 Dyslexia is a condition that many professionals and parents often misunderstand. In the community it is often incorrectly believed to be a visual difficulty when in most instances this is not the case. Dyslexia is a condition which affects a child's ability to efficiently process sounds and link them to letters. It's important to identify Dyslexia early in a child's life in order for them to get the help they need.
One to one direct reading instruction by a qualified professional is extremely important if your child is diagnosed as having Dyslexia. Commencing intervention as early as possible in a child's life promotes success and improves outcomes. Children with Dyslexia can become functional readers and can have the same opportunities as others. If your child has reading difficulties and is falling behind in class talk to their teacher as a first step. Teachers can give you an indication of where exactly your child's literacy levels are compared to other children. Monitor your child's difficulties and give them individual support. Read to them and with them regularly. Start with the basics and try and make it fun. Give them choices over what they can read and appeal to their interests. There are many great iPad apps to help with developing fundamental reading skills. Look up 'phonological processing', 'phonics games' and 'children's reading games' in the app store initially to get some ideas. It's important to remember that all children develop at different rates with regards to academics, social skills and language. Some children do need more time to develop certain skills however sometimes it is more than just a delay. 5-15% of children experience Dyslexia which is a brain based disorder and not merely a delay. If your child has Dyslexia or another learning disorder early assessment and treatment is extremely important. If you have ongoing concerns, your child is not improving or you feel that there is more to it than just a delay your child may benefit from a comprehensive learning assessment. An assessment by a Child Psychologist will provide a detailed overview of your child's learning strengths and weaknesses and can identify learning disorders such as Dyslexia. If you have further questions about Dyslexia you may be interested in viewing this article which provides a good overview for parents. You can also call us on 02 4929 2223 and we would be happy to help you and your child.  Children can become scared, worried and concerned at different points in their life and it is only natural for parents to want to help. As a parent you want to see your child grow into a happy and confident individual. Their self-esteem and wellbeing is so important and shapes who they will become as an adult.
Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling of nervousness and distress which both children and adults feel as a normal part of life. For example, many individuals feel somewhat 'on edge' and experience a sense of discomfort when they are in unfamiliar situations such as large parties or starting a new job. When we experience these feelings in small amounts this can be helpful as it makes us consider our actions to try and make a good impression. However, some children and adults suffer from extreme anxiety and feel overwhelming stress levels in new situations or times of uncertainty. In these instances seeking assistance from a Mental Health professional, such as a Psychologist, can be helpful to learn strategies to cope and manage anxiety symptoms. To teach your child to feel confident and resilient you can start by helping them in five simple ways: 1. Educate about the worry - Sometimes a small amount of age appropriate information can help your child feel better. For instance, if your child is scared of thunderstorms you can teach them in basic terms that there is nothing to be afraid of. E.g. Explain to them that the clouds rub together and make noise just like when we scrunch up paper. "We can't be hurt while we are inside the house. It’s just noise". 2. Encourage your child to cope with their fears - Avoiding situations which are not dangerous only prolongs the problem. Avoiding teaches them they are not safe and they need to stay away. Instead, gradually encourage your child to confront the situations they are scared of and they will learn they are safe and can cope. For example, if your child is afraid of dogs first show them pictures of friendly dogs. Then build on that by looking at videos together and visiting pet stores to see the puppies behind the glass. Eventually build up to the real thing, but only ever put the child in a situation in which they are safe. 3. Praise your child for being brave in difficult situations - When your child achieves a bravery goal or attempts something difficult praise and reward them. Be explicit and show emotion so they know how much it means. "Wow! I am so proud of you for talking in front of your class. That is a difficult thing to do but you did it anyway". This gives your child important feedback and encourages them to continue. 4. Talk about your own helpful thoughts to ease worries - Showing your child that you use positive self-talk to cope in day to day life will help them learn to do it also. Verbalise your own coping strategies and they will absorb it like a sponge. e.g. "I was a little bit nervous in my meeting today but I thought to myself 'I can do this and I am good at my job'. I felt much better after that". 5. Show your child how to reassure themselves rather than always relying on you - Sometimes children actively seek reassurance for the same thing over and over. If you notice your child is always worrying and asking you the same questions when they are scared you may need to get them to self-reassure more. For instance, if your child often worries that you will not be back to get them at the end of the day and always asks if you will definitely come to pick them up after school you could say "Remember we spoke about that yesterday. What did I say then?". Get your child to identify what you said the day before and repeat it to them self. e.g. "Mummy always comes to get me. She would never leave me behind". Using visuals and picture stories can also reinforce these ideas. Doing this helps your child to use positive self-talk to cope independently. If your child is struggling with anxiety please call us on 02 4929 2223 and our Child & Adolescent Psychologist would be happy to help.  Anger outbursts and tantrums can be a normal aspect of child development. We have all witnessed a child dropping to the floor yelling and refusing to budge when they don't get their own way. It is also easy to think of a time when a teenager has slammed their door and hid away in their bedroom. Everyone gets angry, including adults, but it is important to learn how to manage and express anger in appropriate ways. Child Psychologists can help with teaching your child to develop their emotional intelligence and coping skills.
