Hello!
As I write this, I am looking out my window at our beautiful Michigan April SNOW!!! Ugh...3 steps forward into spring and one step back! Story of my life!
This newsletter is packed with a ton of information to support Autism awareness month. Check out the Q & A with Dr. Nicole, you may be surprised...extra bonus if you can find out who Neo is (the answer is in this newsletter)!
There is also a link to join me via Zoom for a free presentation TONIGHT at 8:00 p.m. We will be chatting about sensory processing issues and ways to help your child self-advocate! PLEASE JOIN ME!
This continues to be a challenging time for many of us. You are strong enough...keep going. See if you can complete our ABC's list for April - super fun!!!
All my best,
Dr. Pam McCaskill
734-416-9098
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McCaskill Family Services Newsletter
Term: Spring | Issue 16| April 21th, 2021
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April stands for Autism Acceptance
This month, we celebrate the many lives that have been touched by Autism. Autism is a neurological disorder from birth that impacts a person's communication and behavior. People with Autism often struggle with developing and maintaining relationships due to restrictions with social reciprocity, and difficulties with repetitive behaviors, cognitive flexibility, and intense sensory sensitivities. 1 in 54 children in the United States meet criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Despite the challenges associated with Autism, people with Autism tend to have some special characteristics that many neurotypical people could benefit from:
- Extreme passion about what interests them
- Straightforward, direct, and honest when communicating
- Detailed-oriented
- Out of the box thinkers
- Heightened memory and ability to recall facts
- Prefer and successfully maintain routines and habits
- They aren't afraid to be themselves, or worry about what others may think of them
Interested in learning more about Autism Spectrum Disorder? Click below for a Q&A session with Dr. Nicole Wozniak, who addresses some frequently asked questions.
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Throughout the remainder of this newsletter we hope you find helpful resources and information to support Autism Acceptance and Awareness month! |
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At McCaskill Family Services, we specialize in working with adults, children, teenagers and families with various presenting issues. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please contact us. Our clinicians are trained in empirically-based techniques, and would be happy to promptly schedule an appointment in person or via tele-health. We can be reached by phone at 734-416-9098 or by email at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com.
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Autism speaks is a multi-faceted organization that is focused on the early diagnosis and ongoing research of Autism. They are committed to improving the transition to adult hood & the workplace, while ensuring access to support services throughout one's lifespan. |
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Living & Learning Enrichment Center offers ongoing programs for all ages, including social skills, cooking classes, art therapy, anime club, and job skills training. You can even purchase goodies and artwork from their Mod Market, with items made with love from the Autism community. See Below for their upcoming summer camps!
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Click below for a helpful directory of local Autism resources that you can search for by county, service, or provider, courtesy of the Autism Society of Michigan. |
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8-week groups begin:
May 24/25
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Our 8-week-equine groups are back!
Join a group tailored to your mental health needs, conducted by a licensed psychologist with the help of your own Equine partner.
Teen Anxiety and Depression
Tuesday's 4:30-6pm, Ages 13-17
Emotion Regulation for Pre-teens
Monday's 4:30-6pm, Ages 9-12
Adult Mindfulness & Stress Reduction
Monday's 10:30am-12pm
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Dr. Nicole Wozniak is a fully licensed clinical psychologist who works with adolescents struggling with behavioral problems, anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues.
Dr. Nicole is also a certified PATH therapeutic riding instructor, and runs the McCaskill Family Services equine therapy program. She is an avid horse lover and is committed to the idea that the power of the horse contributes uniquely to the therapeutic experience. She has teamed up with the Brighton Equestrian Club to offer both individual and group Equine Therapy.
Dr. Nicole's family continues to grow, as she recently bought a second horse named, Neo, and has already taken him to several competitive shows!
Additionally, Dr. Nicole is the clinic director of our Brighton Location.
If you or someone you know could benefit from working with Dr. Nicole, or are interested in learning more about equine therapy, please contact our office at 734-416-9098, or emails us at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com
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Chat with Dr. Pam TONIGHT |
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ABC'S For April Activities |
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Now that the sun is shining and the days seem longer, most of us are feeling the pull to stop working and start playing!
We still have a few weeks until summer, and we also know that we are still in the midst of a pandemic. Bummer! But it's never too early to start enjoying the outdoors.
Here are some fun ideas of socially-distanced, kid-friendly activities to keep your family busy with less work and more fun!
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Newsletter Editor's Notes |
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Commonly, when we meet those who have a disability, we find ourselves feeling so incredibly different from them. We begin to think about that person's shortcomings; what they can't do, or how their life is limited.
Rarely, do we ever stop to think about what they CAN do, and how many of them have unique traits due to their neurodiversity, traits that some neurotypical people may struggle with or even lack. With that change in perspective their "disability" suddenly becomes a different ability.
What a beautiful mentality to adapt, encouraging us to accept and appreciate the important and necessary differences we posess as humans.
Dr. Temple Grandin, a famous American Scientist who was diagnosed with Autism as a child quotes, "The world needs all kinds of minds." She highlights the different ways that people with Autism think, and how this creativity ended up making her a legendary scientist (they even made a major film about her life!) She places emphasis on the need to nurture these types of minds for what they are, instead of forcing them to fit into a certain box. When we do this, she believes it results in people with Autism having more successful adulthoods and making world changing contributions (aka. more Albert Einstein's).
See her informative and inspiring TED Talk below.
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Hello everyone! I'm a masters level clinician at McCaskill Family Services who specializes in the treatment of OCD, anxiety, self-harm and eating disorders for all ages. I co-run the McCaskill Family Services DBT groups for teens and adults, and specialize in psychological assessment. I am also our monthly newsletter editor and social media manager!
I'd like to personally thank you for staying in touch with our practice, and hope you find this newsletter inspirational and informative. If you or someone you know would like to schedule an appointment with me, please contact our office at 734-416-9098 or email us at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com. I look forward to working with you!
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Follow Us On Instagram and Facebook for Ongoing Inspiration and Helpful Mental Health Tips! |
Visit Our Blog to Stay Up-To-Date on Important Mental Health Info From Our Clinical Team! |
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409 Plymouth Road, Suite 250, Plymouth, MI 48170 • 734.416.9098
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