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Autism Spectrum (Asperger’s Syndrome, etc.)
Children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum can face difficulty in relationships and day-to-day life. For their caretaker(s), knowing how to relate to a child on the Autism Spectrum can feel confusing when it seems that he or she does not reciprocate emotion, joy, or interest. Adults oftentimes experience frustration, confusion, isolation and guilt. The children may have emotional and behavioral issues such as few peer relationships, rigidity in interests or daily activity, preoccupation with details, or even temper outbursts. Agape therapists are trained in helping children on the Autism Spectrum learn how to relate to others and cope with inflexibility, as well as sensory issues and anxiety triggers. The…
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What Is Child Therapy and How Does It Work?
By Carolyn Knarr, MSW, LCSW, Director of Children’s Therapeutic Services Our children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). They bring abundant joy, although, raising them is not without its challenges. Parents have a responsibility, not only to meet the physical needs of their children, but to also provide a safe haven that fosters emotional and psychological growth, and achieving that is no simple feat. Sometimes parents reach the point where they literally do not know the best way to help their children. That’s when bringing a trained professional into the picture may prove beneficial. Counseling for children? Yes. People are sometimes surprised at the idea of sending children…
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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,…
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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……