NeuroNest Collective

 Kinder mental health, or early childhood mental health, refers to the social, emotional, and psychological well-being of young children in their early years, typically from birth through about age five. During this developmental stage, children are learning to express emotions, build relationships, establish a sense of self, and make sense of the world. Their mental health lays the foundation for learning, behavior, and health later in life. Just like physical health, mental health also plays a very important role in young children. It decides how they play, learn, talk, and relate to others. Early childhood mental health includes: Being safe and loved Healthy expression of feelings Building trust and empathy Growing confidence and curiosity However, infants and young children can also have mental health disorders such as anxiety, attachment disorder, or behavior difficulty. These could be due to family stress, trauma, developmental delay, or difficulty with transitions like schoo...

 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. In the recent decades, the number of children who have been diagnosed with autism has risen exponentially. This has generated many questions about the etiology, particularly concerning parental influences. While it is estimated by some that autism is more common today, the reality is more complex. Greater awareness, improved diagnostic standards, environmental issues, and genetic issues all factor into the increased numbers. If the etiology is understood, the support may be better provided and the early interventions delivered to autistic individuals. Why Is Autism on the Rise? The increased prevalence of autism can be due to a number of factors: 1. Improved Awareness and Diagnosis Previously, many children with autism were mistakenly diagnosed with other conditions or were not diagnosed at all. Now, with growing awareness among parents, teachers, and physi...

 Summary for an Autistic Mother: There are exciting new developments in 2025 that could help your autistic child to thrive. There is a medication named leucovorin that has been producing wonderful results in getting children to talk and interact with people. Technology like Virtual Reality (VR) and robots is also adding the fun and success of therapy. Schools are improving too—more and more teachers are learning to support autistic children, and special schools are being opened. All these advancements translate into better support, better education, and better opportunities for autistic children to thrive.

Every year on April 2nd, the world comes together to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day—a day to recognize the strengths, challenges, and unique ways of thinking of individuals on the autism spectrum. This year, as we celebrate Awareness 2025, we also stand in solidarity with children and individuals with Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy (CP), advocating for a more empathetic and accepting society. Why Awareness Matters Increasing awareness is the beginning point for filling the gap to acceptance and inclusion. While each condition—Autism, Down Syndrome, and CP—is unique, each shares the common desire for greater societal understanding, support, and accessibility. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by differences in communication, social interaction, and sensory processing. Down Syndrome: A genetic condition that affects cognitive development and physical growth, having a tendency to lead to special strengths and challenges. Cerebral Palsy (CP...

  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are mental illnesses that may coincide with autism, but their symptoms sometimes overlap or get mixed up. It is important to know their differences and how they relate to autism for proper diagnosis and support. What is OCD? OCD is characterized by: Obsessions – Repetitive, disturbing thoughts or fears (e.g., fear of germs, intrusive unwanted thoughts). Compulsions – Repetitive behaviors or rituals to reduce anxiety (e.g., repeated handwashing, counting, checking). OCD vs. Autism: Both disorders include repetitive behaviors, but autistic routines or stimming are for comfort, while OCD compulsions are a result of anxiety and distress. Distress in OCD is because of intrusive thoughts, while distress in autism is more sensory or change-related. What is PTSD? PTSD develops after trauma and includes: Intrusive symptoms – Flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing memories. Avoidance – Avoidance of locations, ind...

 Autistic self-advocacy is the act of asserting autonomy, communicating needs, and shaping decisions that affect their lives. Rooted in the neurodiversity movement, it reverses mainstream narratives of autism as pathologizing and positions autistic experience at the center of constructing inclusive societies. Below is an examination of its significance and impact: --- ### **1. Empowerment Through Autonomy** Self-advocacy enables autistic individuals to define their identity, preferences, and needs. This requires requesting accommodations (e.g., sensory-friendly places, flexible work schedules) and resisting such objectionable practices as forced normalization treatments. For example, autistic self-advocates underscore the importance of "identity-first" language (e.g., "autistic person") and resent efforts to "cure" autism as amounts to erasure of their core selves. Self-advocacy training from an early age—by option, by solving problems, by involvement in I...