Somatic Symptom Disorders (SSDs) are a group of psychological disorders characterized by a focus on physical symptoms that result in significant distress and impairment, even when no underlying medical cause can be identified. The person has excessive thoughts, feelings and behaviors relating to the physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, back pain, aching joints, gastrointestinal problems, nausea or fatigue.…
Redefining Wellness as Felt, Not Forced What if wellness wasn’t about what you do—but how you feel? For far too long, wellness has been shaped by checklists, trends, and “shoulds.” Track your steps. Follow a 30-day challenge. Cut out gluten. Take deep breaths and think positive. These rules may work for some, but for many they can do more harm than…
The definition of communication is the exchange of thoughts, opinions or information by speech, writing or nonverbal expression. Communication skills are important for everyone because they help a person learn, understand the world, connect with others, and express their thoughts and feelings. Autistic individuals often have a different way way of communicating and a range of communication skills and abilities…
Co-regulation is defined as warm and responsive interactions that provide the support, coaching, and modeling that young children need to understand, express, and module their thoughts, feelings and behaviors (Murray et al 2015, 14). In order for an autistic child to be able to self-regulate, co-regulation has to occur. It is the bridge to self-regulation. Kelly Mahler, OT, explains co-regulation…