Category: Mental Health
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Parkinson’s Disease and its Impact on Mental Health
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder characterised primarily by motor symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability, affecting 2-3% of the population above 65 years of age (Poewe et al., 2017). These symptoms are caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Beyond these well-known motor…
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Sibling Shenanigans: The Art of Loving (and Annoying) Each Other
Sibling relationships are among the most complex and dynamic relationships we encounter throughout our lives. They can be a source of joy, support, and companionship, but they can also lead to rivalry and sometimes conflict (Salmon & Shackelford, 2011; Stocker et al., 2020). Siblings often share a unique bond shaped by their shared experiences. As…
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Playing in nature – where the magic happens!
As parents, we are conscious of keeping a balance between screen time and other activities. However; we’ve all heard it when kids come off of screens: “I’m bored!” or “There’s nothing to do!” Getting young people into nature isn’t just about giving them a place to run around—it’s about unlocking a world of benefits that…
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Using assistive technology to support reading development
Assistive technology (AT) plays a critical role in supporting reading development for students with disabilities, particularly those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. These tools can help students overcome barriers to reading, improve comprehension, and develop greater independence. Below are some useful assistive technologies that can support reading development: 1. Text-to-Speech Software Text-to-speech (TTS) technology…
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School Refusal – Why won’t they go?
What is school refusal? Defined as “child motivated refusal to attend school and/or problems remaining in classes for an entire day” (Kearney & Diliberto, 2013), school refusal or avoidance (sometimes referred to as emotionally based school avoidance), is a complex and often misunderstood issue that can have significant impact on both the child and their…
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Educational Support for Children with Down Syndrome
Children with Down Syndrome may have intellectual and developmental delays, but they also have the capacity to learn and grow, especially with early intervention. Many children with Down Syndrome attend mainstream schools, while others may benefit from special education settings tailored to their individual needs. Key educational support for supporting children with Down Syndrome in…
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How to Parent Neuro Diverse Kids
Quick Tip: GOOD PARENTS HAVE NEURODIVERGENT KIDS, parenting did not cause neurodivergence. It is important that parents know that nothing you did, do or don’t do will directly “cause” a neurodevelopmental disorder. While situational factors can certainly play into diagnoses like depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma your parenting will not cause developmental disorders such as…
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Tips for Parents to Advocate for Their Children in Special Needs Education
Parent involvement in special needs education is crucial not only for supporting a child’s academic progress but also for ensuring that they receive the necessary services and accommodations to thrive. Here are some ways parents can actively engage and advocate for their children in the special needs education system. 1. Understand Your Child’s Rights First…
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Women in Male-Dominated Industries: Challenges, Well-Being, and the Future
In industries such as engineering and technology, women remain underrepresented despite growing importance on the value of gender diversity. These male-dominated fields present unique challenges for women, ranging from workplace bias to a lack of support for mental health and well-being. This article explores the barriers women face in these sectors, highlights the importance of…
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Self-Injury in Young People: Understanding Gender Differences
Growing up in Sweden during the 90s and early 2000s, mental health was not a topic that received much attention. Self-harm, in particular, was something many of us didn’t understand or even know existed. Without access to social media or the vast resources of the internet, information was limited, and conversations around such sensitive issues…