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When used responsibly, social media can provide a means for social connectedness, support, information, and entertainment for teens, all of which can be beneficial to their mental health and well-being. However, social media can also expose teens to anxiety, depression, body image issues, cyberbullying, peer pressure, racism, prejudice, sleep disorders, and addiction. These effects may be related to the amount and type of social media use, as well as the developmental stage of each teen.

Why is a good evaluation the key to solving any problem? We have a true story to share with you that can shed a little light on the importance of a thorough evaluation. It is from the perspective of a mom whose son was having difficulties paying attention, controlling his impulses, and keeping himself organized — both at home and at school. As with any good story, this one has a happy ending thanks to a dedicated team of educational and mental health professionals who left no stone unturned and worked in close collaboration with both the student and his parents. 

Whether you’re looking for individual training, small group training, or perhaps training across your district, identifying and selecting the best delivery method for your team doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Pearson offers in-person, live webinar, and on-demand training, and since each of these options is unique, we’ve put together a few tips to help you decide which one will work best for you.

Promoting participation in autistic children by identifying their sensory processing patterns and capitalizing on their strengths

We are here to support you in these early days — and every day after. We’ve helped many practitioners build a practice and have put together a few tips for success!  

The rise of social anxiety (and how to help your clients flourish) Featuring Dr. Kirleen Neely, PhD, LPC-S

Every day, more of our customers are reporting an increase in social anxiety in their practices and schools. Formerly categorized as “timid” or “shy”, people with social anxiety feel self-conscious in situations where they may need to speak to someone (or worse — a group of people) they don’t know. The prevalence of Social Anxiety Disorder among adults is increasing, with 15,000,000 diagnosed each year¹. While that figure may be shocking to some, the prevalence of social anxiety in teens and adolescents is even greater — an average of 9.1% of teens and adolescents aged 13–18 — with females reported at 11.2%! Beyond the social implications of this disorder, individuals with social anxiety have a greater risk of substance abuse and clinical depression².

We reached out to one of our customers, Dr. Kirleen Neely, PhD, LPC-S, to gain some insight into what she’s experiencing in her practice and the resources she’s found helpful in addressing this growing concern.

With more responsibilities and obligations on their plates than ever before, adults are combating increased stress on a daily basis. In fact, in a report released by the American Psychological association, 27% of adults reported that on most days, they are too stressed to function. “Nearly half (46%) of those under 35 and more than half (56%) of Black adults under 35 agreed with this statement.¹” This increased stress is directly affecting their well-being and quality of life and can lead to a variety of medical health conditions and issues with substance abuse. As mental health and wellness concerns rise, it can be difficult for practitioners to keep up with the demand, leaving many individuals without the care many so desperately need.

Training and professional development is not only a vital part of learning how to properly administer, score, and interpret the assessments you depend on, it’s also a critical part of our own professional growth. Obtaining that training directly from the source is the best way to ensure you’re using each measure with fidelity.