Fraser Blog

The teenage years are a challenging time. Teens are almost adults, but still live at home. Their bodies are growing and changing, but they still have a curfew. Many teens also deal with serious mental health issues like depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety and bipolar disorder. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, “From 2016 through 2020, there were more than 10,000 hospital visits for self-harm injuries (i.e., suicide attempts) in Minnesota, and those were mostly among people ages 10-24, predominantly females.” But recent research has shown that dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is effective for treating teens with self-harming and suicidal tendencies.

There are few things like feeling sand squish between your toes, while you listen to the gentle crash of waves. The ocean shore is a place of rest, relaxation and natural beauty. It’s also the inspiration for this year’s Fraser Gala, presented by U.S. Bank, at the Hilton Minneapolis. On Sat., Oct. 15, 2022, we’re transporting guests to the shore to celebrate the spirit of the boy in “The Starfish Story.” So, close your eyes: picture sparkling sand, the shimmering surface of the ocean and stunning, iridescent shells washed ashore. We’ll use this jaw-dropping, natural imagery to inspire your gala outfit. Here are 11 outfit ideas straight from the ocean floor. 

Sleep issues are common for children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People with ADHD often have a hard time focusing, sitting still or quieting their body. It’s no wonder that they then may have trouble falling or staying asleep. Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood, weaken your immune system, disrupt your metabolism and cause problems with memory and concentration. The good news is there are also many ideas to help children and adults with ADHD sleep better.

Have you ever heard someone say, ‘dance it out?’ The phrase probably conjures an image of a sweaty pair, pressed close on a crowded dance floor. However, there are many kinds of dancing, and moving your body to music can be beneficial to your wellbeing. Here are 6 reasons dance is good for your mind and body.

It’s that time of year again: the Minnesota State Fair! For many Minnesotans, that means tasting the new fair foods, visiting the baby animals, checking out the art exhibits, playing carnival games and rocking out to their favorite bands. But for people with sensory processing differences, the fair can be an overwhelming experience. Here are 8 sensory tools that people can easily take with them when they attend events like the Minnesota State Fair.

Back to school is a time of anticipation, excitement and, for some kids, anxiety. While kids may be looking forward to seeing their friends, they might also be worried about starting a new school, meeting their teacher or, for younger kids, being apart from their families. It’s a time of change and firsts, and transitions can be hard for kids. Here are a few ideas to help ease kids’ back-to-school anxiety and make this time of year more about excitement and less about fear.

Most parents of young children are familiar with games like Roblox, Minecraft and Among Us. Your kids may have favorite YouTubers. You may be worried that your kid spends too much time on their phone or in front of their computer or TV. But kids also use tablets and computers for school. It’s hard to know where to draw the line and how much screen time is too much. Here is what you need to know about your child’s screen time and how to manage it. 

The pandemic has changed many of our social interactions. Chatting with coworkers often happens over Zoom rather than around the coffee pot. You can see a band live on your computer screen. You might have stopped visiting friends and family who are a plane ride away or halted all your long-distance travel plans. But even before the pandemic, our social interactions had changed.According to the New York Times, “[T]he United States surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, said the country was experiencing an ‘epidemic of loneliness,’ driven by the accelerated pace of life and the spread of technology into all of our social interactions."

Support from family is so important to a child’s development. Siblings stand up for each other and teach each other about sharing. Parents teach children right from wrong, how to behave in social settings and help them grow healthy and strong. But sometimes, families hit roadblocks and may want to pursue therapy. Here’s how to know if family therapy is right for your family.

Across the country, mental health issues are soaring, exacerbated by the pandemic, racial injustice, income equality, political tensions and global warming. In Minnesota, the need for mental health resources is just as serious. To meet the increasing need and make getting help easier, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline rolled out a new national number for people experiencing a mental health crisis: 988. 

Summer is a great time for get-togethers. Maybe your kid has a birthday coming up, or you want to have some family and friends over while the weather is nice. But parties can be challenging for children with sensory processing difficulties. Here are 7 ideas to help you host a sensory-friendly birthday party or another type of get-together.

