What is ASD?

ASD in the acronym for Autistic Spectrum Disorder.  As we learn more, we are finding that ASD is becoming quite common.  It specifically targets our children who may be having difficulty getting along with others.  When this occurs, they may shut down and simply stop interacting with their peers causing deep depression.

Parents, you need to know what traits to look for in your kids.  Among them are –

1.  Ongoing lack of communication and interaction skills with others.

2.  Repeatedly showing a lack of interest in outside activities.

3.  Social and school functioning is obviously inhibited.

4.  Watch for these symptoms in the first two years of your child’s life.

Do not bury your head in the sand.  If you notice these signs of Autistic Spectrum Disorder seek the help of a professional.   In the tri-state area arrange a visit with Dr. Steven Sussman.  Change your family’s future today by scheduling a meeting with Dr. Sussman.  He will assess your kid’s possible ASD and recommend treatments.  Dr. Sussman maintains offices in Union County, New Jersey and Staten Island, New York.  Call him at (908) 217-8106.

Rising rates of Middle-School Suicides.

Just recently a new statistic reared its ugly head.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study that for the first time in this country middle-school students are just as likely to die from suicide as from traffic accidents.  If this is not an eye-opener for everyone with a child in this age group I don’t know what is.

In this century, the rate of suicide compared to car crashes has quadrupled!  The CDC’s most recent statistics show that in 2014 there were 425 kids in this age cell that took their own lives.  While safety in travel has accounted for the decrease in car fatalities that does not ameliorate the fact that over 400 of our nation’s children have found it impossible to go on…not to mention those who tried and, thank heaven failed.

Constant exposure to social media is cited as a primary reason.  Now, when something hurtful is said or written “everyone” knows.  That peer pressure is just too overwhelming for some.  If you live in the tri-state area arrange a visit with Dr. Steven Sussman.  Schedule a meeting with one of the area’s premier child psychologists.  Dr. Sussman maintains offices in Union County, New Jersey and Staten Island, New York.  Call him at (908) 217-8106.

Do You Have a Shutdown Learner?

Years ago this term was unknown, but today it has become recognized as a child who integrates well with others, but shows little or no sign of interest in classroom participation.  You are frustrated as a parent because it seems as if your kid just does not care about academics.  Where is that happy, engaging child that you know and love when it comes to school work?

Some children show great aptitude in many different things that require study and concentration.  Then, they go to their respective classrooms and are completely unenthusiastic and disengaged.  On many occasions, they have pained expression on their faces when a similar project outside of class would have been met with great enthusiasm and commitment.

If you suspect that you are the parent of a shutdown learner then seek professional help.  The man to call in this area is Dr. Steven Sussman.  For decades he has worked with kids just like yours that have no motivation in the classroom.  Don’t wait another minute.  Arrange for a meeting with Dr. Sussman at his Mountainside, NJ office by calling (908) 217-8106.

Your Child’s Behavior During the Holidays.

As everyone gathered together last month to celebrate the holidays how did your children behave in these rare social settings?  Have you been noticing something in their manner that needs to be addressed in 2017?  There is no need to “hide your head in the sand” or think that the behavior that you have just witnessed is going away on its own.

If you could consult with someone who has had a Doctorate in clinical psychology for nearly four decades, would that be a great idea for the New Year?  What if that professional child psychologist was so well respected in his field that he has even TAUGHT courses to others in the area of child psychology?  That would be a home run!

That Metropolitan Area child psychologist is just a phone call away.  His name is Dr. Steven Sussman.  For decades he has worked with kids who now have kids of their own in correcting behavioral problems before they get out of hand.  I can’t think of a better New Year’s resolution than resolving to have a more synchronistic family.  Arrange for a meeting with Dr. Sussman at his Mountainside, NJ office by calling (908) 217 8106.

Gratitude Not Attitude.

These are words to live by, I am sure you would agree.  We probably wish our kids were on board with us about the above phrase.  It just seems natural to be rebellious.  Only with the passage of time do our children realize how grateful they are to have had you for a parent.  Well, maybe not that far, but certainly much more than they were when they were kids.

How can we get them from recalcitrant to resilient in a manner that works for all parties?  It has been a challenge for parents since the dawn of time.  How often have we heard, “my generation had more respect for their elders than this one”?  Upon reflection, we know that is not necessarily true, but proper relationships will help mold each family.

Professional advice and councel is not admitting defeat, it is asking for assistance in a very important and weighty family matter.  Start the New Year off right by contacting Metropolitan area child behaviorist Doctor Steven Sussman.  Dr. Sussman will talk to your kid about gratitude vs. attitude at his Mountainside, NJ office.  Call him for an appointment at (908) 217-8106.

Oppositional Defiance Disorder.

You have probably all heard of ADD, but what about ODD?  It is not as well known as a term of child behavior.  ODD stands for Oppositional Defiance Disorder.  Catching ODD at the right time is important because just about every kid goes through a phase of defiance.  When your child displays an ongoing pattern of defiance and argumentative behavior it may be time to address the situation.

Many children, even through their teenage years, may display other behaviors associated with ODD such as attention deficit disorder, mood disorders, anxiety, and even learning disabilities.  As time goes by they may even develop something called conduct disorder in which they display a pattern of disruptive and even violent personalities. 

It is important to notice and correct ODD at the right time.  If you suspect this may be a problem with your child, contact Metropolitan area oppositional defiance disorder Doctor Steven Sussman.  Dr. Sussman will assess your child’s condition and make recommendations from his Mountainside, NJ office.  Call him for an appointment at (908) 217-8106.

Teen and Pre-Teen Cyberbullying.

Like it or not it’s a brand new age.  Different things that we used to tolerate on the playground have become a national epidemic in the 2nd decade of the 21st century.  Even 10 years ago almost no one was familiar with the term “digital harassment”.  It is described as repeated behavior using today’s technology to bother, scare, or even threaten someone.

Cyberstalking is another term of which you may have heard.  How common is this?  Should we pay closer attention to it, or just brush off bullying like we used to do decades ago?  Believe it or not, nearly HALF of the teens surveyed reported to have been harassed by cyber bullying.  Nearly 3 out of 4 teens have seen it in action.  But, only about 1 in 10 ever bother to even report it!

Cyberbullying and cyberstalking are today’s reality and are very serious.  It has a strong chance of altering your child’s personality.  If your kid has been guilty of these activities or been a victim of them it may be time to take action.  Contact New York City area child psychotherapist Steven Sussman.  Dr. Sussman will assess your situation and make recommendations from one of his NYC area offices.  Call him for an appointment at (908) 217 8106.