Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

An OCD diagnosis incorporates unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) leading to compulsive behaviors. Children and adults with OCD engage in compulsive behaviors attempting to end the obsessions, decrease distress and anxiety, or stop perceived bad things from happening. They perform both mental and behavioral rituals to reduce feelings associated with anxiety disorder.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Does your child show signs of stress, worry, lack of self-confidence, fear, or other symptoms of anxiety? Well, your child isn’t alone. Research indicates that 8.3 percent of teens aged 13-18 have an Anxiety Disorder classifying as severe impairment range with the average onset age listed six-years-old. In the U.S., Anxiety Disorders are the most common mental illness, affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. There are science-backed methods that are also safe and natural ways to address anxiety. Tools such as supplements for anxiety, neurofeedback, biofeedback,, meditation and breath work can reduce and even eliminate symptoms such as physical symptoms, sleep problems, worry, focus problems, irritability, etc. A calm brain is the key to restoring one's thinking, attention, and mood.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Sensory processing is a simple process of having our senses send messages to the nervous system. After this occurs, motor and behavioral responses are then developed. The senses that people have such as smell and touch help the body and brain interpret and respond predictably to the environment around them.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Temper tantrums are unpleasant, disruptive behaviors or emotional outbursts that children exhibit when frustrated. Children have temper tantrums in response to unmet needs or desires or when they feel a lack of control. Hunger, exhaustion, discomfort, sensory needs, or wanting something they can’t have all trigger tantrums. The behaviors can range from whining and crying to screaming, kicking, hitting, being stubborn, resisting tasks or holding one’s breath. A tantrum can be a way for child to get a reaction or get what they want.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

SPD means that your child’s brain has a hard time taking in and responding to sensory based information. Previously called a sensory integration dysfunction, it is not considered a distinct medical diagnosis which can be difficult for parents. Children with SPD can have developmental difficulties, such as speech delays, because their sensory conditions impact their ability to focus. However, parents should keep in mind these deficits can often be overcome with the proper treatment.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Temper tantrums are a normal and common part of child development and raising children, and parents often struggle with how to manage them. All the parenting books and parenting classes discuss the “terrible twos” and how to handle toddler tantrums, but as children approach five and six, a kid throwing tantrums may trigger worry. While parents become concerned that they reflect a deeper concern, for most kids they are a part of typical child development. Sometimes, however, they are a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed when they occur with intensity, length, and frequency.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Parenting difficult kids at the holidays comes with an added level of stress. No parent is perfect, and kids get rambunctious at the holidays. While all children get sensory overload at the holidays, the more sensitive or challenging kids can struggle even more. That makes the most wonderful time of the year not so wonderful sometimes. Since most families can’t fly off to Jamaica to avoid holiday craziness, some simple tips and strategies can help you survive.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Raising children is a challenging job, to say the least. On a daily basis, parents face the arduous tasks of being protectors, nourishers, comforters, teachers, guides, companions, and advocates for their children.  Since life does not stand still, stress can often seem like a familiar part of the everyday routine. Sometimes, it’s hard to see the difference between good parenting and bad parenting because each child is different.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

For parents of special needs children, one of the biggest concerns is feeling alone and of course, worrying about your child. “Special needs” can be defined in a variety of ways. The term can refer to a variety of issues and concerns from an intellectual disability, ADHD, Autism, an executive functioning disorder, or being gifted. Many parents of special needs children find themselves isolated, looking for others who understand the situation.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Holistic remedies are often viewed as “woo” or “make believe.” In reality holistic remedies, referred to as “complementary alternative medicine” (CAMs) in the medical field, are supported by research which suggests they are effective. Understanding the value of holistic remedies and how to use them can help people with chronic conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis to ADHD.