Many workplaces have recently focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in their hiring practices. While these efforts are admirable, too often, inclusive hiring practices haven’t included people with neurodiversity and disabilities. And yet, we know there are many benefits to hiring a diverse staff. But a diverse workforce is about more than just hiring. Workers need support throughout their careers. 

One in five adults in Minnesota has a disability: that’s a significant part of the population. Of this population, the U.S. Department of Labor reports, “In 2021, 19.1 percent of persons with a disability were employed.” That means about 4 out of 5 people with disabilities aren’t working. But that doesn’t mean that disabled people can’t find work or shouldn’t seek employment. As more employers are committed to hiring inclusivity, they should recognize that people with disabilities can be valuable members of their workplace. Here are 7 tips to help people with disabilities find success in their next job search.

Braille, bathroom grab bars and wheelchair ramps. Most people have encountered some design modifications that make spaces more accessible for people with disabilities. But design modifications aren’t just for people with disabilities. In recent years, universal design has become a more far-reaching concept focused not just on accessibility but also on equity. 

Having a disability is a lot more common than most people realize. Not all disabilities are visible. People have learning challenges or chronic illnesses that you can’t see as easily as someone who uses a wheelchair. And as people age, their bodies change, and that can mean they become disabled. You likely know someone with a disability, whether you realize it or not. Here are 4 things you should know to support people with disabilities.

Exchanging notes, chasing them on the playground or doodling their name on a notebook. A child’s first crush is exciting. You might be tempted to dismiss puppy love, but the truth is, crushes prepare children for future romantic relationships. Here’s how you can help your child understand these feelings and react appropriately.

You probably remember what you wanted to be when you grew up. Maybe it was a basketball player or a dancer. Then you watched an Indiana Jones movie and decided you wanted to be an archaeologist. Life has a way of changing our plans.  You might've joined the basketball team, but ended up sitting on the bench. But maybe while on the bench, you loved figuring out all the statistics for the team, and you ended up majoring in finance and now work for a bank. Change is a normal part of life. You may decide to change your career, hometown, relationship or hobbies.

Children are struggling with their mental health. The situation is so serious that leading doctors’ groups have issued an urgent warning. That means many worried parents are struggling to access the mental health care their children so desperately need. Here is what a Hennepin County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative survey revealed about the challenges parents are facing in accessing mental health care. 

You’ve heard the phrase, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” But what you do before breakfast is important too. Creating a healthy morning routine can improve your mood and productivity and help you make better decisions throughout the day. Here are some ways you can get your morning started right.

Being a teenager can be difficult, particularly for young girls. Their bodies are changing. They’re probably thinking about the future and may be unsure what path to take. The pandemic has further complicated the process of growing up, with limited social interaction and more things to worry about. A recent study has some interesting findings about how we can help teen girls combat stress.  

Teachers give so much of themselves every day. They strive to ensure each student receives a good education, despite often limited resources. The pandemic has only increased the workload for teachers. It’s a lot to handle, and it’s no wonder many teachers are struggling. Teachers can have a hard time giving themselves the same level of care they give their students. But caring for yourself is important. Here are 8 ideas to help teachers care for themselves and support their mental health.

When you walk outside into bright sunlight, you might blink to adjust to the light or reach for a pair of sunglasses. Your sense of sight has been temporarily overwhelmed by bright light. Many people with autism — as well as people with anxiety, ADHD and other disabilities — experience sensory sensitivity. Fraser Sensory Supports and Training Program Manager Gina Brady says that sensory sensitivity is like always walking around in bright sunlight with no sunglasses.

The Fraser Festival for Autism, presented by Central Roofing Company, is a free, fun, sensory-friendly festival on Saturday, May 7, 2022, in the North Parking Lot at Mall of America. All are welcome. The festival helps raise funds and awareness to support autism programs and services for your neighbors, friends and family members. Here are some things you can expect when you attend the festival this year.

