April Merriman Ed.S., NCSP

Consider taking a look at these resources and PBS KIDS shows and characters to help children on the autism spectrum thrive: pbs.org/parents/autism…

Children are not born with the ability to regulate their own emotions. It is a big task given to the adults in a child’s life to help them grow and foster these skills from early childhood into early adulthood.

Co-regulation is the process of having an adult provide a safe nurturing space for kids to regulate their own emotions. It doesn't involve simply “distracting” the kid. Sometimes we just want the intense emotions to “stop”, but it is more about guiding the child through the time.

The current global environment can be overwhelming for many individuals, including our students. I encourage you to explore the following strategies and techniques; incorporating even one or two of them may prove beneficial in enhancing overall well-being.

COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS are tough - part 2! "Should" statements focus on how you BELIEVE things "should" or "must" be, rather than how it is. "I should be getting an A in this class." "I should be exercising every day." STOP SAYING SHOULD!!!

COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS are tough! Catastrophizing is one form of cognitive distortion. Believing that the worst possible outcome will happen, and thinking it is the only outcome. “What if I fail this test? Then I’ll never be able to get a job, and will end up unhoused.”

For additional information, please see: nasponline.org/resources-and-…

Grieving does not have a timeline. Schools should be aware of anniversaries, birthdays, developmental milestones, and other factors that could affect students months or years after the loss.

Addressing grief: Grief is not solely related to the death of a loved one. The symptoms, characteristics, and process of grieving can be similar after other types of loss (e.g., divorce, transition, moving). Grief is personal. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.

The vibration the humming causes interrupts the thoughts. The humming enhances the parasympathetic nervous system & SLOWS DOWN the sympathetic nervous system. This reduces stress and anxiety.

I'm going to try & pull a "self-care card" at least once a week. Today I drew the "do something crafty" card. I have a closet full of art supplies - time to put some of them to use! When our hands are busy, our minds can process information. If the thoughts become INTRUSIVE humm.

We are BACK TO SCHOOL! Consider sending a brief note to your child’s teacher. Let them know YOU WANT regular feedback on your child. Be sure to attend back- to-school night & introduce yourself to the teacher(s). Find out how they communicate with parents (e.g., text, email, etc)

Just a friendly reminder that your #MentalHealth is just as important as your physical health.

It is true - there is a shortage in the field (even if your "higher ups" try and shush you - the data does not lie): apa.org/monitor/2024/0….

This is an excellent way to maintain young students' (or developmentally delayed students') attention, incorporating movement and imagination through age-appropriate storytelling and yoga poses. youtu.be/MjaiiHCapEY?fe…

We need to learn about the human body's nervous system. How trauma impacts it. What human behavior can LOOK LIKE as a result. Consider this: we often believe others will behave the same as we do, and if they do not, they are wrong.