Child Study Center Webinars

The Child Study Center, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, hosts frequent webinars to offer insights, practical tips, and advice to parents and caregivers. Webinars cover topics such as effective parenting, managing stress, and improving emotional health. The webinars are hosted by our expert clinicians.

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Previous sessions are available from our Child Study Center webinar archive. For information on upcoming workshops, please .

Upcoming Webinars

Getting a Read on Dyslexia: Early Markers, Presenting Symptoms, and Effective Interventions—September 11, 2024

Dyslexia involves problems associating sounds and symbols necessary for accurate and fluent reading and occurs in between 10 and 20% of school-aged youth. Delays in reading accuracy can adversely impact the ability to derive meaning from literary information, which in turn can affect one’s broader academic performance and confidence/self-esteem. In recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month, please join pediatric neuropsychologist, Dr. David Marks, as he explores the early markers of reading difficulties, defining features, when and how to enlist a comprehensive assessment, and available supports and interventions.

Presenter: David J. Marks, PhD

Relational Mindfulness: The Whats and Hows of Improving Your Connection with Your Child—September 17, 2024

Balancing limit setting with your children and building a meaningful relationship can be overwhelming for many parents. Now more than ever, social media, responsibilities at school and at work, and day-to-day stress distract from parents’ ability to be aware of and open to opportunities to build connections their children. This webinar helps you develop the skills to identify barriers to improving your connection with your child and recognize opportunities for more open communication in the present moment. Our expert provides practical strategies for applying relational mindfulness to improve your communication and understanding of your child.

Presenter: Jeremy Wernick, LCSW

Making Successful School Transitions for Incoming Middle and High School Students—September 24, 2024

A new school year can be an exciting and challenging time for many children and teens as they transition between schools. These transitions can be especially challenging for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. In this webinar, Dr. Sol Wahba, discusses ways to prepare children and teens for the move from elementary school to middle school and from middle school to high school.

Presenter: Sol Wahba, PhD

Internet Gaming: Hobby or Addiction?—October 8, 2024

In this webinar child & adolescent and addictions psychiatrist, Pantea Farahmand MD, will discuss internet gaming disorder. She will provide the definition, identify signs or symptoms, and review treatments available for youth with this disorder. She will provide parents with the science of the condition as well as practical recommendations of how to protect children.

Presenter: Pantea Farahmand, MD

Conflict in Relationships: A Necessary Ingredient for Emotional Intimacy—October 22, 2024

Conflict is perhaps the most important pathway for the development of emotional connection, security, and personal growth in intimate relationships. This may seem counterintuitive but clinicians, researchers, and couples who have developed enduring and fulfilling relationships deal effectively with conflict. They find this is the most reliable way to achieve a strong, loving, and resilient relationship. This webinar focuses on the key components for transforming conflict into intimacy.

Presenter: Andrew E. Roffman, LCSW

Validation: A Powerful Parenting Tool—October 29, 2024

Validation is a powerful parenting tool that can improve your relationship with your child, reduce conflict, and help your child build confidence in peer and adult interactions. Although simple on the surface, validation can be challenging to implement. Randi Pochtar, PhD, will discuss the importance of validation in parenting, the ways that parents unintentionally invalidate their children, and how to practically and effectively incorporate validation into your everyday parenting practices.

Presenter: Randi Pochtar, PhD

Overview of a Neuropsychological Evaluation: What to Expect—December 3, 2024

This talk is designed for parents seeking to understand the neuropsychological evaluation process for their child. A clear and accessible overview of what to expect will be provided, from the initial consultation, to the evaluation sessions, and the feedback. You'll learn about the how these evaluations can help identify your child's strengths and challenges. The session will also cover how the findings can guide educational planning, therapy, and other interventions. Whether your child has been referred for an evaluation or you're exploring options, this presentation will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the process with confidence.

Presenter: Shoshana E. May, PsyD

Bah-Humbug. Navigating the holidays and winter blues for kids and teens with depression—December 10, 2024

Youth with depressive symptoms often struggle in the winter. Common stressors include shorter days, academic stress, and family dynamics and expectations that come with the holidays. This one-hour webinar will demonstrate how parents can use principles of behavioral activation (an evidence-based intervention for depression in youth) to help their kids and teen navigate this tricky time of the year

Presenter: Kaitlin R. Happer, PhD

Just 5 Minutes a Day to Keep Child Behavior Problems Away—January 7, 2024

Most daily routines include small tasks for our health. We brush our teeth to avoid cavities, wash our hands to stop the spread of germs, and take vitamins to prevent nutritional deficiencies to name a few. Yet, many of us do not know about or practice a daily special playtime, a ritual effective at preventing and reducing challenging behaviors. This webinar will discuss how special playtime differs from regular play, show you the evidence backing it, and teach you the skills to get started with your child.

