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"Things in my life were pretty screwed up, and when my parents told me I was going to see a counselor, I wanted to tell them to shove it. Working with Meredith Van Ness was completely different than what I thought. She actually got it. She helped me figure some stuff out too. And she gave me some tools which have really helped me cope. Now my life feels a little less out of control, and things are really looking up."

—Anonymous

Child Development, ADHD


Child Development, ADHD

Child development refers to the biological and psychological changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence, as the individual progresses from dependency to increasing autonomy. Children grow and mature at very different rates. It's hard to say what "normal" is. There can be big differences in height, weight and build among healthy children. Diet, exercise and genes are all factors. Some children begin puberty or are close to it before they are teenagers.

Children start to become more independent from their parents. They may rebel. They also look outward to their friends, who are usually of the same sex. Peer approval becomes very important. Your child may try new behaviors to be part of "the group." This can also be the time that parents or teachers recognize learning disabilities or behavioral problems in children. These problems can get worse as time goes on, so it is important to get help early.

Child Development Institute Child development and learning (http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/)
ADDA (National Attention Deficit Disorder Association - National,nonprofit organization that focuses on the needs of adults, young adults, and families with Attention Deficit Disorder. ADDA's mission is to help people with ADD live happier, more successful lives by providing information and resources on treatment, research as well as work place, relationship, parenting and post-secondary educational issues. (http://www.add.org/)

C.H.A.D.D. - CH.A.D.D. is a nonprofit parent-based organization formed to better the lives of individuals with attention deficit disorders and their families. This excellent ADD information resource, sponsored by CH.A.D.D. National, provides valuable information including: Chapters and Support Groups, ADD Fact Sheets, Events, and Publications. (http://www.chadd.org/)
O.A.S.I.S. - Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support (http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/)

NIMH on Autism Spectrum Disorders - National Institute of Mental Health: education and research. (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtml)

The Teenage Brain? by Dr. Randy Simmonds, Clinical Director and Counselor at the Samaritan Counseling Center (http://samaritan-vail.org/index.php/vail-counseling/resources/the-teenage-brain/)