Autism spectrum disorder (commonly referred to as just “autism”) is a developmental and neurological disorder that can impact how someone behaves, communicates, interacts, and learns. Although the term “high-functioning autism” isn’t an official medical diagnosis, it’s commonly used in reference to autistic people who can speak, read, write, and perform life skills with minimal assistance. The medical community previously used the term “Asperger’s syndrome” to describe high-functioning autism but officially retired its usage in 2013. What Are the Levels of Autism? As its full name suggests, au ..read more

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 9% of the U.S. population will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. One of the most common eating disorders is anorexia nervosa (often referred to as just “anorexia”). Below, we explain what anorexia is and who may be most vulnerable to it. What Is Anorexia? Before discussing who anorexia primarily affects, it may be helpful to explain exactly what it is. Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes someone to have a distorted perception of their weight as well as an extre ..read more

So, you’ve decided that it’s time to set some boundaries in your life. Good for you! Boundaries are essential to maintaining relationships with friends, family members, and coworkers, as they can help build trust and respect. Once you’ve decided what your boundaries are, the next step will be communicating them to those around you. Here are some tips for how to do so: Be clear. Explain exactly what you expect so that there’s no room for misinterpretation. For example, if you don’t want to work evenings, say, “I’m available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.” rather than “I can’t work late,” since “lat ..read more

You’ve likely heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can cause someone to experience anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms after living through a traumatic event. But did you know that the mental health community commonly divides PTSD into five stages? They are: Impact – This stage occurs immediately after someone experiences a traumatic event. The person may feel shocked, overwhelmed, powerless, guilty, anxious, or afraid. Denial – Because the brain naturally blocks out traumatic experiences to protect itself, some people may go through a ..read more

Many people use the terms “psychology” and “psychiatry” interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different areas of practice. Psychologists and psychiatrists are both trained to identify and treat mental health issues, and both regularly treat patients using psychotherapy (talk therapy). However, because psychiatrists are medical doctors who completed medical school and a residency, they can also prescribe medication and perform certain medical procedures. Which One Is Right for You? If you’ve been struggling with your mental health, you may be wondering whether to visit a psychologist ..read more

Diane Ackerman is attributed to saying “Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” And the sentiment is right. Research from the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development supports the theory that it takes 400 repetitions to learn something new or create new synapses in the brain; when done through play, it takes 20 or as few as 10. Adults only have to look at their own enjoyment of books, movies, TV shows, and video games to see the power of creativity, imagination, metaphors, and pretend play on our emotions.  People have been observing and studying the benefits of play since ancie ..read more

It’s certainly true that in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in countless responsibilities of our busy lives and put our own needs on the back seat leading us to ignore signs of stress, overwhelm, and, eventually, burnout. Our overworked mind tends to ignore the lack of self-care by justifying it with the lack of time and/or prioritizing other duties and decreasing the importance of our well-being. Yet, we quickly learn about the need for more balance when the collapse is near. The good news is that we don’t have to wait till it’s too late nor do we have to completely abandon th ..read more

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) can cause a child to frequently exhibit anger, irritability, and defiance against their parents and other authority figures. Children with this disorder often argue and act spitefully or vindictively, making it difficult to maintain relationships and causing issues at home, at school, and in other areas of life. ODD Causes & Risk Factors Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes oppositional defiant disorder, but studies suggest that it may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A child may have a higher risk ..read more

Does your career often leave you feeling stressed? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by the American Institute of Stress, 40% of workers reported that their job was very or extremely stressful, and 25% viewed their job as the No. 1 stressor in their life. And because stress can make it difficult for you to focus, it can affect job performance, potentially leading to even more stress. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage your stress, relax, and enjoy a better quality of life: Eat a nutritious diet. Drink plenty of water. Get enough sleep. Exercise (you m ..read more

If you’ve gone through a divorce, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by Forbes, about half of first marriages end in divorce, and divorce rates are even higher in second and third marriages. It’s important to not rush back into dating after a divorce. Separating from your spouse can be extremely difficult, and you’ll need to take time to process your emotions, rediscover yourself, and think about what you want in your next relationship. Once you’re ready to enter the dating world again, remember the following tips: Try dating apps. If it’s been a while since you got married ..read more