Some ways you can help your child with everyday anger include: Labelling Emotions Talk about feelings with your children. Let them know you understand how they are feeling and label your own emotions. e.g. "Oh no, I can't remember where I left my keys. How frustrating". When children hear emotional language they learn how to use it themselves. The more we use language to label how we feel the less we act out our anger with aggression. Reflect your child's feelings so they know that you are in tune with their needs. e.g. "I can see that you are angry because you have your fists clenched and you are gritting your teeth". This can allow your child to know that they are being heard and can de-escalate situations. This allows for appropriate consequences and follow-up to take place without things getting out of hand. Modelling Coping You can let your children know how to cope by showing them. When you have a problem that is appropriate to let your children know about verbalise and demonstrate your positive coping strategies. This can include positive self-talk. e.g. "I feel pretty tired after a big week at work. I'm going to give my friend a call and then go for a swim. That will make me feel better". Children are like sponges and will mimic your coping habits. Identifying Calming Strategies Find time to set aside to sit down and talk with your child about their anger. Create a positive opportunity to identify appropriate things they can do when they are upset. Make sure you find a time when you can discuss without rushing. Explore what your child notices in their body when they are angry and the types of things that upset them. Make a visual list of choices they can make if they are angry. Children respond very well to rules and expectations which are explained ahead of time. Some coping strategies could include 'talking to someone', 'having some quiet time', 'relaxation exercises' or 'doing some physical activity'. Role Playing Difficult Situations Common situations where difficulties arise can be role-played. Recurring situations can often include resolving conflict with siblings, coping with losing and learning to share. Take time to act out these situations with your child and their siblings. Children learn by doing, so take time to play and pretend a situation is happening. Get involved and make the conflict resolution role-play fun. Demonstrate what they should and should not do and then get them involved in the play acting. Acknowledging Positive Coping Praise your child when they demonstrate appropriate expressions of emotions and when they use their words. e.g. "I'm so proud of you. It was sad that you didn't win but you were a good sport by congratulating the other team". In some instances a child may be struggling with severe anger which may benefit from professional help. Seeking support from a Child Psychologist and Adolescent Psychologist can provide you and your family with the guidance you need. Contact us at www.oraclepsychology.com.au if you need our help. #ChildPsychologist #Psychologist #Anger #Newcastle #NewcastleNSW  Many people misunderstand Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and confuse what this means for a child. Just like a puppy exploring the world for the first time, all children can be excitable, curious and impulsive. They can get themselves into trouble by activing before they think. When this happens occasionally it can be considered a normal part of child development. However if a child is consistently getting themselves into trouble for excessive levels of energy and not stopping to consider the consequences it may be time to seek a professional opinion from a Child Psychologist.
