Charlene McIntosh: Counselling Psychologist

01/12/2021

20/11/2021

If you are an adult who struggled a long time before finding a diagnoses that fit, you aren't alone. Women especially are often missed in early diagnoses of Autism (or ADHD).

03/11/2021

New therapeutic game for my office. It helps children identify and expressive emotions.

19/10/2021

https://www.facebook.com/100037521948857/posts/543843180209742/

Squid Game has just topped the charts as Netflix’ most viewed show with over 111 million viewers in less than a month. With an age restriction of 15+ on Netflix, Squid Game is clearly not suitable for younger viewers.

That being said, we know that many 12-year-olds are binge watching the whole series with or without their parent’s permission. And if they haven’t watched it, their friends are talking about it, Squid Game is surfacing in Roblox and some schools have even reported young kids re-enacting Squid Game scenes on the playground. It’s EVERYWHERE.

What concerns us is exposure to this level of violence can create a detachment to very serious issues before our children have had life experience. The very last thing we want for our children is to be indifferent. By normalising this type of violence, Squid Game has the potential to build the capacity in our children to simply be indifferent.

Here are two very important actions for parents:
1. Time for some very real dinner time chats – check out our blog for some very useful conversation starters about the show that has broken the internet!( https://klikd.co.za/squid-game-everything-parents-need-to-know-about-the-netflix-show-everyone-is-talking-about/)

2. If your kids are younger and you don’t want them watching it, Netflix has some pretty comprehensive parental controls. Follow the step-by-step instructions in the blog (or check out our Instagram post if you prefer visual instructions - https://www.instagram.com/klikdsa/). That being said, even if your younger child doesn’t watch it, its very likely that his/her friends are talking about it, or they have come across Squid Game inspired video games, Roblox and so much more.

Stay connected
Sarah and Pam

15/07/2021

The last few days have been tough. If you live in kzn you are mostly likely not ok. My family has been personally affected as they have businesses in the Waterfall area. I have been shocked, angry and even experienced self pity. I realised that self pity is the thief of motivation and creativity and made the intention that today would be different...

Like many of you, I have had to explain to my children what is going on and what is happening and why they can't just eat. I watched today as my children took their sweets and shared it with the brave people protecting our community. I listened as they thanked each one for protecting us. We can use this time to teach about kindness, sharing and resilience.

But despite the immense tragedy there is also great hope and resilience. I have watched as communities have rallied and people have helped their fellow neighbours. I have heard stories about people sharing the little they have.

Focus on the now and what you can control.

02/04/2021

The 2nd of April is world Autisim awareness day which should also be World Autisim awesome, awareness and acceptance day.