Dove Counseling Services, LLC

09/27/2023

08/15/2023

Best 10 ways to prep for Back to School!

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06/05/2023

First blog!!

Tips to help your special needs child have a smooth day!
Written by: Pauline Bailo, LCSW

Parents that could benefit from these tips are parents of children on the Autism Spectrum, Sensory Processing Disorders, and ADHD/ADD. Despite the wide range of what children with special needs can look like, these are the most helpful strategies you have found.

In the 20+ years of working with families of children with special needs a few strategies have stood out as being the most helpful in eliminating behaviors and creating an environment that is empowering.

Tip #1-Reduce the chaos with daily schedules and routines- Just like adults, when children have structure and know what is coming next, they have less anxiety and feel more in control. Think of a time when your alarm didn’t go off and you woke up late for work, your entire day was likely off balance. You did not go to sleep the night before knowing you would be late to work the next day so you were not prepared. Since you were caught off guard, everything then seems to go wrong (coffee machine not working, traffic, etc.). This sets the tone for the whole day. Children with disabilities benefit significantly from having a daily schedule that is posted with visual prompts as well as a consistent routine. This helps them be able to stay on task so everyone knows what's next. The schedule can be basic, meaning without set times but more importantly what will be done first, second or third. However, I’ve found it helpful with the daily schedule so everyone in the house can see and will help keep everyone on track.

Tip #2-Visual Calendars- Children get excited when things are coming up. You know your child well to know how far in advance they can be told of an event. Using a visual calendar that has a picture of the event (such as a birthday party) allows the child to count down the days and they are not left wondering when something is happening. Every day the child marks off a day so they can see how much closer they are getting.

Tip #3-Check it off the list- Having a simple checklist can help a child feel like they accomplished something. For example, have a checklist of items needed to complete before leaving the house. This will create structure for the child and a visual reminder of what is next. This also creates more independence. Finally, but importantly, it reduces the parent from having to continuously ask the child if they are done with a task and build’s the child’s confidence and independence!

05/02/2023

I’m honor of Mother’s Day month…

02/23/2023

https://www.mother.ly/health-wellness/childrens-health/cdc-report-teen-mental-health/

A report from CDC shows teen girls are in crisis, and that teen mental health has been trending downward for the past decade. Here are 6 ways parents can help support their teen's mental health. Category : Children's Health, Teen Health

12/21/2022

The reminder we all need. 🙌 via ADHD Thrive Institute

12/20/2022

11/08/2022