Emotional Health & Psychology Articles

Article / Updated 05-22-2025

These ten mindset shifts emphasize the importance of celebrating progress, embracing individuality, and fostering resilience in both you and your autistic child. By focusing on strengths, setting realistic expectations, and building a strong support network, you can navigate this journey with patience and love. The goal isn’t to “fix” anything; it’s to create a life where your child feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive in their own way. With these principles as your guide, you’ll build a foundation of growth, understanding, and unconditional love — for your child and yourself. Celebrate small wins Parenting an autistic child comes with challenges, but it’s also full of moments worth celebrating. Tough days are just part of the journey, so try to meet them with patience and love. Every small win — learning a new skill, trying something different, or simply sharing a happy moment — is progress. For instance, learning to button a shirt or say a new word is an accomplishment worth cheering for. Simple gestures of praise, like a smile or a high-five, can motivate them and reinforce their pride. When you focus on growth rather than perfection, you create a world where your child feels supported, valued, and understood. Focus on strengths, not just challenges Every child has unique talents. Instead of dwelling on what’s hard, highlight what they’re great at. Building on strengths boosts confidence and resilience. If your child is creative or detail-oriented, celebrate those qualities! Shifting your focus from struggles to possibilities helps them feel valued for who they are. When you lift up their strengths, you’re not just building self-esteem; you’re showing them they are fully loved and accepted. That kind of support empowers them to share their unique gifts with the world. Set realistic expectations Progress is different for each child, and that’s okay. Milestones might come at their own pace, but that doesn’t make them any less meaningful. Setting realistic expectations also takes the pressure off you, letting you focus on the present while keeping hope for the future. Be flexible and open to change What works today might not work tomorrow, and that’s normal. Flexibility is important. Be open to trying new strategies, routines, and tools. Sometimes that means seeking advice from professionals or learning from other parents who’ve been in similar situations. It also means being kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Parenting is a learning process for both you and your child. Embracing change helps create an environment that supports their needs while building resilience together. Build a strong support system No one can do this alone, and you don’t have to. Surround yourself with people who understand: friends, family, other parents, or professionals. A good support network can offer practical help, like giving you a break or assisting with daily tasks, and emotional support when you need encouragement. Connecting with other families can also help advocate for better services and understanding for autistic children. A strong network benefits not just your child, but you too. Encourage independence step by step Building independence is a slow process that requires patience and persistence, and that’s okay. Teaching your child independence is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Start small, celebrating each new skill. If your child is learning to wash their hands, break it into simple steps: turning on the water, using soap, rinsing. Visual aids, schedules, and incorporating their interests can make learning more engaging. Every small success builds their confidence, helping them develop important life skills over time. Praise effort, not perfection Trying matters more than getting everything right. Encourage your child to give things a shot, even if the result isn’t perfect. This helps them build problem-solving skills and resilience. If they struggle with a task, guide them gently instead of stepping in right away. Let them take the lead when possible, and step in only when needed. Focusing on effort helps them develop a growth mindset — understanding that progress comes from practice and persistence. Teaching them that mistakes are learning opportunities — not failures — helps them gain confidence and persistence. Balance support with growth Supporting your child means finding the right balance between helping them and letting them grow. Think of yourself as a guide: You provide the tools and encouragement, but they set the pace. Assistive devices and accommodations can help them gain confidence as they work toward independence. Praise their efforts, even if the outcome isn’t perfect, and gradually step back as they become more capable. This approach builds both skills and self-confidence. Take a holistic approach Autistic children often work with a team of professionals: doctors, therapists, educators, and more. Making sure everyone is on the same page helps avoid confusion and ensures consistent, effective support. Clear communication between these individuals is key. Advocacy is also important; speak up for what your child needs, and don’t be afraid to push for the right resources and accommodations. A well-coordinated team can make a huge difference in your child’s well-being and overall quality of life. Take care of yourself too Parenting can be all-consuming, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. Self-care doesn’t have to be a big deal; taking a few minutes to relax, seeking support services, or connecting with other parents can help. Your well-being directly impacts how you show up for your child. When you take care of yourself, you’re in a better place to care for them too. For more understanding into the world of autism, check out the Autism For Dummies Cheat Sheet.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 05-22-2025

All humans have variations in the way that they think, feel, and experience the world — this is neurodiversity. Autism has been part of our human family for a very long time. This Cheat Sheet offers a glimpse into understanding the big, bold, beautiful world of autism.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-11-2025

Social anxiety affects the way you think and feel about yourself. You may worry that if you show symptoms of anxiety, you could be negatively evaluated, humiliated, or embarrassed and seen as being socially awkward. For some people, but not everyone, it can lead to lowered self-esteem, social isolation, loneliness, and depression. The good news is that your ability to cope with social anxiety can be improved, and you can even overcome your anxiety if you change your thinking and face your fears.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 11-13-2024

The coping strategies or, resourcing skills, that you practice are essential for EMDR to be successful. Even outside of EMDR, these skills are foundational to helping yourself regain control of your mind and tap into living the life you want to create. Research shows that the more you practice and engage in healthy coping/resourcing skills, the more regulated and content you will feel. These skills provide you with options to manage and maneuver through challenging circumstances more smoothly and successfully.

