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Transgender and gender nonconforming individuals experience severe discrimination that has a significant effect on mental health leading to high rates of depression and suicide. Unfortunately, people in the trans community are sometimes denied necessary mental and physical health care due to their gender identity. Advocacy from the trans community has increased development of more trans-affirmative … Read more

Next month, Emerson School in Ann Arbor will be one of the first to screen the film NORMAL ISN’T REAL – Succeeding with Learning Disabilities and ADHD. It will be shown on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 6:30pm in the Arts and Innovation Center at Emerson School. There is no cost to attend and it is open … Read more

Dr. Lisa Woodcock-Burroughs, Ph.D., Assistant Director Youth from many backgrounds participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, music, dance, etc. Among high school students, this participation has been linked with a host of positive outcomes such as increased academic achievement, better school attendance, engagement in fewer risk-taking behaviors, and better psychological adjustment, just to … Read more

Working Memory- Limitations:    Short-term memory is believed to hold 7 to 9 pieces of information, while working memory is thought to hold 3 to 5 elements of new information. Some researchers believe children have a smaller working memory capacity (perhaps only 1 to 3 elements). Information in working memory is only there temporarily as … Read more

Tips for Understanding Working Memory:  Confusion exists regarding the difference between short-term memory and working memory. Some psychologists believe they are one and the same. Other psychologists differentiate between short-term memory and working memory. Short-term memory typically refers to brief, initial storage of information. For example, if I told you a phone number, you would … Read more

Parenting a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is no easy feat. In addition to the typical trials of being a parent, children with ADHD can have school and home difficulties that require extra patience and understanding. “Why does my child need 1001 reminders to finish a task?” ADHD can have an impact on executive … Read more

When you have an upcoming exam, consider making a study plan. “Many days.  Many ways.” is a helpful way to remember your overall goals for studying.  Think about a variety of ways to study, assigning each method to a different day of the week.  By the time test day arrives, you will have given yourself … Read more

In the 1960s, a “cognitive revolution” occurred in psychology whereby the computer metaphor for brain function was introduced. Think of this metaphor as a simplified way of understanding how the brain works or an attempt to make sense of something we don’t understand. Unfortunately, metaphors can misrepresent what truly occurs in the brain because they … Read more

Interesting facts about your brain: Weighing approximately 3 pounds and consisting of about 80 to 100 billion nerve cells or neurons, your brain can be viewed as a complex machine with different parts performing various functions. The human brain gives you the capacity for language, art and critical thinking. Additionally, it provides each person with … Read more

Jen McCulloch, LMSW Psychotherapist Executive Function Coach Certified School Social Worker   Children may worry about friends, school work, fitting in, or a number of other things. The staff at CNLD are trained to help children identify and manage the feelings of anxiety and stress that can feel overwhelming. But, what can parents do to … Read more