Horizons Developmental Resource Center

Building Competence through Guided Participation

Michelle VanderHeide, BSW — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:00:05 +0000

I’ll never forget my first job. I started working at a very small restaurant, about 20 tables, with only one other waitress. The first day on the job I was handed an apron, a pad of paper, and a pen; and told to get to work. I was given no guidance on how to wait [...]

Springtime Planning for Transitions

Courtney Kowalczyk, M.Ed. — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:39:53 +0000

The sun is beginning to shine, and the fresh smells of spring are upon us. This time of year is always a favorite of mine, whether I am working with clients or walking through the park with my sons. One thing is for sure, this time of year is always busy in school systems. Special [...]

Communication is Dynamic

Erin Roon, MA CCC-SLP — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Communication is a dynamic process. It goes way beyond the words we say. Many people interchange the words communication, language, and speech; but these terms are not synonymous. Speech refers to the actual words or sounds that are coming from your mouth. Language is the grammar, meaning and ability to use the words you have. [...]

Perspectives on Behavior

Nicole Beurkens, PhD — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:00:05 +0000

All children exhibit less-than-desirable behaviors at one time or another. Sometimes children exhibit many of these behaviors throughout the day, especially in the case of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The behaviors can take over everyone’s lives and become the focus of our interactions with these children. Too often we blame the child, when what we [...]

Let’s Set the Record Straight—Part 1 Reflections from Internship

Courtney Kowalczyk, M.Ed. — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:16:14 +0000

Four years ago this past September, I decided to undertake one of the largest projects in my life. I went back to school to work toward a doctorate in clinical psychology, which has definitely been rewarding and challenging at the same time. After completing my coursework 18 months ago, I began a new chapter in [...]

One Step Back, Three Steps Forward: Dysregulation and Development

Nicole Beurkens, PhD — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:11:50 +0000

I’ve been thinking about dysregulation and developmental “growth spurts” lately, as my 9-month old daughter has had a weeklong stretch of frustrating behavior. Normally she is a very easy baby; content to hang out with us and do whatever. She generally likes to be held, likes to play with toys on the floor, sleeps through [...]

Experience Sharing Communication

heather — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:00:13 +0000

By: Erin Roon, MA CCC-SLP Take a moment to read this short conversation between a mother and son. As you read, think about what is being communicated. Are you able to get a picture in your head? “Hey mom, you’ll never believe this! I saw a baby turtle in the road.” “Really, I wonder how [...]

More than Words

Michelle VanderHeide, BSW — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:10:17 +0000

I recently read the book “Growing Girls: The Mother of All Adventures”. Jeanne Marie Laskas, a mother of two little girls adopted from China, writes this story. What an adventurous life this family has, and what a fun book to read. Her writing style has kept me interested in what is going to happen next, [...]

Unplugged Time Together

Nicole Beurkens, PhD — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 01:39:02 +0000

In a culture where our lives have become inundated with electronics, it is important for parents to teach children the value of spending “unplugged” time together. Whether your children are toddler or teens, here are some simple electronics-free ideas you can implement to encourage the development of relationships, communication, and thinking skills: Play a game [...]

Ask the Horizons Team: How much of an evaluation should you share with the school?

Nicole Beurkens, PhD — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:13:42 +0000

Question: My husband and I recently had a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation done for our 10-year-old son due to concerns in the areas of attention, immaturity, and reading comprehension. The results were thorough and very helpful to us as parents, especially as we think about how best to support his learning and behavior both in and [...]