The Center for Neuropsychology and Counseling

Summer is here, and our kids are excited for the warmer weather, spending time in the pool or at the beach, and vacationing with family and friends. The summer is an important time for kids of all ages to reboot. It provides them with the opportunity to just be “kids,” play, build resiliency, and help cope with stressors in day-to-day life.

Now that summer is in full swing, it is important for parents and caregivers to recognize that school-aged children transitioning from a highly structured and regimented schedule during the day to a far less coordinated environment. Let’s pause for a moment and think about your child’s typical school day, and remind ourselves that teachers and other school personnel work extremely hard to maintain a highly regimented schedule for our kids each day. Remember the daily schedule that is often on full display in our classrooms? It serves an important role.

Consequently, the duty of providing such structure now falls on the shoulders of parents and caregivers. This can be challenging, especially for families where both parents work full-time and when there are limited opportunities for enrollment in camps or other programs that provide childcare along with the necessary activities of structure. Below are some helpful tips for incorporating structure and routine during the summer months, while maintaining fun and providing opportunities for our kids to reboot:

1. Create a schedule and establish routine
2. Be collaborative and develop withyour children.
3. Be consistent, but also flexible.
4. Create a weekly schedule using a whiteboard that is visible at all times.
5. Identify a list of activities for rainy days and/or days with extreme heat.
6. Identify budget-friendly activities, such as going to the park, library or museums.
7. Schedule “down time,” or rest periods, especially during hot summer days.

• Maintain Expectations:
• Use Positive Reinforcement and where age appropriate, use of reward system can be very helpful. For households with siblings, implement such symptoms house wide, not just for one child.
• Communicate clearly and maintain consistency across parents and caregivers.
• When there are expectations to keep up with reading and other school-based activities, Be Creative and incorporate opportunities to earn rewards and provide positive reinforcement. For example, “Reading Bingo.”

• Self-Care
• Parents – Take care of yourselves.
  • Work with your partner or other caregivers to balance responsibilities and childcare.
  • Schedule quality time with your partner on the weekends.
  • Alternate childcare with neighbors or friends.

If we can help you implement structure into your summer schedule, please reach out to us!

The mental health providers at the Center are here to provide you or a loved one with therapy or assessment services this summer. Call 215-491-1119 to schedule an appointment!

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), also known as Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (MND),is a condition that leads to subtle but noticeable changes in thinking skills such as memory, thinking, attention, language, reasoning abilities, and more. While these changes can be concerning, they are not severe enough to significantly impact daily functioning (e.g., driving, managing finances/medication, bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.). Individuals with MCI may find that they forget recent conversations or appointments, but they can still carry out everyday tasks independently

MCI can show up in two main forms:

1. Amnestic MCI, which primarily affects memory. Individuals may begin to forget important details, such as conversations or recent events.
2. Non-amnestic MCI, which impacts other cognitive functions like decision-making, planning, and judgment. People with this type of MCI might struggle with tasks like organizing their home or managing finances.

What Causes MCI?

The exact cause of MCI is not fully understood, but it is believed that in some cases, MCI may signal an early stage of a neurodegenerative disease. However, not everyone diagnosed with MCI will progress to dementia, and other factors, such as lifestyle and genetics, can influence its development.

How is Age Related to MCI?

MCI is more commonly noticed in individuals over the age of 50, but it can appear earlier or later. As people age, some cognitive changes are typical, but MCI represents a noticeable decline beyond normal aging.

Is There Medication for MCI?

While there is no cure for MCI, medications can sometimes be used to help manage symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, galantamine, or rivastigmine, are commonly prescribed. These medications may help slow the decline in memory and thinking abilities. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate all current medications.

Factors That May Influence the Progression of MCI

Certain factors may increase the risk of MCI progressing to dementia, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, depression, and lack of mental or physical activity. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing alcohol intake are also beneficial.

What to Do After Diagnosis

Individual:

1. Stay active with mentally stimulating activities and physical exercise.
2. Use reminders like calendars and lists to help with memory.
3. Engage in social activities, spend time with family, friends, or neighbors.
4. Communicate with your medical team for optimal healthcare.
5. Consider talking with a mental health professional to navigate the emotional impact of the diagnosis.

Family:

1. Offer help as needed, while encouraging independence.
2. Discuss care preferences and plans (i.e., living conditions, live-in/hired support, etc.).
3. Attend doctor appointments together for better understanding and support.
4. Consider joining a caregiver support group.
5. Don’t forget to care for yourself.