Presenter: Stephanie M. Wagner, PhD

“Can I Hold Your Hand?” Navigating the Dating World When You’re a Teen with Autism—February 11, 2024

Dating can be hard enough as it is, but when you’re a teenager or young adult living on the autism spectrum, it can be even harder. Social cues can be hard to read and sometimes it’s difficult to get a message across, so you can only imagine how tricky it is when flirting or in a romantic relationship. In this webinar, Dr, Michelle Lee, offers information related to the social skills of dating, including how to let someone know you like them, dating safety skills, and how parents can support their teens and young adults.

Presenter:

Archive of Past Child Study Center Webinars

Times of Transition: Supporting Children and Adolescents with OCD During Back-to-School—September 3, 2024

Children and adolescents with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) often engage in repetitive actions or rituals to manage their anxiety, making it challenging to break from these routines. These behaviors can become more pronounced during periods of transition or stress, such as the shift from summer break to the school year. Dr. Bethany Watson will discuss how OCD impacts young people during these times of change and offer practical tools for parents, caregivers, and teachers to help children and adolescents manage and cope with their symptoms effectively.

Presenter: Bethany Watson, PhD

Selective Mutism: More Than Just Shyness—June 25, 2024

Selective mutism (SM) is a relatively rare anxiety disorder in which children are unable to speak in most social situations, despite being comfortably and consistently verbal in more familiar settings, such as at home. For children with SM, the inability to speak in certain social situations is more than just shyness. This webinar will provide parents and professionals with an overview of Selective Mutism, myths and misconceptions about the disorder, introductory exposure strategies to promote verbal behavior and increase comfort across social settings, and finally, review recommendations for in school services available to children with SM.

Presenter: Rachel A. Kupferberg

Parenting a Child with a Chronic Illness—June 4, 2024

Children with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Managing chronic illnesses can also affect family dynamics and caregiver stress levels. During this webinar, join Dr. Katya Viswanadhan and Dr. Despina Petsagourakis, for an informative conversation focused on managing emotions in the face of uncertainty, cultivating developmentally appropriate skills to increase independence and engagement with medical care, and learning how to activate additional supports.

Presenters: Katya Viswanadhan, PsyD, and Despina Petsagouakis, PhD

Protecting Your Children During Separation and Divorce—May 21, 2024

Separation and divorce are hard on children and families. Even under the most amicable of circumstances the dissolution of a marriage entails disruption to lifestyles, routines, relationships, finances, residences and future expectations for all involved. While divorce is not something that parents should undertake lightly, in some situations it is certainly for the better. Regardless of the specific conditions confronting families experiencing separation and divorce, there are better and worse ways to go about it. This webinar will discuss common challenges and risk factors impacting children’s mental health and well-being during and after parental separation and divorce. Additionally, strategies for improving communication and relationship dynamics as well as co-parenting tips will be presented. Furthermore, specific case examples will be shared to illustrate the do’s and don’ts of divorce. Dr. Misurell will bring his years of experience and expertise from providing therapeutic interventions for high conflict divorce and court-involved families into this practical presentation.

Presenter: Justin Misurell, PhD

The Struggling Learner: Understanding the Signs and How to Help—May 14, 2024

When children encounter persistent difficulties in school, they attempt to show us that they are struggling in different ways. Some may become quiet and withdrawn, while others may act out. In this webinar, led by Dr. Daniela Montalto, will help parents recognize academic and behavioral indicators of a struggling learner, understand the process of seeking additional information and evaluation, and learn about available supports and interventions.

Presenter: Daniela Montalto, PhD

Parenting in the Social Media Age: Helping Kids & Teens Develop Healthy Tech Habits—March 26, 2024

Parenting kids and teens in the age of technology and social media presents many challenges related to safety concerns, appropriate use, and getting them to disconnect. This webinar will review concrete strategies parents can use to monitor and manage these concerns.

Presenter: Yamalis Diaz, PhD

Neurodiverse Families Practicing Mindfulness Together—March 19, 2024

Autistic Children may experience high levels of emotional reactivity and attention and regulation difficulties. Their parents report a high level of stress and mental load. In this webinar we will explain what mindfulness is and will practice a brief exercise of mindfulness together, we will discuss why it is beneficial to practice mindfulness regularly, and will also provide parents with practical ideas for everyday practice alone and with their children. At the end of the talk we will also share details of the upcoming mindfulness group for Autistic children and their parents that is planned to run in the Child Study Center.

