Articles & News

Articles and news we find relevant to share with you.

Childhood Phobias

April 21, 2022Carmen Ip, child psychologist, Hong Kong, Parenting, phobias

Typical childhood phobias include the dark, thunder, and getting needles. When phobias interfere with daily life, parents should seek help.

“Mom, I’m burned out.”

March 30, 2022burnout, child psychologist, Covid-19, Hong Kong, online school, Parenting

People of all ages can experience burnout, including children. Parents should watch for signs that their kids are struggling with burn out, and step in with help and support.

What is Dyscalculia?

March 21, 2022child psychologist, dyscalculia, Hong Kong, learning difficulty, math, psychoeducational assessment

Dyscalculia is a learning disorder for math. Signs of dyscalculia vary by age group, but share a common thread: difficulty understanding mathematical concepts.

How to Stay Calm When it Feels Like Everyone is Leaving

March 2, 2022Covid-19, decision-making, Hong Kong, Panic, psychologist

If you feel anxious because it seems like everyone you know is leaving Hong Kong, you are not alone. Here's how to stay calm.

Red Flags for Home Learning

February 15, 2022assessment, child psychologist, dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Hong Kong, psychoeducational assessment

Home learning is back. Parents should watch for these red flags that indicate a child may have a learning disorder or behavioral issues that impede school work.

What is EMDR?

January 24, 2022EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Hong Kong, psychologist, PTSD, trauma

EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that helps reprocess difficult memories. It can be used to treat trauma, anxiety, depression and stress. The BFDC now offers EMDR.

10 Tips to Manage Test Anxiety

January 11, 2022child psychologist, Hong Kong, psychologist, study skills, test anxiety

Students who are bright and capable in class, but who buckle in fear when facing a test may suffer from Test Anxiety. Here are ten tips to help thwart it.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

November 30, 2021assault, car accident, Hong Kong, psychologist, PTSD, rape, trauma

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may arise when someone experiences - or even witnesses - a traumatic event.

How to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health

November 30, 2021Adolescent, adolescent psychologist, Hong Kong, mental health, Parenting, psychologist, Teens

Adolescence can be a stressful time, and the onset of many mental illnesses occur during this period. Parents should support good mental health at home.

Students and Social Anxiety Disorder

November 26, 2021Anxiety, Children, Hong Kong, psychologist, Social anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder, Teens

Social Anxiety Disorder can rob students of valuable learning experiences both in and outside of school. Fortunately, anxiety disorders respond well to treatment.

What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

November 26, 2021ADD, ADHD, Anxiety, Children, Hong Kong, ODD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, psychologist

If a child is consistently negative, hostile, or defiant for longer than six months, they may have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

6 Reasons Your Child May Be Struggling at School

November 2, 2021ADD, ADHD, Anxiety, BFDC, child psychologist, Children, Hong Kong, School, SLD, Stress

There are many reasons why children might struggle at school. In some cases, they need intervention. In other cases, they just need time.

Does your child have “Social Malnutrition”?

October 4, 2021BFDC, Children, Hong Kong, katrina rozga, pandemic, psychologist, Scmp, social malnutrition

There is a growing body of evidence that children have suffered a whole-system setback as a result of the pandemic. First published in the SCMP by Katrina Rozga.

School Shadowing Service

September 28, 2021BFDC, Carmen Ip, child psychologist, Hong Kong, school shadow

The BFDC's School Shadowing Service is for children aged 5-11 yo with school-related behavioral concerns. Also suitable for students with ADHD, ASD, and developmental disabilities.

During and After: The Effects of Quarantine on Mental Health

August 30, 2021Hong Kong, mental health, psychologist, quarantine

Feeling "shut down" after quarantine, and like you are having a difficulty resetting to life on the outside? You are not alone. Quarantine is hard on your mental health.

Do you have travel anxiety?

July 28, 2021BFDC, fear of flying, Hong Kong, pandemic, psychologist, quarantine, travel, travel anxiety

The pandemic has added a whole new list of worries to travelling. If you feel anxious about boarding a plane, you are not alone.

12 Tips to Help You Survive Hotel Quarantine

July 21, 2021BFDC, Hong Kong, hotel, mental health, psychologist, quarantine

Quarantine can be hard on your mental health. Here are twelve tips to help you get through this prescribed period of isolation and boredom.

Dare to Turn Spell-Check Off

June 29, 2021BFDC, Dr. Ipsita Mitra, Dyslexia, Hong Kong, Literacy, Scmp

With the advent of programs that automatically correct grammar and spelling errors, do children still need to learn traditional literacy skills? First published in the SCMP by Dr. Ipsita Mitra.