As parents, we struggle with our child's challenging behavior at one time or another. To understand and respond effectively to challenging behavior it’s important to first learn more about it. There are many factors to consider, especially thinking about what came before the behavior, as well as what comes after it. In this workshop we will learn step-by-step approach of how to observe behaviors in ways that will help guide the development of effective strategies to manage the challenging behavior.

Family Compass has offered neurofeedback services as part of a comprehensive treatment program for children, adolescents, and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder for over 10 years. This length of time providing these services, and the variety of patients that have been seen during this time allows us to have a unique perspective concerning how neurofeedback can help with this complicated and all-involving disorder. During this parent education session, we will provide a description of the neurofeedback procedures we use and will review several of the cases we have seen over the past decade. Ample time will be provided to discuss individual cases brought in by parents in terms of what might be expected from neurofeedback treatment for their children.

Dealing with the busy schedules and hustle-and-bustle of daily life can take its toll on the emotional and physical well-being of even the most grounded and resourceful parent. From young children to adults, everyone can benefit from a daily mindfulness practice to counteract the stress of our daily lives. In this workshop, we will talk about what mindfulness practice is and learn practical strategies for introducing mindfulness into your family’s day-to-day schedule.

Ms. O’Neill’s studies and experience have focused on empirically supported interventions for children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, including traditional and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness training, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

In this presentation, parents will learn:
• The hidden emotional causes of procrastination (and what to do about them)
• About the Organizational Arsenal: Tools and strategies to keep even the most scattered kids on track
• Word-for-word scripts to spark motivation, address problems, and communicate with your child without being the “bad guy”

Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed. is a former public school teacher in the DC Metropolitan Area, author of three books, the latest of them Getting Past Procrastination: How to Get Your Kids Organized, Focused, and Motivated...Without Being the Bad Guy, and the founder of Educational Connections Tutoring. What once started as an hour of tutoring at a kitchen table has grown to a nationally recognized tutoring, test prep, and educational coaching company which allows Ann to help countless kids overcome academic obstacles and improve their confidence and grades.

The joys and stresses of parenting are many. Parents and caregivers are often multi-tasking at home, at work and may find themselves exhausted and frustrated by the end of the day. This training will provide parents
• Tips to use during stressful parenting situations
• Problem-solving in a pro-social manner
• Implementing positive solutions

Elena Zaklis, M.A., BCBA, LBA is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and has been working in the field of special education for over 20 years. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Rutgers College at Rutgers University and earned her graduate degree (M.A.) in Education for Rider University.

In this class Dr. Dinsmoor will discuss what a neurofeedback session is, how it helps with ADHD, and how it fits in a larger treatment “package” for your child. In this class we will discuss
• What neurofeedback is
• How it moves the brain to more adequate functioning
• Changes we have seen in attentional and other neurocognitive abilities as a result of treatment

We will also provide an opportunity for parents to experience neurofeedback first hand and present a case series of some of the challenging cases we have worked with over the last decade. Ample opportunity will be provided to answer questions about treatment relevant to parent’s concerns about their individual children.

Dr. Dinsmoor has provided neurofeedback services to a variety of clinical populations. This includes using neurofeedback to treat children, adolescents and adults with Attention Deficit Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and other psychiatric disorders.

Does your child have trouble 'going with the flow?' Do schedule changes or shifting from screens to less preferred tasks bring on a meltdown? Cognitive Flexibility, or the ability to adapt to face new and unexpected (or unwanted) conditions in the environment, is an essential developmental skill for success. This evening we will learn about this skill as well as how to support children who struggle with adaption and shift. Parents will leave with specific suggestions they can utilize at home to improve children's ability to tolerate change and increase compromise. This presentation is geared primarily for school age children.

Ms. deGraffenreid provides a wide range of therapeutic services including group therapy, individual and family therapy for school age children and teens, as well as marital and family therapy for couples.

(Na’ama Malkesman, LCSW)

Does your child struggle with worries about separation? Feel both dread and excitement about upcoming social events? Avoid things that other children get excited about? Parenting an anxious child can often feel like walking on egg shells. In this workshop we will talk about what anxiety looks like in young children and discuss ways parents can promote confidence and support their children when they get anxious or worried.

Na’ama Malkesman, LCSW is trained in psychodynamic, family therapy, cognitive-behavioral and systemic approaches to therapy. Ms. Malkesman tailors her interventions to the needs of her clients and is committed to integrative approach, involving the family in the therapeutic process.

(Moshe Shtuhl, Ph.D.)

When intuitive parenting of the emotionally intense or explosive child does not bear fruit, it is wise to pause and seek new ways. This workshop will describe underlying reasons for their difficulty going with the flow of daily life and the resulting frequent temper tantrums, refusal, conflict and aggression. Strategies to support better emotional and behavioral control and calmer child and family will be discussed.

Dr. Shtuhl is Founder and Director of Family Compass. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at George Washington University Doctoral Program.

Does your child have a very selective diet? Are mealtimes stressful? This workshop will discuss ways to determine whether your child is a “typical” picky eater or has possibly developed a feeding disorder. Strategies for managing mealtimes and encouraging your child to expand their diet will be shared, as well as recommendations for when to seek professional help.

Dr. Benhorin specializes in working with preschoolers/children, adolescents and families on a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and social concerns, including feeding disorders.

The joys and stresses of parenting are many. Parents and caregivers are often multi-tasking at home, at work and may find themselves exhausted and frustrated by the end of the day. This training will provide parents
• Tips to use during stressful parenting situations
• Problem-solving in a pro-social manner
• Implementing positive solutions

Elena Zaklis, M.A., BCBA, LBA is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and has been working in the field of special education for over 20 years. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Rutgers College at Rutgers University and earned her graduate degree (M.A.) in Education for Rider University.