SURVIVING PUBERTY - THIS TIME AS A PARENT!
Middle school memories often include the awkward changes of puberty. Acne, feelings of insecurity, braces, clumsy relationships with the opposite sex, strict parents, a need for expert hygiene, and sensitivity to others’ opinions all collide during the early teen years.
Puberty can be a difficult life stage for any teen. However, the challenges of facing puberty with developmental delays---overly-defiant behaviors, daunting mood swings, epilepsy and self-esteem issues--- only compound the hardships parents face when helping their child navigate adolescence.
PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN TO:
- Recognize the start of puberty.
- Talk to your son or daughter about their changing bodies.
- Know ways to build self-esteem at home.
- Understand and successfully deal with challenging behaviors.
- Recognize surfacing mental health issues.
- Know when to contact a specialist.
- Not wish-away those difficult but important years of rapid growth, emotional maturity and self-determination.
MEET THE SPEAKER
Rachel Torrance, M.Ed, BCBA, COBA from Accessing Abilities, LLC
Rachel formed the Accessing Abilities, LLC, in 2015. With a background in Special Education, systems-based supports, consultations, ABA and trainings, Rachel knew her approach was different and the field needed more. Rachel’s approach to addressing behavioral and educational needs stemmed from the knowledge acquired since the early 1990’s when she first started in the field (plus all of the amazing newer research). Most importantly, although autism is amongst her specialties, she wanted to provide supports to all children and adults; including ones without diagnoses. Rachel is an invited presenter at national and international conferences, a member of the Board of Trustees for Milestones Autism Resources and an integral part of Cleveland-based sensory-friendly initiatives.