Pre-School

What Does It Mean to Be “Gifted?”

Giftedness. It’s such a loaded word.

Almost all parents think their children are gifted. And in a sense, they’re right. Watching a child grow from an infant into a human who can read, complete math problems, and have friendships seems miraculous. No wonder many parents think this way.

A Closer Look at Autism

Autism, more formally referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), are conditions where individuals struggle with social relationships and communication. People with autism also often face challenges in handling changes to their normal routines, or attempts to expand their usually narrow range of interests.

Q+A: Are Behavioral Issues Among Kids as Common as They Seem?

Question: It seems like every child these days has some kind of problem. ADHD. Anxiety. Depression. Are these things as common as they seem?

Answer: Are behavioral challenges among children as common as they seem? Well, it’s difficult to say because the line between normal and abnormal behavior is often a matter of degree.

How Scary Is Too Scary?

Intro music written and performed by Dr. Gene Beresin.Outro music arranged and performed by Dr. Gene Beresin.

Here is my most vivid memory of Halloween as a child:

I’m 8 years old.

What Parents Can Do to Promote Mental Wellness in Our Children

Parents are the true experts when it comes to knowing their children, and often the first to notice any changes in their kids’ behavior:

Colin was a happy youngster. He had friends, did well in school, and got along with his siblings and parents at home. But in recent months, mom noticed that Colin seemed more distant.

What If My Child Has an Anxiety Disorder?

Seth just started driving, and he’s actually doing pretty well.  The written test was a breeze, and on the streets around his house he’s relatively comfortable.  He even volunteered to drive his little sister to the mall.  His parents, while suffering a bit of the normal worries that any parent of a new driver would have, are delighted.

Dyslexia, Part 3: Accommodation Options Available

This blog is the third in a series on dyslexia. Topics previously addressed include Dyslexia 101, and understanding treatment. Topics to be addressed further in include accommodation options available, and the transition of a child to life, school, etc. following diagnosis.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Ten-year-old Joyce was always known as a bit of worrier. Even as a two-year-old, she seemed anxious from time-to-time, especially when life was a bit stressful. A new babysitter, a noisy birthday party, or a vacation could all trigger nervousness and crying spells, but these symptoms generally went away fairly quickly.

When Survival is Not at Stake: Explaining the Mystery of Panic Disorder

Imagine you’re crossing a street and are almost hit by a massive Mack® truck.

You jump out of the way. Your heart is racing and pounding, you’re sweating, trembling, hyperventilating, and short of breath. You feel a pit in your stomach, nausea, choking, and tightness in your chest. Your fingers and toes are tingling.

What is Dyslexia?

One of The Clay Center’s our biggest partners related to child and adolescent health is the MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC), which provides treatment and services for children of all ages in virtually every specialty and subspecialty of medicine and surgery, as well as preventive and primary care.