Maglione, Neidhardt & Associates

04/23/2025

All behavior is communication. Take time today to listen to others with all of your senses and appreciate the totality of the message that you receive. 

03/28/2025

Many clients come in for therapy with reported anxiety, but they also suffer from panic attacks. Managing panic attacks is different from the strategies to address anxiety.

A panic attack is an intense, sudden surge of fear or discomfort, often peaking within minutes. Symptoms include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. Panic attacks can feel overwhelming but usually subside quickly. Anxiety, on the other hand, is a prolonged state of worry or nervousness, often tied to a specific situation or stressor. It builds gradually and can persist for days or weeks. While anxiety can trigger panic attacks, it’s more of a chronic condition, whereas panic attacks are acute episodes. Understanding the difference helps in managing each effectively.

Leaning into panic attacks means accepting and riding the wave of anxiety rather than resisting it. When panic strikes, the instinct is to fight or escape, but this often intensifies fear. Instead, acknowledging the sensations—racing heart, dizziness, breathlessness—helps diminish their power. Remind yourself that panic is temporary and not dangerous. Focus on slow breathing, grounding techniques, and self-compassion. By allowing the experience without fear, you reduce its hold over time. Each time you lean in, you train your brain to recognize that panic is uncomfortable but survivable. This approach fosters resilience, making future episodes less overwhelming.

If you are struggling with either condition or both, Maglione, Neidhardt & Associates can help with therapy services for children, adolescents and adults. Call us today at 813-722-1033.

03/14/2025

Sensory-friendly environments can profoundly impact a child's mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and sensory overload. These spaces, designed with calming colors, soft lighting, minimal noise, and structured layouts, create a sense of security and comfort. For children with sensory sensitivities, such as those with autism or ADHD, such environments help regulate emotions, improve focus, and encourage positive social interactions.

By minimizing overwhelming stimuli, children can better process their surroundings, leading to reduced meltdowns and increased emotional stability. Sensory-friendly spaces also promote self-regulation, enabling children to manage their reactions more effectively. When children feel safe and understood, their confidence grows, and they are more likely to engage in learning, play, and socialization.

Ultimately, these environments foster mental well-being, helping children develop resilience, emotional balance, and a greater sense of control over their experiences, laying the foundation for long-term mental health benefits.

Creating a sensory-friendly environment at home can significantly improve a child's well-being. Here are seven ways adults can achieve this:

- Control Lighting – Use dimmable lights, warm-toned bulbs, or natural lighting to reduce harsh glare. Blackout curtains can help with sleep regulation.

- Reduce Noise Levels – Minimize background noise by using noise-canceling headphones, soft rugs, or white noise machines to create a calm atmosphere.

- Incorporate Soft Textures – Provide cozy blankets, plush rugs, or weighted blankets to offer comfort and a sense of security.

- Create a Safe Sensory Zone – Designate a quiet, clutter-free space with sensory-friendly items like fidget toys, stress balls, or a small tent for retreat.

- Use Calming Scents – Aromatherapy with lavender, chamomile, or vanilla can help soothe anxiety and promote relaxation.

- Provide Structured Routines – Predictable schedules and visual schedules can reduce anxiety and help children feel more in control.

- Offer Movement-Friendly Options – Swings, rocking chairs, or exercise balls can provide sensory input and help with self-regulation.

02/12/2025

What is a CPT and how can it be helpful in the management of ADHD?

A Continuous Performance Test (CPT) is a widely used computerized assessment tool designed to evaluate sustained attention, impulsivity, and response inhibition—key areas often affected in individuals with attention-related disorders such as ADHD.

Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) can help with ADHD medication in several ways:

Assessing Baseline Performance – Before starting medication, a CPT can measure attention, impulsivity, and response consistency to establish a baseline of cognitive functioning.

Monitoring Medication Effectiveness – By comparing pre- and post-medication CPT results, doctors can objectively evaluate whether the medication improves focus, reduces impulsivity, and enhances sustained attention.

Determining Optimal Dosage – Different dosages of ADHD medication can have varying effects. A CPT can help determine the most effective dose by measuring performance under different conditions.

Identifying Side Effects or Overmedication – If a person becomes overly sedated or shows excessive impulsivity, their CPT performance may decline, signaling a need for dosage adjustment.

Tracking Long-Term Progress – Regular CPTs over time can help monitor whether the medication remains effective or if adjustments are needed.

CPTs are not a standalone diagnostic tool but can be a valuable part of a comprehensive ADHD treatment plan.

Maglione, Neidhardt & Associates has CPT evaluation plans to meet your needs. Reach out to us if you would like to include data from CPT in your ADHD management and decision making.

Send a message to learn more

10/16/2024

Supporting children’s mental health after a natural disaster requires sensitivity, patience, and understanding. Begin by creating a safe space for them to express their emotions. Encourage conversations about their fears, but avoid forcing them to talk if they’re not ready. Maintain routines and structure to provide a sense of normalcy and security.

It’s essential to monitor behavior changes, such as trouble sleeping, withdrawal, or irritability, which may indicate distress. Offer comfort by validating their feelings and reassuring them that it’s okay to feel scared or sad. Engage them in activities they enjoy, as play can help them process emotions.

Limit their exposure to distressing news and social media to prevent additional anxiety. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking professional help from a mental health expert. Finally, remind children they are not alone—whether through family, school, or community, let them know they are supported and loved.