Although the name ADHD would suggest concentration is the primary concern in such children, impulsivity is actually the hallmark feature of this condition. These individuals can often get themselves into mischief even before they realise what has happened. Their thoughts and ideas can come so rapidly that they are overwhelmed and distracted. They struggle with impulse control to block out distractions which leads to inattention in the classroom. If we imagine that everyone has a 'stop sign' in their mind which helps them to think before acting we can begin to understand what it can be like for children with ADHD. For example, if you are driving in your car and get cut off in traffic you may automatically have an urge to react in a "not so civil way". But your 'stop sign' in your mind comes up and tells you to calm down. Everyone has something like this 'stop sign', even children with ADHD. However children with this condition have a slower 'stop sign' than everyone else. By the time their 'stop sign' tells them to stop they have already gone ahead with their urge and landed themselves in a huge mess. At that stage they can then feel quite remorseful and guilty regarding their actions. This can lead to self-esteem issues later in life. It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition which means such children are wired to respond differently to other individuals. They are often oversensitive to rewards and very resistant to consequence or punishment. This means that they can be very motivated to earn incentives but not respond much to losing privileges. They can be quite eager to please and do the right thing but their automatic urges take over before their 'stop sign' can help them out. This means children with ADHD need to be managed in different ways to the average child and this is where Psychologists can help. Of course, when considering if a child has a diagnosis such as ADHD a thorough assessment is always important. There is a lot of controversy regarding the over-diagnosis of this condition. Other disorders such as Dyslexia or anxiety can mimic some of the symptoms of ADHD so we need to make sure the correct needs are identified. It's important to remember that those who genuinely have ADHD can struggle on a day to day basis and can benefit from the help of professionals. A comprehensive diagnosis of ADHD by a Child Psychologist can include an intellectual assessment, observations, clinical interview and neuropsychological assessment. If you are interested in information regarding a comprehensive assessment by a Child Psychologist please call us on 02 4929 2223 and we would be happy to help. Our Child Psychologist, Mr Daniel Wendt, was asked to comment on the effects of Energy Drinks on children's and teenager's mental health. See his comments in this Newcastle Herald article. He explains the possible impact on anxiety and behaviour.
Read More Here #Anxiety #Psychologist #Newcastle #NewcastleNSW  The teenage years in a child’s life can be the most challenging for parents and families. Many teens, but not all, go through a period of increased emotional turmoil which can lead to increased conflict with their parents. It can be a challenging time for the family as a whole.
This period in a child’s life is sometimes referred to as “Storm and Stress”. Adolescence is a time when an individual is experiencing rapid changes in their body and social networks. They are juggling increased pressures from school, society and peers. It is also a time when teenagers are seeking more independence in order to transition from a child role to that of an adult. Storm & Stress is the most likely time that an individual will experience increased conflict with parents, mood disruptions, and engage in risky behaviours. While to some extent this upheaval is “normal” it is important to consider when your teen is experiencing more than just “normal adolescence”. Adolescents may want more freedom and independence from the family. This can be a balancing act and may involve negotiation as well as compromise. However it’s important to determine the appropriate equilibrium that protects young people from potential dangers but also allows them to develop as a person. After all, a teenager cannot show you they can be trusted unless they have an opportunity to be trustworthy. Teenagers will likely want increasing time away from the family to spend with their friends. This can be important in developing individuality and independence. However a teen who isolates them self in their room and increasingly cuts off contact with their friends may be a cause for concern. If you are concerned that your child may be struggling with more than just “normal adolescence” it can be helpful to seek the input of an Adolescent Psychologist. They can help provide an outside perspective on the situation and determine if behaviours should be a cause for concern. If you have questions regarding how we can help please contact us on 02 4929 2223 or admin@oraclepsychology.com.au. #Psychologist #Newcastle #AdolescentPsychologist #Teens #Adolescence  Our understanding of intellectual and learning difficulties has come a long way in the last 100 years. We are now able to use comprehensive educational, academic and intellectual assessments to assist in identifying a child's or teenager's learning strengths and weaknesses. With the start of the school year just around the corner it can be helpful to consider where your child's learning is currently placed.
Child Psychologists and Adolescent Psychologists use a wide variety of research based assessment tools to investigate learning strengths and weaknesses. Intellectual ability, memory, concentration, attention and language processing are all factors which can impact on a student's performance in the classroom. An experienced Psychologist can help investigate these areas of a child's functioning and determine how to best meet their learning needs. Difficulties such as Developmental Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disability can all have a tremendous effect on a child's academic success. Comprehensive assessment by a Child Psychologist can assist in identifying such conditions, as well as helping parents and teacher to understand the needs of the individual. Raising awareness of these needs can be an important first step which allows tailored strategies and techniques to be implemented in the best interest of the individual. Gifted and Talented (GAT) students can also benefit from assessment by a Psychologist. Some individuals have unique intellectual strengths. By identifying their higher level of ability their curiosity and learning potential can be nurtured. Raising awareness of a Gifted student's abilities can help teachers and parents to provide intellectual stimulation in order to allow them to flourish. Some students may also be eligible for additional assistance or support at school. Learning assessments can help in determining a child's eligibility and guiding access to services. If you or a teacher have concerns about your child's performance at school please contact us and we would be happy to discuss your situation. We can provide advice on whether a learning assessment may be helpful for your unique circumstances. E: admin@oraclepsychology.com.au P: 02 4929 2223 #ChildPsychologist #Newcastle #NewcastleNSW #LearningDisorder #Education  Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face many challenges in their life. They are born into the social world and are immediately confronted with experiences and sensations which can be overwhelming and confusing. However children and adolescents with ASD have many strengths. They experience the world in a unique and individual way. They can be excellent visual learners, very loyal friends and quite particular about following the rules.