You might have seen someone doing repeated noises or movements in public, like flapping their hands or making a certain sound repeatedly. If you know someone with autism, you might recognize this behavior as stimming. Stimming is self-regulating behavior that involves repeated movements or noises.

Hearing your child’s first words is a moment parents look forward to with anticipation. Will they say, “Mama,” “Dada” or “doggy?” But we know children develop at different rates. To make it easier for parents, the CDC recently released new developmental milestones for children. Clarifying developmental benchmarks for parents is a great idea. However, some changes are causing concern among speech-language pathologists.

The Fraser Festival for Autism, presented by Central Roofing Company, is a free, fun event with therapy animals, food trucks, giveaways and activities. But for some families, the festival offers a rare opportunity to participate in an event without fear of being judged or having to leave because their needs aren’t accommodated. This week, we’re sharing why Nikki Newman and her son Tristan attend the Fraser Festival for Autism, presented by Central Roofing Company, and what having an event like this means for them.

Teaching your children about their bodies and gender can feel awkward for parents. You may feel unsure how to explain gender. Or maybe you have noticed your child is exploring gender in a different way than you’re used to seeing. Here are a few ideas about how to teach your child about gender and to support them while they explore their gender identity.

In the U.S., many children are taught gender is a binary: male or female, man or woman. What you may not realize is that gender is a socially constructed idea. To be a man, you must act tough and drive a truck. To be a woman, you must like pink and cry easily. But many people reject these gendered expectations. 

The CDC recently released new developmental milestones for children. The changes are meant to provide clearer benchmarks for parents. However, one of the changes has some occupational and physical therapists concerned. Previously, the CDC listed crawling as a target for babies by 9 months. However, crawling has now been removed entirely from the CDC’s new milestone guidance.

Everyone has gotten down on themselves at some point. After failing a test, you might have told yourself you just weren’t smart enough for college. Maybe you weren’t invited to your cousin’s wedding, so you decided Cousin Mark hates you. Negative thinking can have a powerful influence on your life. It can increase depression and anxiety symptoms. Negative feelings can also be overwhelming and paralyzing. Here are a few ideas on how to handle these feelings.

We’ve just nearly completed the second year of the pandemic. While vaccines and other treatments are available to an increasing number of people, the pandemic isn’t over. You may feel like the days are too much the same, and you may be struggling to cope with the continued uncertainty. You’re not alone. Many, many, many other people are struggling too. So maybe it’s time to re-evaluate how we look at our feelings, responsibilities and expectations.

Stressful situations happen every day, ranging from minor to major events. People get stressed when they have a big project due at work or are planning a get-together. People also face major stressors like losing a loved one, having mental health issues, insecure housing or even abuse. When you experience stress, you might not realize that it also impacts how your body functions.

Maybe you remember being the new kid at school. Or perhaps you got nervous about going to a slumber party. Being a kid can be hard, especially if you have social anxiety. Here are 5 ways to help your child manage their social anxiety.

People are drawn to volunteering as a way to give back to their community, but volunteering can make you feel good too. Though many volunteer opportunities shut down during the beginning of the pandemic, organizations have now figured out ways to keep both volunteers and staff safe, while they support their community.

As a kid, you probably loved dipping your fingers into brightly colored paint and smearing it all over a blank piece of paper. Or maybe you remember the joy you felt when you opened a new box of crayons. You might not make time for such simple pleasures as you get older. But seeking out joy is incredibly important for your mental and physical health. One good way to reconnect with a sense of joy is through art-making. 

When you think about a bully, you probably imagine a very specific image: maybe a boy with a flat top and a leather jacket. Or perhaps your childhood bully was the girl next door who tormented you throughout sixth grade. And with technology, a bully can be almost anyone behind a computer screen. As a parent, you want to protect your child from bullies. While you can’t necessarily stop bullying from happening, here are 8 ways to help your child deal with bullies.