Presenter: Gili Segall, PhD

Summer Camp? Decide Like a Champ!—March 12, 2024

Figuring out which summer program is right for your child is not as easy as it may seem – there are so many choices, so much to think about AND the stakes are high – you want your child to have fun, a memorable experience - the best time, after all, it IS summer!

Karen Fleiss, Psy.D. will provide some thoughts to reflect on along with some tips to help you decide which summer experience will make it a likely hit for your child!

Presenter: Karen A. Fleiss, PsyD

Cultivating Understanding: A Guide for Latine and Spanish-Speaking Caregivers Supporting Gender Diverse Youth—February 13, 2024

In this webinar, we'll explore the unique experiences of Latine gender diverse youth, with a special emphasis on how cultural norms within Latine communities influence their experiences and needs. Parents, caregivers, and providers will come away with an understanding of the distinct challenges faced by Latine gender diverse youth as well as actionable tools tailored to their unique cultural context, empowering them to create a supportive and inclusive environment.

Presenter: Jorge Cienfuegos Szalay, PhD, MPH

The Scoop on Poop: What Parents Should Know about Encopresis and Enuresis—February 6, 2024

Toilet training can be a challenging and stressful endeavor that every parent must face. While occasional urinary or fecal incontinence is to be expected early on in the toilet training journey, these problems can persist as your child ages and cause significant disruption to daily life. This webinar will help parents understand the signs of enuresis and encopresis, provide general guidelines, and know when to seek formal treatment.

Presenter: Emily S. Hirschhorn, PsyD

More Than Moody – Understanding the Symptoms and Course of Bipolar Disorder in Youth—January 23, 2024

Adolescents often experience mood swings, but when moodiness significantly impacts an individual and their family, it may be indicative of a mood disorder. This webinar will describe the symptoms of bipolar disorder and how to differentiate it from moodiness typical to adolescence. Additionally, we will review steps families can take to improve mood stability and decrease risk for mood episodes in their adolescent.

Presenter: Anna Van Meter, PhD

Understanding the Interaction Between Social Anxiety and Gender Dysphoria—January 16, 2024

Transgender and gender expansive (TGE) youth are at greater risk of suffering from mental health disorder, including social anxiety disorder, relative to cisgender youth. While anxiety in social situations is normative throughout adolescence, TGE youth experience unique stressors in their social environment as a result of experiences of discrimination that may exacerbate anxiety symptoms. This webinar will focus recommendations about supporting TGE struggling socially.

Presenter: Jeremy A. Wernick, LCSW

Navigating College with a Developing Brain: How Students Can Organize and Plan for Success—January 9, 2024

The transition to college presents multiple challenges for students, especially those with ADHD and associated executive function difficulties. In this webinar, you will learn about common patterns in the development of organization, time management, and planning skills during the period of emerging adulthood. You will also learn about habits and routines that can help college students manage academic and personal tasks with increased independence and confidence.

Presenter: Elana G. Spira, PhD

What Every Parent Needs to Know about Cannabis—December 5, 2023

Recreational cannabis has undergone many changes in how it’s consumed, grown and packaged for use. Are you prepared to discuss these changes with your child? Yes, you may have used cannabis products when you were growing up, but are you familiar with waxes, edibles, vapes, DAB, or the difference between THC and CBD? What is the evidence for cannabis for anxiety, PTSD or other mental health conditions? Can cannabis cause addiction, bipolar illness or schizophrenia? In this webinar, Whitney Waugh, PhD, Director of Education Administration, and Pantea Farahmand MD, Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, will give you a breakdown of the changes seen in cannabis over the years, and help you have well informed conversations with your child about the potential risks of use.

Presenters: Pantea Farahmand, MD, and Whitney Waugh, PhD

Understanding and Addressing Emotion Dysregulation for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder—November 28, 2023

Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder experience greater challenges with understanding and controlling their emotions compared to typically developing peers. This can contribute to tantrums, meltdowns, shutting down, or lashing out at others. This is even more difficult for youth with comorbid mental health conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders, language disorders, and disruptive behavior. This presentation will provide background to help parents understand common contributing factors and learn strategies to support teens with regulating their emotions and building resilience over time.

