Columbia Youth & Family Counseling Services, LLC

When someone has a neurotypical child, you feel reasonably assured that class participation and decent study habits will result in good grades. These kids have close friends. They get invited to participate in social things like dances and weekend gatherings. They make the teams, auditions, organizations and clubs.

But when you have a child with certain differences, this is often not the case. Learning may take longer, both academically and socially. Despite their tremendous efforts, results are often a fraction of their peers and social acceptance is fleeting, setting them up for painful comparisons and bitter frustration. Instead of a fun and fulfilling experience, school can become a breeding ground for depression and anxiety, and assignments- a battle ground at home. It is exhausting for parent and child alike.

This is the week of SPED (Special Education), Autism, Dyslexia, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) awareness. For all the children who struggle every day to succeed in a world that does not recognize their gifts and talents, and for those who are walking beside them, please let this be a gentle reminder to be kind and accepting of ALL people.

Recognize that the "playing field" is not always a level surface. Children who learn differently are not weird. They are merely gifted in ways that our society does not value enough. Yet they want what everyone else wants: To be accepted!!

If you choose, please "copy and paste" (by touching and holding the text) onto your profile in honor of all children who are deemed "different".

Our world would be far less beautiful without them.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤

LOVE this, good to know!

source --> https://www.achildwithneeds.com/parenting/learning-websites-for-kids/

Anxiety and depression in teens manifest in many ways, such as test anxiety, lack of motivation, and struggling with regulating emotions in the classroom, at home, or in life.

Knowing about the signs of anxiety and depression can make all the difference in getting help when the teen in your life is in need.

Everyone’s experience is unique, but red flags for anxiety and depression in teens include [behavioral changes] that can happen quickly or over time. Be on the lookout for:

🌿 Extreme tiredness and loss of energy
🌿 Trouble sleeping or too much sleep
🌿 Changes in appetite (either increased or decreased)
🌿 Use of alcohol or drugs
🌿 Restlessness, such as pacing, hand-wringing, or an inability to sit still
🌿 Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
🌿 Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches and headaches
🌿 Social isolation
🌿 Declining grades and increased absences from school
🌿 Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance
🌿 Acting out, such as angry outbursts and disruptive or risky behavior
🌿 Self-harm

If you think someone you know is struggling with their mental health, the Recovery and Wellness Center of Eastern Washington offers programs for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

Schedule your complimentary assessment by calling 509-619-0519, or visit https://buff.ly/37ERm3D to learn more.

So sad 💔

BCSO: Body of missing Kennewick woman found in Columbia River UPDATE 4/1 7:00 PM -- Officials with the Benton County Sheriff's Office have just confirmed to Action News that the body of Sandra Peterson, 50, of Kennewick, was discovered Friday afternoon in the Columbia River. Deputies and Dive Rescue teams are conducting the investigation in the area of Columbi...

7 Things Teenagers Desperately Need Adults to Understand 7 ways to quiet your teen's negative self-talk.

“It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.”
— Fredrick Douglas.

With