As the pandemic drags on, our ability to cope has been pushed to its limit and then some. While vaccines have created more freedom for many, life hasn’t exactly returned to normal. Many people are still working from home and aren’t traveling or going to many events. Is it any wonder you may find yourself feeling a little blah? Organizational Psychologist Adam Grant says the feeling you may be experiencing is languishing. 

As a teacher, you help shape children’s minds, inspire their curiosity and teach them many new things. You’re also in charge of a room full of kids with different learning styles and a variety of abilities and talents. With the increased prevalence of autism, you likely also have kids in your classroom who are on the spectrum. Children with autism often have sensory processing sensitivities, but other children may also struggle with sensory processing. Here are a few easy and relatively inexpensive ideas to support students with sensory processing sensitivities and make your classroom more inclusive.

Working remotely quickly became the norm for many during the pandemic. Now some employees are trickling back into the office. But many are doing a combination, creating a much larger hybrid workforce. The flexibility is wonderful, but there are also challenges. If you’ve found yourself struggling with a hybrid work environment, you’re not alone. Here are six ideas to help you be more healthy and productive, both at home and in the office.

Most people are familiar with depression. You’ve probably also heard of postpartum depression and maybe even major depressive disorder. But the term dysthymia — pronounced dis-thigh-mia — also known as persistent depressive disorder, you’ve likely not encountered before.

Holidays are a time to get together with your family and celebrate. But for people who have complicated relationships with their family members, the holidays can be an incredibly stressful time. Maybe your cousins always make fun of your outfits, or Uncle Larry consistently asks when you’re getting married. Here are five ideas to help you manage complicated family dynamics during the holidays.

One reason autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed more frequently now is simply, we understand more about autism, the traits and how it presents in people. For young children and their families currently seeking a diagnosis, this is great news. But there is a generation of adults who weren’t diagnosed as children who may now find themselves wondering if they might be on the spectrum. In this blog, our Fraser experts answer some common questions you might have as an adult pursuing an autism diagnosis.

We all make mistakes. Maybe you mispronounced your new coworker’s name, were late meeting a deadline at work or forgot your sister’s birthday. Or perhaps you said something hurtful to your partner during an argument. While messing up is perfectly normal, how you react can make all the difference. Here is how and why you should apologize. 

The pandemic has been hard on nearly everyone’s mental health. Many people who didn’t have mental health issues before the pandemic are now struggling with depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation. But what about people who had mental health issues before? In this blog, we meet two women, Katie and Amanda, who have anxiety disorders. Here Katie and Amanda answer questions about how they’ve dealt with their anxiety during the pandemic.

Spending time outside is good for you and your kids. But for kids with autism, being outdoors can be challenging. Nature is unpredictable, and many people on the spectrum struggle with change. Some also have sensory sensitivities, which means they may experience sensory overload when encountering bright lights, loud noises or new smells. The good news is some parks and outdoor recreation spaces are working to become more accessible for people with autism.

You’ve likely heard how the pandemic has disproportionately impacted women. More women have lost their jobs. Women are more likely to be shouldering the caregiving burden. And for young women, particularly women of color, the negative impact of the pandemic is even worse. 

During the pandemic, many have adjusted to a new reality: working from home. For many in the disability community, being able to work remotely has long been a goal. Here are some ways remote work is beneficial to many people with disabilities.

Many kids are picky about what they’ll eat. Chicken nuggets, hot dogs and buttered noodles are known as staples of kids’ diets for a reason. But for some kids, it’s more than just being picky.

We’ve all heard of the elusive, perfect work-life balance. Or maybe you have a friend with perfect hair, an immaculate house, well-adjusted kids and a thriving marriage. But what you aren’t seeing is that your friend hired a housekeeper, and maybe she stays up until midnight every night trying to cram it all in. In other words, perfect work-life balance is a myth. We simply don’t have time to do it all, all the time. That’s where the idea of tilting comes in. 

