Concerns about the Common Core Curriculum

This film provides a  critical view of the common core curriculum.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjxBClx01jc#t=20
Very important for parents, educators, social workers, and all those who care about kids to watch.

Happy for Derrick Gordon

I certainly am not a sports fan, and I have never heard the name Derrick Gordon before today, but I think this is an awesome story to share.  http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10754694/derrick-gordon-umass-basketball-player-becomes-first-openly-gay-ncaa-division-player
What a tremendous relief he must feel to not have to hide anymore, and to know that he is supported by many.  His coach's reaction to his coming out is what every coming out person should hear, "we are here for you, we love you, and we will continue to support you."

Should I tell the client their diagnosis?

This is a question that my students ask me all of the time.  I answer from the empowerment and the ethical perspectives:  Of course clients should know their diagnosis!  They should also be involved in determining their correct diagnosis, and determining which treatments they prefer.  Who knows what the client is experiencing better than the client?

Students and clinicians often worry that knowing they meet the criteria for a diagnosis will feel like a burden to a client, a label they can never remove from themselves.  For me, I look at it this way:  If I go to a medical doctor for a cough, I should absolutely know if I have bronchitis or lung cancer.  This information will help us (me and my doctor) decide together what is the best course of treatment.  I can also gather more information about my diagnosis as well. I become empowered, not burdened.

The reason I'm thinking of this today is I read this interesting article http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2014/04/psychiatrist-open-mental-health-notes on a study examining the impact of psychiatric clients having access to their psychiatry notes.  The idea that in 2014 there are providers that do not discuss diagnosis with their client is surprising, and I hope research like this makes an impact.

Fantastic resource for autism related information

Check out Autism Research Institute's YouTube channel for many free lectures on autism and related issues.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCewrICyE_Pl9LiyCHp6GnRQ

Children and media

Are you concerned about the impact of media on children?  Check out these excellent resources.

Data on media use in 0-8 year olds. http://cdn2-d7.ec.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/about_us/zero-to-eight-20131.pdf

More data on children and media use. http://www.preventtogether.org/Resources/Documents/NationalPlanFactsheetTechFINAL508.pdf

These days I am very concerned about the impact of violent video gaming on young children.  Read here for good advice on kids and video games. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/impact-of-media-violence-tips

Sharing a podcast: the experience of male sexual abuse

This podcast http://mentalpod.com/Dr-David-Lisak is disturbing and upsetting, but it provides valuable insights into the child victim's experience of sexual abuse. It particularly focuses on males who have been abused.

Preschool is an evolutionary novelty- Sharing an excellent article

For anyone who is struggling through the decision to send their child to preschool or not, here is an excellent article that reviews the relevant research.  http://www.parentingscience.com/preschool-stress.html