Clearing the Path

The Therapeutic Process
Navigating Schools
Parenting Strategies & Support
Resource Recommendations
Jennifer Benson Jennifer Benson

How ADHD and Autism Support Shape a Child’s Self Worth

Three Generations of ADHD with Autistic Traits: What Our Help Taught Us

From undiagnosed ADHD to IEPs and meds at age four, see how three generations of one family reveal the hidden messages kids absorb about support, and how to change the script.

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Why Kindness Matters. It’s A Protective Factor for Mental & Physical Health

Kindness doesn't just make the world slightly better for others. It measurably improves our physical and mental health, reduces our stress reactivity, provides our children with concrete evidence that they have power to create good in the world, creates a ripple effect that touches givers, receivers, and observers alike, and literally retrains our brains to notice positive interactions instead of only threats and problems.

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The Glass Siblings: The Hidden Heroes in Our Families

When a family comes to me sharing the story of their child who is struggling, I also ask, "And, how is this impacting you, their parents, your marriage, and especially their siblings?"

As a clinical social worker trained in family systems, I look at the health of the entire family system. When one child struggles, requiring more of their parents' attention and emotional energy, the siblings will be impacted. It's not a matter of if – it's a matter of how.

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The Journey of The Mama Bear

Whether your child needs the intensive support described in Autism Out Loud or different kinds of help along their journey, the mama bear instinct remains the same: fierce, protective, and willing to do whatever it takes.

Trust your mama bear heart. It knows the way. And remember – you are not alone in this. Reach out to jennifer@teamcrossbridge.com

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