As more people are diagnosed with autism, the percentage of the population on the spectrum grows. But it may not be easy for all of them to get a job. Some individuals with autism may have barriers to employment. Of course, people with autism also have much to offer. Though each individual with autism is unique, certain traits are more common in people with autism.

Imagine you’re in a swanky jazz club in New Orleans. The room is dimly lit, candles bathing each table in a warm glow and walls are painted a deep blue. The crowd is both effortlessly cool and undeniably glamorous. Jazz music floats your way. Such is the vibe of the 2021 Fraser Gala, presented by U.S. Bank. Here are eight ideas to help you create the perfect outfit for the gala. 

The weekends are a time to recharge for people who work Monday through Friday. But for many of us, Sundays are fraught with dread. This phenomenon is so common, we’ve even coined a term for it: the Sunday scaries. Here are 5 ways to fight the Sunday scaries.

If you don’t have a loved one with a disability, you may not worry about your home’s accessibility. But the truth is, our bodies change as we age, and so do our needs. And universal design isn’t just for people with disabilities. Here are some ways you can make your home more accessible with universal design ideas.

You likely know someone who has struggled with depression, and you may also know someone who has considered suicide, whether or not you’re aware of it. While thinking about suicide isn’t the same as acting on it, the decision to attempt suicide is often made quickly, and the consequences can be permanent. The good news is experts also believe suicide is the most preventable kind of death, and almost any action can help prevent suicide.

Teens are often portrayed as moody and difficult to please. With changing bodies and hormones and increased independence, adolescence can be a difficult time of transition. It’s not too surprising then that teen boys and girls often face depression and anxiety. But are girls more prone to anxiety and depression?

People who have sensory processing sensitivities experience sensations as either more or less intense than the rest of us. They may find the sights, smells, noise, bright lights and crowds of the fair overwhelming. Fraser Sensory Inclusion Specialist Gina Gibson has partnered with the Minnesota State Fair to create a social narrative for the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

There are many reasons kids and adults struggle with making friends: they’ve moved to a new town, they’re shy or perhaps they’re just unsure how to interact with others. But having friends is important to a child’s development. Here are 5 ideas about how to help your child make friends.

Fidget toys are everywhere these days. There are Pop Its, squishies, monkey noodles, chewlery, finger squeezers and, of course, stress balls. While fidgets can be fun for kids, both big and small, these can also be an important tool for children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and sensory processing sensitivities.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is best-known as a childhood disorder. However, people with ADHD can have lifelong issues with paying attention, impulsively acting out or sitting still. This can result in damage to relationships, education, employment and an individual’s sense of self-worth.

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “Boys will be boys.” It’s often used to excuse behavior when boys act out. It may seem like a harmless thing to say, but using this phrase to excuse those behaviors perpetuates the ideas of toxic masculinity. According to Healthline, “Generally, toxic masculinity is an adherence to the limiting and potentially dangerous societal standards set for men and masculine-identifying people.” 

The CDC states that now 1 in 54 U.S. children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by age 8. That means your children will likely know or meet someone with autism. As a parent, you may struggle with how to explain ASD to your children. Here are 8 questions your children might ask about autism, how to answer these questions and teach your children about autism.

Most people probably think of physical therapy as a way to recover from an injury or surgery. But physical therapy can also help children struggling with their physical development. Children with autism or children who have intellectual disabilities often have physical differences that occur simultaneously. Physical therapy can help restore and improve mobility and strength for your child and help prevent or limit physical disabilities. 

Social media has changed much about our lives. With a couple of clicks, you can find out what your third-grade boyfriend is up to now, or check out pictures of the new, hot restaurant without leaving home. But for parents, posting photos and information about your kids can get tricky. Here are some things to consider when you think about posting pictures, videos and information about your children online.

You may not be familiar with the term ableism, but you’ve likely encountered ableist language without realizing it. Ableism perpetuates the idea people with disabilities are inferior. Ableism appears in our language, and many everyday phrases or words perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Here are five ableist words and phrases to avoid.