Presenter: Raelyn Loiselle, PhD

Helping Your Child Break Free From Anxiety and OCD Using SPACE—November 21, 2023

Parents have two main roles – to protect their children, and to help promote and support their independence. If you are the parent of an anxious child or teen, you likely find yourself stuck figuring out how to balance these roles on a daily basis. The Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) program is an evidence-based treatment for youth anxiety (developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at Yale) which teaches parents skills they can use to help their child during anxious moments. SPACE focuses on the one thing parents can control – their own behavior – rather than their child’s, to help target their child’s anxiety. Following this webinar, parents will have a better understanding of the nature of childhood anxiety, as well as a general overview of SPACE and the ways that they can effectively support their children.

Presenter: Carolyn Spiro, PhD

Addressing Emotion Dysregulation in Youth—November 14, 2023

It is often difficult to watch your child struggle to overcome strong emotions without having an “outburst” or acting impulsively. This presentation aims to help parents support children who have difficulty managing emotions such as anger, frustration, and sadness in healthy and effective ways. Parents will learn how to identify emotion dysregulation and will be introduced to skills that can help their children learn to better regulate emotions. Parents will also learn when to seek out further assessment and treatment for emotionally dysregulated youth.

Presenter: Jordan Davis, PhD

Parenting Through Stressful Times: Talking to Kids About the War in the Middle East—November 1, 2023

In light of the war in the Middle East, it is challenging for parents to encourage open dialogue regarding what is happening in the world while trying to reassure their children and allay their fears. In this panel discussion, we will discuss strategies for talking to children and adolescents about war and violence, understanding expected reactions to scary news and identifying youth who may require additional support.

Presenters: Adam D. Brown, PsyD, Randi D. Pochtar, PhD, Elana G. Spira, PhD, and Erica Willheim, PhD

Dialectical Behavior Therapy with Adolescents—October 17, 2023

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), is an evidence-based treatment designed to help adolescents control their emotions and behaviors. This form of therapy may be recommended for teens with complex anxiety and mood disorders that cause them to experience suicidal thoughts and engage in self-injurious behaviors. Research on the effectiveness of DBT will be provided during this interactive webinar.

Presenter: Jeremy A. Wernick, LMSW

Parent Power: 5 Steps to Take Charge of Your Home—March 21, 2023

Parents often struggle to manage their children’s difficult behaviors. Disobedience, back-talking, temper tantrums, fighting with siblings, and refusing to go to school are common problems that can lead to frustration, aggravation, and feelings of disempowerment among parents. These behaviors can also cause serious distress in your home and negatively impact your family’s ability to function. Fortunately, decades of research on behavior management has identified a number of core principles and techniques that have proven to be effective in addressing children’s behavioral difficulties. The current workshop synthesizes these strategies into an easy to remember acronym called Parent POWER, consisting of the following strategies:

  • Putting Structures in Place
  • Offering Incentives
  • Working Hard
  • Emotional Regulation Building
  • Role-modeling

Presenter: Justin R. Misurell, PhD

Firearm Safety for Families—February 21, 2023

Firearms are now the leading cause of death among U.S. children and teens. This webinar will discuss the factors associated with increased risks of firearm injury and death. Learn how to protect your children, how to store firearms safely, how to keep your children safe in other people’s homes, and how to talk to your children about guns.

Presenter: Corrine McCarthy, PsyD

Too Much Screens: Internet Addiction in Teens and Young Adults—February 7, 2023

Video games, social media, YouTube … Adolescents and young adults appear to be constantly online and the amount of screen time can cause family tensions. But what are the behaviors to be concerned about? Is internet overuse a real “addiction”? In this webinar we will discuss this relatively novel field, what is possible to do as a family, and when to seek medical advice.

Presenter: Argelinda Baroni, MD

How to Suspect and Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder—January 24, 2023

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition seen in approximately 1 to 3 percent of adolescents. This webinar discusses OCD, how to identify warning signs, and current therapy and medication options. Learn how to work with your mental health provider to determine the best treatment method for your child.

Presenter: Ross E. Goldberg, MD

Fentanyl: The New Era of Opioids—January 17, 2023

Learn how to protect your family from tragedy in this opioid webinar. We will discuss high-potency opioids, including fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, how they result in addiction and overdose, and why the risk of overdose has increased.

Presenter: Pantea Farahmand, MD

How to Be Present While Parenting—January 10, 2023

This webinar discusses ways parents can be more present and create situations where children will want to be present with them. Allowing your full self to be present with your kids when you are pulled in multiple directions can be difficult but it is worth the effort. We will use mindfulness and wellbeing strategies to achieve this goal.

