In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Janine Halloran, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, author and speaker from Massachusetts. They discuss how to motivate teens to develop a coping toolbox, and coping strategies for older children and teens experiencing panic attacks (including challenging anxious thoughts, deep breathing, distraction and exposure exercises).

Resource:

1) Janine Halloran's websites and podcast:

https://www.janinehalloran.com

https://copingskillsforkids.com/big-feelings

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlimmqsvd7ugw7WWa3qU4w

Calm and Connected Podcast

2) Anxiety Canada's handout on panic disorder: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/adult_hmpanic.pdf

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Anna Campbell, a Registered Clinical Psychologist from Nova Scotia. Dr. Campbell describes what emotion coaching is, and how and when to use it. This episode describes emotions as valuable information, outlines that all emotions are okay, and highlights that emotions offer an important opportunity for connection with our kids, particularly when they are validated.

Resources:

• Gottman Institute Website- Online Course on Emotion Coaching: https://www.gottman.com/product/emotion-coaching-the-heart-of-parenting-online/
• Mental Health Foundations Website: www.mentalhealthfoundations.com
• Dr. Lafrance and Ashely Miller also have a fantastic book called “What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work.”
• Institute for Emotion-Focused Family Therapy website: efftinternational.org has a link on where to find EFFT therapists.

In this episode Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss some of the early signs of autism in young children. We discuss typical developmental milestones and what might be some indicators of differences in development. Symptoms related to language and communication, social relationships and emotional responses, as well as sensory processing and interests are explored. Drs. Jenn and Mary explore what to do if you have concerns and the role of early intervention. We emphasize that a diagnosis is not based on one symptom but rather a constellation of symptoms, and that that kids with autistic brain styles are unique and have many strengths and gifts.

Resources:

1) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/signs-symptoms-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd.html

2) https://autismcanada.org/autism-explained/early-signs-characteristics/

3) https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/autism.aspx