverberates with laughter and music. Friends and strangers alike mingle, navigating the complex and often subtle dance of social interaction. Now, imagine a world where these unspoken rules of social engagement are not easily decipherable. This is the reality for many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder […]
Reflective Realities: Understanding Self and Others in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Introduction Imagine looking into a mirror and being asked to distinguish your reflection from someone else’s, a seemingly simple task that conceals profound complexities about how we perceive ourselves and others. For most people, this is straightforward. However, for adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this task becomes a window into understanding more about their […]