Presenter: Alan D. Schlechter, MD

Holiday Parenting Tips—December 13, 2022

The festive celebrations, travel plans, and houseguests of the holiday season can disrupt a family’s routine, causing challenging behavior from children and high stress levels for parents. This webinar discusses how to keep your holidays happy by managing tantrums, sibling arguments, and endless screen time requests.

Presenter: Yamalis Diaz, PhD

Conflict in Relationships: A Necessary Ingredient for Emotional Intimacy—December 6, 2022

Conflict is perhaps the most important pathway for the development of emotional connection, security, and personal growth in intimate relationships. This may seem counterintuitive but clinicians, researchers, and couples who have developed enduring and fulfilling relationships deal effectively with conflict. They find this is the most reliable way to achieve a strong, loving, and resilient relationship. This webinar focuses on the key components for transforming conflict into intimacy.

Presenter: Andrew Roffman, CSW

Taking Care of You: A Focus on Personal Wellbeing for Parents and Caregivers—November 15, 2022

Parenthood is often regarded as one of life’s most rewarding experiences but there are challenges. Parents and caregivers, particularly those of children with special medical, developmental, or behavioral needs, often report neglecting their own wellbeing. Learn strategies to help you focus on your own mental and physical health and your family will benefit from your self-care efforts.

Presenters: Colleen Driscoll, PhD and

Children in Crisis: What to Expect in a Psychiatric Emergency Department—November 1, 2022

If your child experiences a mental health crisis and is referred for an emergency evaluation, you may feel unprepared. In this webinar, led by attending psychiatrists and psychologists from the Children’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (C-CPEP) at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, you will develop a clear set of expectations. Learn what an emergency evaluation involves and the unique services available from C-CPEP. We’ll also provide an overview of outpatient services that can prevent situations from escalating to the crisis level.

Presenters: Annie S. Li, MD, Argelinda Baroni, MD, Qortni A. Lang, MD, and

Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors: A Closer Look at Assessment and Treatment—October 11, 2022

Understanding the multiple variables involving body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB) can be a major challenge for those with the condition and their caregivers. This webinar features an overview of BFRB and information on key aspects of assessment and treatment. We’ll take a closer look at the Comprehensive Model for Behavioral Treatment (ComB) and how this evidence-based approach can help.

Presenter: Mark J.Knepley, PhD

Supporting Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder—September 13, 2022

Family members, especially siblings, of children with autism spectrum disorder often face unique challenges. Information, services, supports, and resources tend to focus on the autistic child or parents. This webinar offers information about the experiences of middle and elementary school age children who have siblings with autism spectrum disorder. We also discuss strategies for supporting siblings and resources available to families, with a particular focus on a sibling support group offered at the NYU Child Study Center.

Presenters: Lauren J. Donnelly, PhD, and Lorien K. Baker, PhD

Facilitating Preschoolers’ Social Skills—September 8, 2022

Not everyone is born a social butterfly. Some children struggle socially, and this could be a challenge for their social development and wellbeing. Parents can support their children and proactively teach them how to meet their social potential, especially when starting a new school year. The early years are the ideal time to start coaching your child on ways to make and keep friends. This webinar will focus on strategies to support your child’s attempts to be a good friend, encourage positive play interactions with their playmates, and broaden their social network. We will also share information about the upcoming social skills programs for preschoolers at NYU Langone Child Study Center.

Presenter: Gili Segall, PhD

Celebrating Pride: Getting to Know the Transgender Youth Health Program—June 21, 2022

June is Pride Month—an opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community internationally and commemorate the many advocates who have sacrificed to fight for LGBTQ+ rights. In this webinar, our experts discuss the history of Pride Month and the unique strengths and challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth. The Transgender Youth Health Program team will discuss services provided at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.

Presenters: Samantha Busa, PsyD, , and Jason A. Klein, MD

Tourette Disorder, Tic Disorder, or Functional Neurological Symptoms?—May 24, 2022

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in tics in children with Tourette and tic disorders, and an increase in tic-like behaviors in youth without these diagnoses, In this webinar, members of the Tics, Tourette Disorder, and Trichotillomania Program (T3 Program) help attendees better understand the similarities and differences between Tourette’s syndrome, tic disorders, and functional neurological tic-like behaviors.

Presenters: and

Playing Before Young Children Can Talk: How and Why—March 29, 2022

In 2021, Molly Wright became one of the youngest people ever to give a TED Talk, speaking passionately about the importance of connections through play in early childhood. This webinar will explore ways to interact with young children to support healthy development. Practical tips will be provided including things for parents to say and do while playing and ways that busy families can maximize the quality of their time together.