Having a healthy paycheck is important, but for many, the work they do is about more than the bottom line. You want a career you feel passionate about. You want to support others in your community. You want to work to build a better, more inclusive world. If these things are important to you, you may want to consider a career in the nonprofit world. Here are a few of the benefits of working for a nonprofit.

The fear, anger and sadness of the past year has taken a serious toll on kids. According to MPR News, “In a recent University of Minnesota survey, sixth through 12th graders across the state said getting help with mental health was one of the biggest challenges they were facing.” As a parent, you want to do everything you can to care for and support your children. You can’t control everything, but you can teach your kids how to respond to difficult situations. Here are few ways to help your children care for their mental health.

With vaccines more readily available and CDC and state guidelines loosening up, you can start doing more things safely, like going out to eat, attending concerts and gathering inside with family and friends. But we’ve spent the past year isolating from other people and worrying about catching or passing on a deadly virus. These concerns won’t magically disappear overnight. Here’s how to cope when you start to re-enter the public sphere.

Most definitions of autism include the idea that individuals with autism struggle with socializing and communication. It’s also believed  people with autism have difficulty understanding social interactions and lack empathy. But as more studies have been conducted and people with autism have shared their perspectives, we are beginninng to understand these ideas about autism and empathy may be misguided. 

For families of color, discussing racism isn’t an option. White parents may have brushed aside a conversation about race by telling their children that race shouldn’t matter. But we know that race does matter — particularly in the U.S. The effects of racism can be deadly for Black, Indigenous, Asian Americans and other people of color. Talking about racism is how we move forward and start to eradicate the systematic inequalities it creates. Here are some ideas to help you begin these conversations with your children.

We all have good days and bad days. But many of us are very hard on ourselves and engage in extremely harmful, negative self-talk. What about instead of calling yourself a failure, you acknowledge you failed and then practice self-compassion? Here are six ways you can boost your mental health and be kinder to yourself.

Deciding it’s time to start therapy is a big decision, and finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. But there are some things you can do to make the process easier. Fraser Licensed Psychologist and Site Manager Dr. Ruth Swartwood offers some advice to help you find the right therapist. 

Self-care might conjure images of soaking in a tub or enjoying a nice massage. While a spa day is refreshing, self-care can also impact both your physical and mental health, even providing long-term benefits. This self-care list encourages you to slow down and truly focus on what is best for your mind and body. Here are ten ideas to get you started.

Sensory play is beneficial for kids because it stimulates multiple senses at one time. This helps make learning more meaningful and effective. Creating a sensory bin for your kids is one way to encourage sensory play. Sensory bins can be particularly beneficial for children struggling with language, children with developmental disabilities or those with food or sensory sensitivities.

Numbers from the CDC suggest that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is 4 times more common among boys than girls. But people within the autism community and a number of researchers believe the gap between boys and girls is actually much smaller than that. Let’s explore why girls with autism may not be diagnosed, or not diagnosed until later in life. 

A bunny, a llama and a rat walk into a parking lot at Mall of America — does that sound like the beginning of a joke? Well, on Saturday, May 1, these furry friends from North Star Therapy Animals will be joining the Fraser Festival for Autism, presented by Central Roofing, at Mall of America, to bring joy to attendees.

Autism awareness and acceptance is increasing throughout the world, and we know representation matters. Having TV shows, movies and books with complex and interesting characters with autism is important. We reached out to some of our Fraser experts to get their recommendations for some of the best TV shows, movies and books that positively portray characters or people with autism. 

Having your child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can elicit a mix of emotions. You may be happy to have an answers, but feel sad because your child’s life might be different than you imagined. You’re also likely nervous about telling your friends and family about your child’s diagnosis. Here are a few tips to help your friends and family understand and know what to expect.

Have you ever been told you’re overreacting? That you’re oversensitive? It’s a tactic commonly used by someone who is gaslighting you. According to NBC News, gaslighting refers “to a specific type of manipulation where the manipulator is trying to get someone else (or a group of people) to question their own reality, memory or perceptions." Here are 6 signs of gaslighting.  

