• Autism What It Is and Isnt

    Unraveling the Enigma of the Autism Spectrum

    By Carolyn Knarr, MSW, LCSW, Director of Children’s Therapeutic Services Autism is one of the most misunderstood childhood disorders. Many myths abound concerning characteristics of children with autism. Changes in the diagnosis criteria have added to the confusion, including the deletion of the Asperger’s diagnosis. So, what is autism, and how is it diagnosed? According to the DSM-5, the manual that mental health professionals must use to diagnose clients, the following are necessary for a child to receive an autism spectrum diagnosis: A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by the following, currently or by history: Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, ranging, for example,…

  • 2015 St Louis Home Educators Expo

    2015 Greater St Louis Area Home Educators Expo

    March 19th – 21st Agape’s Director of Children’s Therapeutic Services, Carolyn Knarr, will be a speaker at the Home Educators Expo this year.  We will also have a table at the event, so please stop by to meet Carolyn and our other child therapists!  The purpose of the Greater St. Louis Area Home Educators Expo (GSLAHE) is to equip and encourage parents as they seek to raise and educate their children. The GSLAHE organization was created to provide the community with a conference that focuses on bringing educational and family topics to the community. We also strive to inform the community at large about home education. Click here for more……

  • Gospel Driven Parenting Agape Counseling St Louis

    Gospel Driven Parenting

    By Carolyn Knarr, MSW, LCSW, Director of Children’s Therapeutic Services In writing about parenting, I often like to begin with the Gospel. Within its words, we find a beautiful love story about a Father who adores His children, just as they are. He shows mercy in place of rules, guidance instead of demands, and acceptance where others expect performance. He gives hope to parents and purpose to our children, for He understands the frustration and futility of earthly children trying to please a Divine Father. He knows that our faith in Him and relationship with Him will bring joy and meaning to our lives, while our own accomplishments will melt…

  • Problem Solving with Your Child Article

    Problem Solving With Your Child

    By Carolyn Knarr, MSW, LCSW, Director of Children’s Therapeutic Services The number one complaint I hear from most children is that their parents yell too much. Being a parent myself, I know why parents yell: their children don’t listen, they don’t handle their responsibilities, they don’t respond unless you raise your voice, and they can be quite irritating!  Talk to your child about the fact that they don’t respond unless you yell (and even then, just sometimes). Tell them you don’t want to yell. Ask them what they suggest so that you don’t have to yell. Below  is an example of a conversation you might have: Parent: “Kelly, I notice…