Presenter: Stephanie Wagner, PhD

Treatment for Tourette and Tic Disorders: Behavioral Therapy, Psychopharmacology, and Deep Brain Stimulation—March 21, 2022

Join faculty from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Neurosurgery, and NYU Langone’s Tics, Tourette Disorder, and Trichotillomania Program, which is a Tourette Association of America Center of Excellence, to learn about prevalence and presentation of tics and Tourette disorder, with a specific focus on evidence-based interventions for improving outcomes. Participants hear from NYU Langone clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and neurosurgeons about Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), psychopharmacology, and deep brain stimulation.

Presenters: Jordan Davis, PhD; Rahil R. Jummani, MD; Mark J. Knepley, PhD; Alon Mogilner, MD, PhD; Ling Pan, MD

Helping Your Teen Sleep Better as the Clocks Spring Forward—March 3, 2022

Many parents and caregivers can feel overwhelmed in how best to support their teens to get enough sleep while managing the demands of school, homework, activities, and social commitments with the pull of technology and social media. Managing sleep can feel particularly daunting when the clocks “spring forward.” In this webinar, we provide an overview of adolescent sleep, discuss how to develop and support healthy sleep habits, and provide practical strategies to help parents prepare for the upcoming daylight saving time change.

Presenter:

Preparing the Launchpad: Helping your Twentysomethings Transition to “Adulthood”—March 1, 2022

Many parents have expressed concerns that their twentysomethings seem unfocused, unprepared, unmotivated, or all of those things, as they look ahead to their next steps in the transition to adulthood. Parents also often find themselves talking to their kids about how things were different “back in my day,” which seems to fall on deaf ears. Based on lessons learned while developing and teaching the popular undergraduate NYU course, twentysomething, this webinar will discuss some of the reasons today’s young adults may have trouble transitioning to adulthood and strategic ways parents can help “prepare the launchpad” to help them launch into adulthood more securely. The information will be helpful for parents, educators, and other professionals who want to support older adolescents and young adults in their developmental journey.

Presenters: Yamalis Diaz, PhD

To Test or Not to Test: Parent’s Introduction to Psychological Testing for Children—February 15, 2022

All parents want to help their children maximize their strengths—cognitively, emotionally, and academically. When challenges arise for youth in school, knowing where to turn and what questions to ask can be especially daunting. You may ask yourself, “Do I need a neuropsychological evaluation? An academic evaluation? Should I speak to the school counselor, the school psychologist, or a private clinical psychologist?” In this webinar, Dr. Victoria Phillips breaks down the various types of psychological evaluations that parents may pursue, and under what circumstances those evaluations are appropriate.

Presenter:

Making Space to Talk About Race: Discussing Race and Racism with Children and Teens—February 8, 2022

Since the summer of 2020, conversations about race and racism have been taking on increased importance in workplaces, schools, and households across America. This increased focus on talking about race has left many parents wondering how to talk to children and teens about these complex issues. In honor of Black History Month, Bethany Watson, PhD, will host a webinar exploring age-appropriate ways to communicate with children about race and racism in order to help children understand the things they are seeing and hearing while promoting tolerance and giving children space to think critically about these issues.

Presenter: Bethany Watson, PhD

Making and Keeping Friends: An Introduction to the PEERS® Social Skills Program—January 25, 2022

Friendships are a critical part of social–emotional wellbeing throughout development; however, many children struggle with skills related to making and keeping friends. The PEERS® program is a research-based social skills program that has been created for preschoolers, adolescents, and young adults. A key element of this program is the inclusion of caregivers in the intervention. This webinar, designed for self-advocates, parents, and providers, describes the elements of the PEERS® program, research related to program outcomes, and specific offerings provided by NYU Langone Health.

Presenter:

Lolling, Scrolling, and Parental Patrolling: Youth and Social Media—January 20, 2022

Social media is everywhere and hard to avoid. These days, teens use platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram with increasing regularity. About half of teens turn to these outlets for daily usage. While many teens walk away from these experiences feeling connected to peers, others are left feeling distraught. In this webinar, Dr. Samantha Glickman provides a brief overview of some of the current literature on youth social media use and its impact on mental health. We also discuss tips and pointers for how parents can support teens in striking a healthy relationship with social media.

