In a recent longitudinal study titled "Identifying Candidate Mediators Linking ADHD Symptoms and Internalising Problems in Adolescence," researchers Murray, Dryburgh, and Sonuga-Barke (Murray AL, Dryburgh K, Sonuga-Barke EJS. Identifying Candidate Mediators Linking ADHD Symptoms and Internalising Problems in Adolescence: An Exploratory Longitudinal Mediation Analysis. J Atten Disord. 2026 Mar 6) explored the complex pathways that lead from ADHD symptoms to internalizing issue

There are moments, as a psychologist, when something you read simply resonates at a deeper level—not because it is new, but because it so clearly reflects what you have long understood to be true. That was my experience reading the recent New York Times article on how neurodivergent individuals are finding meaningful and rewarding careers working within inclusive restaurant environments. The New York Times piece (April 5, 2026) explores a growing movement within the restaura

by Dr. Bob Carey There’s a moment many parents don’t talk about. It doesn’t happen during the diagnosis. It doesn’t happen in the therapy sessions. It happens quietly, over time—when life begins to reorganize itself around one child’s needs, and everything else slowly shifts in response. This has to do with the significant amount of stress that having a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder can have on the family system. In a recent article published in the Globe & Mail (“M

Parenting a child with ADHD can be both rewarding and challenging. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder often require unique approaches to help them thrive. This guide offers practical advice and actionable strategies to support your child’s growth, improve family dynamics, and foster a positive environment. Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Parenting ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and i

Parenting a child with ADHD can be both rewarding and challenging. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder often require unique approaches to help them thrive. Understanding how to support their needs with patience and structure can make a significant difference in their development and family harmony. This article explores practical ADHD parenting techniques that can empower you to create a positive environment for your child. Understanding ADHD Parenting Tech

By Dr. Bob Carey Introduction: When Behaviour Isn’t Just Behaviour Every parent has been there. You tell your child to clean their room, and ten minutes later they’re building a pillow fort, having completely forgotten the task. Or you ask them to stop hitting their sibling, and they promise, “Okay”… only to repeat the behaviour minutes later. It’s tempting to see this as defiance or disrespect. But often, it’s something deeper: a brain still under construction. Specifically,

What is Dual Diagnosis in the Developmental Disability Field? In the Developmental Disability field, dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a developmental disability (DD) and a mental health disorder in an individual. Unlike other medical or psychiatric conditions that may exist separately, dual diagnosis requires an integrated approach that considers both the cognitive and behavioural challenges associated with developmental disabilities and the emotional and psychol

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behaviors, and fears of separation. Individuals with DPD often struggle with making decisions independently, require constant reassurance, and may go to great lengths to obtain support from others. This pervasive pattern typically begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and can significantly impair interpersonal and occupational functioning.

Introduction Attachment disorder is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can significantly impact individuals with developmental disabilities. Early disruptions in caregiver relationships, trauma, or neglect can lead to attachment difficulties, which in turn affect emotional regulation, social skills, and behaviour. For individuals with developmental disabilities, these challenges can be even more pronounced due to cognitive limitations and communication barriers.

Anxiety disorders are notably prevalent among neurodivergent individuals and those with developmental disabilities, presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Traditional therapeutic approaches often fall short in addressing the specific needs of this population. Dr. Bob Carey, a clinical psychologist with over 35 years of experience in developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis, developed the Positive Systems Approach (PSA) to offer a more effective framewor

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) performed to alleviate the distress caused by these thoughts. While OCD affects approximately 1-2% of the general population, its prevalence is notably higher among neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Prevalence of OCD in

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. However, in neurodivergent individuals and those with developmental disabilities, PTSD often remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. This oversight can be attributed to atypical symptom presentations and diagnostic challenges within this population. Implementing a Positive Systems Approach (PSA), as detailed in "Managing Disruptive Beh

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a widely recognized, evidence-based therapeutic approach designed initially to help individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, over the years, its application has expanded to address a wide range of mental health challenges, including mood disorders, self-harming behaviours, and difficulties with emotional regulation. One emerging and promising area for DBT’s application is in supportin

When it comes to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, a compassionate, holistic, and adaptable approach is vital. The Positive Systems Approach, as outlined on Dr. Bob Carey and Terry Kirkpatrick’s website (drbobcarey.com), offers a framework that prioritizes the unique strengths, needs, and systems surrounding each individual. This approach encourages the use of psychotherapy interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which can be partic

The holiday season, while often regarded as a time of joy, connection, and celebration, can be an extraordinarily challenging period for individuals with developmental disabilities living in group homes. Amid the cheerful decorations, festive gatherings, and societal expectations for happiness, there is an underlying reality that this time of year can cause immense stress and discomfort for many people in this community. Behavioural challenges often increase dramatically duri

Jacobsen Deep Muscle Relaxation (JDMR), developed by Dr. Edmund Jacobson, is a time-tested therapeutic approach, which involves systematically tensing and relaxing muscle groups to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Widely used in therapeutic and clinical settings, JDMR has shown potential for helping individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Developmental disabilities encompass a range of lifelong conditions, including intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum di

Introduction John, a 20-year-old young man with borderline cognitive ability (IQ 70-80) and epilepsy, faced significant challenges during his first experience living independently. Though he demonstrated good language skills, his anxiety about managing daily life, particularly health concerns, became overwhelming. The agency supporting John had limited resources and could only provide minimal weekly support, exacerbating his anxiety. His situation escalated to frequent, unnec

In recent years, research into the effects of intensive stimulation on individuals with autism and developmental disabilities has yielded promising results. Building on previous studies (e.g., Ferreira et al., 2019), which highlighted the potential of active and stimulating activities in reducing self-stimulatory behaviours, this article explores the systemic challenges and positive impacts associated with implementing intensive stimulation strategies. Understanding the Nee

3. Triangulation: The Karpman "Drama Triangle"; "Let's you and him [her] fight" (Berne, "Games People Play", 1982); "Divide to Conquer" Triangulation refers to a commonly observed phenomenon involving at a minimum 3 people, (thus the term). One of the three persons attempts to downgrade the reputation or influence of a third person by threat of exclusion or manipulation, involving the second person, and indirect communication, usually behind the third person’s back. It m

As you can see from the flow chart above, figuring out what's really going on when someone's acting up can be tricky, but it's key to getting to the root of the issue. That's where the Positive Systems Approach comes in - it's all about looking at the bigger picture and identifying those underlying factors that might be driving the challenging behaviour. Instead of just focusing on the behaviour itself, this approach encourages us to dig deeper and understand what might be tr