Article / Updated 05-22-2024

With household names like Ryan Reynolds, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Megan Thee Stallion going public about their struggles with anxiety and depression in recent years, mental health is finally becoming less taboo. It wasn’t long ago that any deviation from the norm was treated like a shameful secret: Mental health conditions were ignored, waved away, or handled in private — and often inhumane — ways (think lobotomies). The ongoing lack of visibility into these struggles served to perpetuate the myth that mental health issues were pretty rare — and that the few people who did struggle were somehow to blame for their condition. Today, we know mental health conditions are actually incredibly common: According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mental illness. And that number is growing: the stress, fear, grief, isolation, and uncertainty of the global pandemic led to an increase in mental health issues — particularly among young adults — according to the CDC. Of course, that’s a conservative picture: In cultures, professions, and communities where mental illness stigma remains alive and well, addressing your own struggles has consequences — anything from social ostracization to losing your job. Meanwhile, a lack of access to affordable health care and unbiased information creates additional barriers for those most in need of support. And, when left untreated and unacknowledged, one person’s poor mental health can create a ripple effect that impacts their loved ones. When we look at the toll that untreated mental illness takes on our society, it’s safe to assume we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg. It’s a complex, sensitive, and crucial issue — which is why awareness remains so important. What is a mental illness? According to NAMI, mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that affect “a person's thinking, feeling, behavior or mood.” Waking up on the wrong side of the bed, it is not — while symptoms can ebb and flow, mental illness is partially defined by the impact it has on day-to-day functioning and personal relationships. If you or a loved one are in emotional crisis, dial 988 for the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline is a free and confidential emotional support service for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. Following, are some of the most common types of mental illness. Anxiety disorders Anxiety disorders can manifest in a number of ways: from racing thoughts or risk-averse behavior to an upset stomach. Anxiety disorders are the most common — and the most treatable — form of mental illness, impacting more than 40 million Americans over 18. They include: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Panic disorder Agoraphobia (an extreme fear of large crowds, open spaces, leaving one’s home, or being unable to escape) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Social anxiety disorder Check out our many Dummies books on Emotional Health & Psychology. Mood disorders While anyone can experience a mood swing, the highs and lows are more severe, persistent, and disruptive for those living with mood disorders. There are a variety of mood disorders, each with their own diagnostic criteria and symptoms. A person with bipolar disorder may experience drastic swings between high moods (mania) and low moods (depression), while a person with major depressive disorder experiences the lows — changes in sleep and appetite, persistent feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, lack of motivation, inability to focus or make decisions, and feelings of emptiness — without the highs. Mood disorders include: Major depressive disorder (MDD) Persistent depressive disorder (also known as dysthymia) Bipolar disorder Substance-induced mood disorder READ MORE: Depression For Dummies;Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Psychotic disorders Psychotic disorders make it difficult for a person to discern between reality and delusions or hallucinations. These disorders are characterized by distortions in one’s thinking and perception. Disorders include: Schizophrenia Schizoaffective disorder Brief psychotic disorder Delusional disorder Substance-induced psychotic disorder Other mental health conditions include eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, personality disorders like borderline personality disorder (BPD), developmental disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dissociative disorders like depersonalization disorder. Treating mental health conditions It’s not easy living with a mental health condition, but there are several options to make life more manageable. Some of the most popular include: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches common sense principles that help people break out of unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It’s thought to be the most effective form of therapy for a number of conditions, including anxiety, addiction, depression, eating disorders, social anxiety, and personality disorders. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a form of CBT. While DBT also helps people recognize unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns, the primary teaching is mindfulness techniques that help patients regulate their emotions in a world full of suffering. It works best for people who have trouble controlling their responses to strong emotions. READ MORE: DBT For Dummies Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) uses mindfulness to help people build their interpersonal relationship skills and manage anxiety related to said relationships. READ MORE: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Dummies Mindfulness is more than the buzzword du jour — it’s a great way to manage anxiety, addiction, and even everyday stress. Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of — and accepting — the present moment. Meditation is one of many ways to cultivate this skill. READ MORE: Managing Depression with Mindfulness For Dummies; Managing Anxiety with Mindfulness For Dummies; Meditation For Dummies, 4th Edition When all else fails, medication could be the missing link. A psychiatrist can help determine if psychiatric drugs would be a beneficial form of treatment.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-30-2024

There’s a lot to know about personal boundaries. But that doesn’t mean you need to wait until you understand all there is to know before you get started. The following are simple, actionable tips to help you start setting boundaries, along with specific actions you can put into practice immediately for some quick, powerful wins that instantly improve your boundaries. And if you’re wondering whether boundaries are even necessary, you can find the answer here too.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-12-2024

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-22-2024

All humans have variations in the way that they think, feel, and experience the world — this is neurodiversity. Neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia (and dyspraxia, and dyscalculia, and many others) have been part of our human family for a very long time. This Cheat Sheet offers a glimpse into understanding the big, bold, beautiful world of neurodiversity.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-26-2024

Understanding and diagnosing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, begins with knowing the three types of ADHD and recognizing that they can be exhibited through secondary symptoms as well. To cope with ADHD, explore a number of treatment options and how you can approach them for better results.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-22-2024

Take this opportunity to explore new opportunities and make the most of the decades ahead. Keep your finances, your living arrangements, and, most importantly, your health in peak performance. To get started, you may be interested in finding a new job, getting a handle on your finances, and trying your hand at yoga.