Helpful Resources near Doylestown, PA:

Doylestown Health Dementia-Friendly Initiative: Offers a Memory Café and educational programs. Click here to learn more.

Bucks County Area Agency on Aging: Provides information on services such as transportation, country resources, community social and recreational activities, legal services, and more. Find  out more here.

Visiting Angels Doylestown: Provides in-home care and respite for caregivers. Discover more here.

Moving Forward: A diagnosis of MCI is not the end—it is a chance to plan, seek support, and continue to enjoy life. Use available resources and stay connected with your loved ones.

If you or a loved one are concerned about possible mild cognitive impairment, consider contacting us, The Center for Neuropsychology & Counseling, to schedule a neuropsychological evaluation. This assessment can help clarify the nature of the changes, guide treatment planning, and support informed next steps.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, highlighting the often-overlooked issue of teen dating violence. As adolescents navigate relationships, many face risks, with up to 19% experiencing sexual or physical violence, nearly half encountering stalking or harassment, and 65% subjected to psychological abuse (Abrams, 2023).

Forms of Teen Dating Violence

• Physical Violence: Involves hurting or attempting to hurt a partner through physical force, such as hitting, kicking, or shoving.
• Sexual Violence: Includes forcing or attempting to force a partner into unwanted sexual acts or touching without their consent. It also encompasses non-physical behaviors, such as sharing or posting sexual photos without consent or sexting without mutual agreement.
• Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Using verbal or non-verbal communication to harm a partner mentally or emotionally. This includes manipulation tactics like gaslighting, constant criticism, verbal insults, and controlling behaviors designed to undermine self-esteem.
• Digital Abuse: Involves using technology and social media to monitor, control, or harm a partner. Examples include excessive texting, demanding passwords, tracking online activity, or sharing private content without consent.
• Stalking: A pattern of repeated, unwanted attention or contact by a current or former partner, causing fear or safety concerns for the victim or those close to them.

Warning Signs of Unhealthy Relationships

Recognizing red flags is key to early intervention. Common warning signs include:

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or favorite activities.
• Partner showing extreme jealousy or frequent mood swings.
• Feeling anxious or fearful when a partner contacts them.
• Partner controlling who they can see or what they can post online.
• Unexplained physical injuries or frequent apologies for a partner’s behavior.
• High highs and low lows in the relationship cycle, including “love bombing” (excessive compliments and gifts).

Digital Abuse and Red Flags

In today’s society, we all live through our technology, and digital abuse is a significant concern, as it allows abusers to control or harass victims even when they’re not physically present. Recognizing digital red flags is important for identifying unhealthy behaviors. Examples include:

• Excessive communication: Persistent calls, texts, or messages demanding constant updates on whereabouts or activities.
• Monitoring and control: Demanding access to social media accounts, tracking online activity, or dictating who a partner can interact with.
• Threats and pressure: Making threats if a response isn’t immediate or pressuring for explicit photos.
• Public humiliation: Posting or threatening to post private photos, messages, or hurtful comments online.
• Fake accounts: Using multiple or fake profiles to maintain unwanted contact.
• Privacy violations: Accessing a partner’s phone or accounts without permission.

Impacts of Teen Dating Violence

Victims of Teen Dating Violence often face long-term consequences, such as:

• Declining self-esteem and confidence.
• Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
• Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or disrupted sleep patterns.
• Poor academic performance and reduced school attendance.

What You Can Do
If you or someone you know is experiencing digital abuse or other forms of teen dating violence, here are steps you can take to provide support:

• Pay attention to red flags: Observe any signs of unhealthy behaviors and discuss your concerns openly and calmly.
• Set healthy boundaries: Help them understand the importance of privacy and encourage setting limits on over-monitoring or controlling behaviors.
• Start a conversation: Approach the topic in a non-judgmental and supportive way to show you care and want to help.
• Encourage open communication: Suggest that they talk to a trusted adult, school counselor, or professional counselor to share their experiences and seek guidance.
• Safety planning: Assist them in taking proactive steps, such as:
  • Blocking abusive accounts.
  • Changing passwords to secure their online profiles and devices.
  • Limiting interactions with the abuser, both online and offline.

Resources for Help

• Teen Talk Textline: Text 215-703-8411 or call 866-825-5856 (1:00–9:00 PM) or visit their website
• Love is Respect: Text “loveis” to 22522 or visit loveisrespect.org.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Website: thehotline.org; Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); Text: Text “START” to 88788
• Laurel House Hotline: Call 1-800-642-3150 for 24/7 support, including safety planning, counseling, and emergency shelter.
• Trusted adults: Talk to teachers, school counselors, or other trusted adults for guidance.