MindKey Health

10/15/2025

When kids get stuck, it’s often not the work itself—but knowing where to start. That mental ordering of steps is a skill in itself!

Thank you to the The OT Toolbox! 😊

10/14/2025

10/14/2025

Autism is not about limitations — it’s about seeing the world through a different lens. The world needs all kinds of minds and the power of neurodiversity💡😊

We have open spots for ASD Assessments. If you are interested in booking, please reach out at parkside@mindkeyhealth.com or 250-370-0358.

10/13/2025

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By seeking to understand the underlying emotions or needs behind behaviours, we can better help the child. Thank you so much The Contented Child, Child Wellbeing Consultancy for this 🙏🏻

10/10/2025

Happy ! We would like to honour the resilience, strength, versatility, and growth of the folks within our community. Every day, we are so inspired by those we work with. Today, let’s work together to reduce mental health stigma and never forget the importance of compassion with others and the self💚💚💚

10/10/2025

At MindKey Health, we empower youth to embrace a world of uncertainty by fostering resilience and versatility. We prioritize diverse experiences over narrow focus, helping kids develop creative problem-solving skills and a mindset of exploration. We believe this approach opens more doors for their future success, especially in a quickly world. Keep faith, keep going, and don’t give up ❤️



https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/curiosity-code/202509/why-young-minds-are-breaking-faster-than-we-can-mend-them?utm_source=FacebookPost&utm_medium=FBPost&utm_campaign=FBPost&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7vHx4X02VXmtshchezyv7JW-Xy1-7dv-c5Q0GvbfAs6Nv0V_a_vsnlkh8VgA_aem_rKTOJjdFDhfIYHXN_QvGHQ

For a generation, no promise of the U-curve of happiness.

10/06/2025

Start of the week inspiration! 🤗

10/03/2025

AI and social media may culturally increase our value for authenticity, where people feel compelled to prove their uniqueness by being raw and unfiltered.

However, we should not forget that our best self is fostered with a health dose of self-discipline, emotional regulation, and self-awareness of how we make others feel.

Perhaps striving to be our best self instead of most authentic self is a more grounded and mature approach to well-being and self-actualization.

Instead of fetishizing authenticity, cherish maturity.

10/01/2025

We have open spots for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments. If you are interested in booking, please reach out at parkside@mindkeyhealth.com or 250-370-0358.

09/30/2025

Today on Truth and Reconciliation Day, the MindKey Health community is reflecting upon the trauma and ongoing effects of colonization and the residential school system on Indigenous communities.

We hold the memory of the children who never made it home, and we honour the survivors, their families, and the strength of their communities.

We recognize the limitations of western psychological models. As settlers, we are committed to approaching our work with deep humility and openness to Indigenous ways of knowing and well-being 🧡

This beautiful artwork is by .star.designs

09/25/2025

Thank you Autism Support Network of British Columbia for this statement. At MindKey Health, we are practitioners of clinical psychology with rigorous science at the core of what we do, and we believe in fostering a community that thrives without stigma.

We stand with science, respect, and lived experience. Our charity joins others in speaking out against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s harmful and unfounded claims about autism.

Our full position statement:
September 24, 2025

POSITION STATEMENT REGARDING AUTISM AND ROBERT F KENNEDY, JR

As a registered charity led by parents supporting other parents in accessing science-based autism treatments, we feel compelled to join the growing chorus of concern surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s most recent unfounded and misleading claims.

We echo the powerful statement by Dr. Mitch Prinstein of the American Psychological Association, which deserves to be heard in full:

“Public health policy must be guided by rigorous research and scientifi c consensus. We are deeply troubled by the reckless promotion of unsupported research that unjustifi ably blames mothers and fuels stigma against individuals with autism. Research shows that autism has complex, multifactorial origins—genetic, biological, and environmental—and represents a spectrum of neurodevelopmental differences, not a single condition with a single cause. We welcome new funding for autism research, but for this initiative to succeed, it must amplify valid scientifi c fi ndings and support evidence-based, neurodiversity-affi rming practices that help autistic people thrive across their lifespan.”

As an organization grounded in lived experience and evidence-based advocacy, we stand firmly against rhetoric that promotes stigma, misinformation, and outdated narratives. Autism is not caused by parental actions—it is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition that deserves understanding, respect, and support rooted in science.

We urge all public figures, particularly those seeking leadership roles, to engage meaningfully with both autistic self-advocates and caregivers, and to prioritize science, respect, and lived experience over stigma and misinformation.

Jennifer Newby
Executive Director
Autism Support Network Society

09/25/2025

Challenges Gifted Kids Face

At first glance, being gifted might seem like an educational advantage—and it can be. It’s crucial to recognize that giftedness also comes with unique challenges that can impact a child’s academic performance, emotional well-being, and social development. In fact, some of the biggest struggles teachers observe in their classrooms are directly linked to the very traits that define giftedness.

Perfectionism and Anxiety

Gifted students often set impossibly high standards for themselves. They may become anxious when they don’t immediately master something or avoid tasks altogether for fear of failure. According to a study published in the Journal of Education and Learning, many gifted children internalize perfectionistic expectations, which can result in chronic stress and emotional exhaustion.

Asynchronous Development

Gifted kids often develop intellectually faster than they do socially or emotionally. This mismatch, called asynchronous development, can lead to frustration, isolation, or confusion, especially when they’re expected to “act their age” while processing the world like a much older person.

You might see a student who can discuss abstract philosophical ideas but breaks down in tears over a minor disagreement with a friend. It’s not inconsistency, it’s asynchrony.

Social Isolation and Feeling “Different”

Many gifted students feel out of step with their peers, especially when their interests, vocabulary, or humor don’t align with classmates. Some may isolate themselves or try to hide their abilities to fit in. The Davidson Institute and Advanced Psychology Services both highlight how this social disconnect can lead to loneliness, depression, or behavioral issues if not addressed.

Misdiagnosis and Twice-Exceptionality

Some gifted students also have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other learning or behavioral differences. These twice-exceptional (2e) kids often get overlooked or misdiagnosed. Their giftedness may mask their struggles, or vice versa, leading to inconsistent performance and misunderstood behaviors.

“The relationship between giftedness and ADHD is complicated,” Dr. Maier explains. “Many children have both diagnoses—but the two can also be mistaken for one another. This is an area where it makes sense to consult with a mental health professional with experience working with children and adolescents—ADHD is a highly manageable condition, and behavioral therapy is a first-line and effective treatment.”

Underachievement and Boredom

Gifted students who aren’t sufficiently challenged can become disengaged, leading to underachievement. As the Davidson Institute highlights, boredom and lack of appropriate stimulation are common challenges gifted learners face, particularly when curriculum isn’t matched to their abilities.

Similarly, the NAGC emphasizes that unchallenging classrooms can lead to frustration and underperformance. Recognizing and addressing these issues is crucial for educators to help gifted students reach their full potential.

Teachers are often the first line of defense in spotting these struggles. With greater awareness of these common challenges, educators can shift their approach from managing behaviors to meeting needs. Sometimes even small changes can make a big difference.

Thanks to WeAreTeachers for this excellent article and visual! ❤️