Presenter:

Selective Mutism: What It Is and Strategies to Support—January 4, 2022

Selective mutism is a rare anxiety disorder that usually begins in childhood. Children diagnosed with selective mutism struggle to speak in some social situations, despite being able to speak appropriately in other situations. This webinar is geared towards parents and educators, and provides an overview of what selective mutism is and what to look out for. Parents and educators learn introductory strategies to support and encourage children with selective mutism to become comfortable speaking across social situations.

Presenter:

Flush Your Fears Away: Toilet Training Tips—December 2, 2021

For many parents and caregivers, toilet training can feel like a daunting and insurmountable task. Caregivers often struggle to identify when to begin this process with kids, as age alone does not translate into a green light. This webinar reviews signs of readiness for toilet training and tips for success along the way. Attendees learn general guidelines about this process as well as practical applications. Methods of combating common pitfalls and setbacks are shared to ensure caregivers are equipped with the toileting tools necessary to move their young ones out of pull-ups and onto potties.

Presenters: , and

Climate Anxiety in Young People and What to Do About It—November 11, 2021

This webinar, which corresponds to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, describes the mental health impacts of climate change, including the results of a recent global survey of climate anxiety in young people. It presents ideas for talking with youth about the climate crisis and shares ideas for helping youth and their families to cope with and to respond to the crisis.

Presenter:

How to Facilitate Your Preschoolers’ Social Skills: Parents’ Roles as Social Coaches—November 9, 2021

Not everyone is born a social butterfly—some children struggle socially and this could be a real barrier for their social development and wellbeing, especially when starting or transitioning into a new school. Parents can support their children and proactively coach them to meet their social potential. The early years are the ideal time to start coaching your child to make and keep friends. This webinar focuses on strategies to support your child’s attempts to be a good friend, encourage positive play interactions with their playmates, and broaden their social network.

Presenter: Gili Segall, PhD

Parenting a Super Sensor? Become a Super Parent: Parenting Children and Pre-adolescents with High Emotional Sensitivity—October 26, 2021

Parenting pre-adolescent children who have high emotional sensitivity can be especially challenging given corresponding difficulties with behavioral control. Often, the caregiver plays a key role in facilitating use of adaptive coping mechanisms and positive change. In this webinar, we discuss parenting strategies aimed to create a validating and change ready environment at home, as well as to instill a healthy sense of self, safety, and belonging in their children.

Presenter: Randi D. Pochtar, PhD, and Randi Bennett, PhD

My Child Was Admitted to the Hospital: What Now? Part 2—October 19, 2021

For many children and adolescents, an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization may be a necessary aspect of treatment and care. But for many families, this is an unfamiliar and scary time filled with a new environment, challenges, and discussions about treatment that may be tough to navigate. Learn about the inpatient hospitalization process, including demystifying the stigma of psychiatric treatment in an inpatient hospital setting. Our expert uses his own experience to help parents and families understand the expectations and their own role in a crucial period. We cover treatment modalities, including therapy and medications, and an exploration of different treatment options that can be available after discharge as well.

Presenter: Tzvi Furer, MD

My Child Came Out, Now What?—October 11, 2021

National Coming Out Day is a day to celebrate when lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals share their gender identity, sexual orientation, or both. In this webinar, the Child Study Center’s Gender and Sexuality Service celebrates the bravery of LGBT youth regardless of where they are in their coming out process. We also help parents understand the importance of supporting and celebrating diverse identities.

Presenters: Samantha Busa, PsyD, and Jeremy A. Wernick, LCSW

Deactivating your Buttons: Learning to Be Less Emotionally Reactive—September 28, 2021

Sometimes the ones that we love most—our kids, partners, and other family members, “push our buttons.” When that happens, we generally react automatically and often unproductively, leading to negative patterns in our relationships. Rather than focus on getting others to stop pressing these buttons, this webinar guides you towards taking charge of your own buttons. We discuss how to identify the vulnerable emotions connected to our buttons, how to respond to those emotions in an accepting and compassionate way, and learn strategies for becoming calm enough to access the resources needed to respond effectively.

Presenter: Andrew E. Roffman, CSW

Avoid the Parent Trap: Effective Strategies for Coping with Trauma Reminders While Parenting—September 23, 2021

While being a parent comes with moments of joy and triumph, parenting can also be quite stressful. Coping from one day to the next is a big part of the job. However, for many that have unhealed trauma wounds, the resources needed to manage parenting stress can become taxed. In this webinar, our experts focus on identifying the complex ways in which past traumatic experiences impact current parenting practices and how best to manage trauma reactions as they arise.

