Sook Wah Chew

The Importance of an Assessment by a Psychologist When You Have Concerns About Your Child

Written by Sook Wah Chew on August 13, 2025. Posted in Others.

As a parent, you know your child’s personality, strengths, and struggles better than anyone. You notice when something seems “off” — whether it’s changes in mood, ongoing difficulties in learning, or challenges in social situations. When these concerns arise, it can be tempting to wait and see if things improve. However, I often meet families whose children only receive a diagnosis much later, sometimes at 9 years old or beyond. In many of these cases, parents had early concerns but decided not to consult a professional because their child could still cope in certain areas. Over time, different challenges appeared — more frequently and with greater impact — leaving parents feeling tired, confused, and unsure why their child was having more difficulties than other children. Why early assessment by psychologist is matters Without early identification, small challenges can grow into more complex issues that affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, and school performance....

Therapy for ADHD: How Therapy Can Help Children Thrive

Written by Sook Wah Chew on May 22, 2025. Posted in Behavior Therapy, Tips for Parents.

Raising a child with ADHD can be incredibly challenging. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often struggle with attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. These difficulties can impact their learning, social interactions, and overall well-being. Many parents also find it hard to keep their child focused in school or manage behaviors at home. While medication can help manage symptoms, therapy offers essential long-term support that empowers children to develop the skills they need to thrive at school, home, and beyond. Here are four effective types of therapy for children with ADHD: 1. Behavior Therapy (BT) – For ADHD With Disruptive Behaviors Behavior therapy is one of the most recommended treatments for ADHD. It focuses on helping children learn positive behaviors while reducing disruptive ones. Therapists use structured techniques such as reward systems, clear expectations, and consistent consequences to help children improve focus, self-control,...

Special Needs Emotional Problems: Understanding and Addressing Emotional Challenges in Children

Written by Sook Wah Chew on May 15, 2025. Posted in Others, Tips for Parents.

Children with special needs often face unique emotional problems that can significantly impact their learning and overall well-being. While much focus is placed on achieving developmental milestones, managing challenging behaviors, and building essential skills, emotional health is sometimes overlooked. However, addressing special needs emotional problems is just as critical as teaching speech, motor skills, or social interaction, as it directly influences a child’s motivation to learn and their ability to thrive. 1. Common Focus: Milestones, Behaviors, and Skills Many intervention programs emphasize: Developmental Milestones: Speech, motor, cognitive, and self-help skills. Behavior Management: Using rewards or consequences to reduce challenging behaviors. Skills Training: Teaching social, communication, and academic skills. While these approaches are essential, they often treat behaviors—like tantrums or refusal to follow instructions—as isolated problems,...

Understanding Autism: What is Autism?

Written by Sook Wah Chew on May 2, 2025. Posted in Others.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means it affects how the brain grows and develops. This difference in brain development begins very early—often before birth—and influences how a child learns, behaves, communicates, and interacts with others. Autism and the Brain: What Science Says Research has shown that children with autism have differences in how their brains are structured and how different parts of the brain connect and communicate with each other. For example: Brain imaging studies (such as MRI scans) show that some children with autism have differences in the size and shape of certain brain areas, especially those related to communication, social understanding, and sensory processing. A study published in Nature found that children with autism may have overgrowth in brain size during the first year of life, especially in areas connected to language and emotion. Research from the University of California, San Diego suggests...

Reading with Autism: How to Make Story Time Easier and More Enjoyable

Written by Sook Wah Chew on April 24, 2025. Posted in Tips for Parents.

Reading is often seen as a fun and educational activity for children. But reading with autism can present unique challenges that leave many parents feeling frustrated or discouraged. The good news? With the right strategies and mindset, reading can become a fun, meaningful bonding experience for you and your child. Why Reading Matters for Children with Autism Books do more than introduce new words—they help children with autism understand the world around them, develop their imagination, and learn important social concepts. A book about animals can teach vocabulary and habitat, while a story like The Boy Who Cried Wolf can introduce abstract ideas like honesty and consequences. However, when a child resists reading or seems uninterested, it’s easy to feel unsure about how to proceed. Here are four common concerns parents face when reading with a child with autism—and how to make reading time more successful. 1. “My child refuses to sit and read!” When beginning...

Planning In-Home Sensory Activities for Children with Special Needs: A Guide for Parents

Written by Sook Wah Chew on April 15, 2025. Posted in Tips for Parents.

When your child seeks extra sensory input, it can be challenging to know the best way to help them feel balanced. Children who are sensory seekers often crave movement and tactile experiences throughout the day. They may be constantly on the go, tapping their hands, jumping, or even engaging in energetic play. However, for children with sensory needs, it’s essential to plan activities that both alert and calm their nervous system. In this article, we’ll explore ways to plan physical activities at home to help your child feel more regulated, using simple, practical ideas that any parent can try. Understanding Sensory Seeking Behavior What Does It Mean to Be a Sensory Seeker? Sensory seekers are children who crave extra sensory stimulation. They might exhibit behaviors such as: Constant movement, like tapping, jumping, or running A desire to engage in physical play throughout the day It’s important to remember that while these children actively seek stimulation,...

Author: Sook Wah Chew