ASD is estimated to affect 1 in 100 children and adolescents. Among other things, it is primarily characterised by difficulties understanding social relationships. What many of us take for granted as “common sense” can be confusing or illogical for someone with Autism. For example, it seems obvious to most people that we look at others when we talk to them. Most children don’t need to be taught this and it just happens without consequence. However children on the Autism Spectrum often need the social world explained to them in detail so they can understand the “nuts and bolts” of the situation. “We look at other people so they know we care” a parent might explain to their child with ASD. “It makes people feel happy when we look at them and smile” the parent may add. This helps the child understand the connection between the social action and the feelings of other people. Children with ASD are commonly identified when starting school however the signs are often present from a young age. Sensory concerns, difficulties coping with change, repetitive behaviours and extreme emotional outbursts can also be indicative of the condition. Of course, not every child with social difficulties has ASD. Just like other aspects of child development (e.g. language, motor skills, cognition) social skills also develop at different paces in different children. It can be helpful to talk to a Child & Adolescent Psychologist if you or others have ongoing concerns regarding your child. This can help identify what is expected at your child’s developmental level. After all, early identification and assistance can lead to better outcomes for many childhood conditions. #ChildPsychologist #ASD #Autism #Newcastle #NewcastleNSW #Psychologist  It is nearly that time of year again when children are returning to school after the end of year break and for some children they will be starting Kindergarten for the first time. Whether new to school or returning, children are faced with a lot of changes and excitement as their journey in life continuves.
It is natural for children to become upset and worried at times when they are separated from their caregivers or when encountering unfamiliar people. This is a helpful emotion as our children are considering their own safety and are aware of potential situations. This allows them to explore their world with care. However, such anxiety can be problematic when it is overly distressing for a child or if it limits their safe exploration of their environment. For example, remaining distressed for extended periods of time or avoiding school can cause ongoing problems. It is important to encourage engagement and independent curiosity and exploration in safe environments such as school. To help your child feel comfortable in situations where they should feel safe, such as school, try the following techniques:
Give your child the best start to the year! Contact us if you have more questions about Separation Anxiety: admin@oraclepsychology.com.au #SeparationAnxiety, #NewcastleNSW, #Newcastle, #ChildPsychologist, #ChildPsychology  Not every child is the same and each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. It's important to help children find their strengths, understand that each individual is different and that these differences make us special.
Praise children for what they love and encourage family and friends to support them in what they are good at. Self-esteem is the way we perceive ourselves and what value we place on our own qualities. This begins with what our parents teach us about our own individuality. Emphasise a range of values and don't just focus on one aspect of a child's development. While academics are very important, there is a lot more to life! Of course, education is a key part of a child's life and if your child is struggling it's important to identify their needs. Talking with the school and classroom teacher can be an important first step if you have concerns. School's have support staff such as School Counsellors and Learning Support Teams who can help address such concerns. A Child & Adolescent Psychologist can also be helpful to provide insight into your child's individual academic, emotional and social development. After-all, each child is different and knowing how to help is key! #differencesmakeusspecial, #childpsychologist, #newcastlensw, #newcastle |
AuthorChild Psychologist Daniel Wendt is the Principal Psychologist of Oracle Psychology in Newcastle, NSW. Archives
July 2020
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19 Bolton Street, Suite 6, Level 1, Newcastle, NSW, 2300 P: 02 4929 2223 F: 02 4929 3637 E: admin@oraclepsych.com.au ABN: 4716 427 5709 ACN: 164 275 709 |
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