Presenters: and

Back to School Ready: How to Support Elementary School and Younger Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder—September 2, 2021

The transition back to school is often a difficult time for students with autism spectrum disorder and this year presents unique challenges. Elementary school and younger students may need additional supports around changes in their learning environment, ongoing safety precautions, and social interactions. This webinar focuses on strategies that parents and educators can implement to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder in returning to school and extracurricular activities. We identify considerations for students with autism spectrum disorder during this transition period, practical tips to support adjustment, and ways to collaborate during these uncertain times.

Presenters: Lauren J. Donnelly and Michelle Lee

Pride 2021: Celebrating the Strength and Diversity of LGBTQ+ Youth—June 8, 2021

June is Pride Month—an opportunity for communities internationally to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and commemorate the many advocates that have sacrificed to fight for LGBTQ+ rights. In this webinar, our experts discuss the history of Pride Month and the unique strengths and challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth. This webinar also includes recommendations about how communities can advocate for and celebrate LGBTQ+ youth during Pride Month 2021.

Presenter: Jeremy A. Wernick, LCSW

Helping School-Age Youth with Tourette Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Develop Organizational, Time Management, and Planning Skills—April 22, 2021

In this program, participants learn about the relationship between Tourette disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and gain understanding of the commonly associated challenges in learning, academic planning, and organization. Facilitators present parents and educators with strategies to guide students in improving assignment tracking; managing associated materials, including internet-based and online virtual learning materials; effectively managing time and scheduling; and engaging in systematic assignment planning. Practical strategies for students to manage stress, anxiety, and mood related to Tourette disorder and associated organizational skills difficulties are also reviewed. Additionally, participants get free access to a library of short videos illustrating organizational skills taught in the webinar, including time management, scheduling, planning, stress management, and relaxation skills. Educators and parents learn to recognize behaviors that may warrant further assessment or care, and learn about relevant and appropriate Tourette disorder and ADHD referrals and services.

Presenters: Richard Gallagher, PhD; Christopher La Lima, PhD; Rebecca R. Berry, PhD; Mark Knepley, PhD; and Sol Wahba, PhD

Talking with Your Child About Their Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis—April 13, 2021

When your child receives a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, parents are challenged with figuring out the best way to share this information with your child. Which words are true and capture your child’s unique characteristics but sensitive enough to not hurt their self-image? Is there a certain age in which your child is more ready to hear these words? Will it enhance their developmental pathway and their wellbeing? We provide parents with general guidelines and up-to-date information about autism spectrum disorder diagnosis disclosure throughout the lifespan.

Presenter: Gili Segall, PhD

Discover the Science Behind Passion—February 25, 2021

Most kids want to discover their passions. When we find our children listless or bored, it can feel like a recrimination. Learn the difference between the passions that increase our wellbeing and the ones that take over our entire life. It can feel like uncovering a passion is just about luck, but during this webinar we describe steps you and your children can take to uncover the things in life that leave them, and you, feeling truly fulfilled.

Presenters: Alan D. Schlechter, MD, and

Improving Executive Functioning Skills in College Students with Tourette Disorder and ADHD—February 11, 2021

College can be an incredibly rewarding time of personal and academic growth. In this program, participants are invited to learn about Tourette disorder and the commonly associated challenges in academic planning and organization. Participants learn strategies to keep track of assignments, manage associated materials (including internet-based and online materials due to virtual learning), effectively manage time and scheduling, and engage in systematic planning for assignments. Participants also learn practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and mood related to Tourette disorder and associated organizational skills difficulties.

One week following the webinar, participants are invited to engage in a 60-minute group offering support among attendees, trouble shooting, and reinforcement of strategies learned. Additionally, participants get free access to a library of short videos (4 to 5 minutes) illustrating organizational skills taught in the webinar, including time management, scheduling, and planning, as well as stress management and relaxation skills.

Presenters:Richard Gallagher, PhD;Christopher La Lima, PhD;Rebecca R. Berry, PhD;Michelle R. Miller, PsyD;Mark Knepley, PhD; andSol Wahba, PhD

Screen Time in Early Childhood: Not So Black and White—February 2, 2021

With screens virtually everywhere, monitoring your young child’s screen time usage can be challenging. Historically, the American Academy of Pediatrics has discouraged media usage, with the exception of video chatting, for children younger than 18 to 24 months. For preschoolers, they have advised that high-quality digital media be limited to one hour a day in the presence of family. With family and friends far away and school often remote, how do these guidelines hold up? We discuss the nuances of these recommendations and how they can be adapted and modified to meet the evolving needs of families during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and beyond.

Presenters: Stephanie M. Wagner, PhD, and