What Is Attention?
Attention is the process that allows us to take information in. It also helps us select useful information. Think of it as a funnel. It gathers what we need to know and channels it into our brain. There are four important parts of paying attention well. Children may have trouble with any or all of […]
What are sensory processing issues?
A child’s brain receives a steady stream of sensory information—from the smell of cookies baking to the feeling of shoes rubbing against her feet. Most children can “tune out” or “filter” that information as needed. They can deal with unexpected sensations, such as a loud crash on the playground. But children with sensory processing issues […]
What are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Inattention means a person wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized; and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension. Hyperactivity means a person seems to move […]
The Difference Between Tantrums and Sensory Meltdowns
Many people think the words “tantrum” and “meltdown” mean the same thing. And they can look very similar when you see a child in the middle of having one. But for children who have sensory processing issues or who lack self-control, a meltdown is very different from a tantrum. Knowing the differences can help you learn how to […]
What is Fragile X?
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common known cause of intellectual disability (formerly referred to as mental retardation) that can be inherited, that is passed from parent to child. It is estimated that FXS affects about 1 in 4,000 boys and 1 in 6,000 to 8,000 girls. Both boys and girls can have FXS, […]