The goal of the Fraser Festival for Autism is to support Minnesotans with autism and raise awareness and acceptance in the community. Maybe you’re already planning to join us at the festival on Saturday, May 1, at Mall of America. Check out some fun ways to raise funds, and you could even win some Fraser swag!

Think about it: When was the last time you watched TV without scrolling through your phone? Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment and to accept things in that moment. Here are the steps to begin a mindful meditation practice.

People with depression are told to “snap out of it,” or those with anxiety to “just relax.” But we know someone with depression can’t just snap out of it. That’s why it’s important to normalize mental health challenges. Here are five ways to normalize mental health issues by becoming a mental health advocate in your community.

While you’re likely aware of your emotions, managing those feelings, as well as those of other people, can be trickier. Emotional intelligence helps you interpret and understand feelings and manage your reactions to those feelings.

We’re all coping with grief of some kind. You might have lost a loved one or a job. You miss your routines, gathering with friends and family, feeling safe, being able to attend events and make plans. The list seems nearly endless. Our lives have changed completely, and we don’t know when things will change back, which is where the ambiguity comes in. Here are some ways to cope with ambigous loss. 

While the pandemic continues, most people are putting travel plans on hold. A beach destination might be out of the question, but that doesn’t mean you should forgo a vacation. Here are 10 ideas to create a relaxing and memorable staycation this winter. 

Music causes powerful emotional reactions. Research has found music can help people manage pain when recovering from an injury or surgery. It helps with concentration and has been shown to help children’s brains develop. Music is also an important part of Fraser’s history.

Vaccines are starting to roll out, which means an end to the pandemic seems like a tangible possibility. But we know the pandemic is far from over. That means many of us will continue to work from home. Here are some ideas to help you balance work and life while working remotely.

You’ve likely heard the phrase: new year, new you. While you might not want that kind of dramatic transformation, a new year does present a good time to re-evaluate your goals. A vision board is a visual representation of your goals, and it can make it more likely that these things happen. 

Winters are long in Minnesota. Along with cold temperatures come snow, ice and shorter daylight hours. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) “is a type of depression that's related to the changes in seasons." Here are a six ways to combat the symptoms of SAD.

We’ve all heard of the terrible twos. While no one wants to be on the receiving end, it’s typical for children from 1 to 4 years old to display this type of behavior. That doesn’t mean you should let bad behavior go. Here are some ideas to navigate the terrible twos.

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “good vibes only.” But the idea that you can will happiness into existence can be problematic.

Next year offers the promise of a vaccine for COVID-19, but 2021 will still hold a lot of uncertainty. While there will be many things you can’t control, you can still make plans for the new year. Here are 5 ideas for setting realistic personal goals in 2021.

While there is nothing wrong with sipping hot chocolate and enjoying time on the couch, remaining active — even when the weather turns — is good for your body. It’s also important for your child’s well-being. Here are 9 ideas to help keep your child active this winter

The pandemic has caused an increase in mental health issues for many people. For Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), an increase in mental health issues is further complicated by provider bias, mental health stigma and personal and historical trauma.

As we enter the winter and the holiday season, the U.S. is experiencing a second surge of COVID-19 cases. Many people are finding themselves navigating awkward conversations with family and friends about when, how and if they should get together. Here are a few ideas to help you navigate these conversations with respect.

Fraser believes in inclusion and independence for peoples of all abilities, including the individuals who make their homes in Fraser Community Living. Here are 4 things you might not know about Fraser Community Living and its residents.

The holidays often feature excess, and for people with sensory processing sensitvities, that can be overwhelming. Here are some tips from Fraser Sensory Inclusion Specialist Gina Gibson to help you create a sensory-friendly holiday for your loved ones.

As we prepare for a Minnesota winter, outdoor activities that allowed people to socially-distance more safely will largely vanish when the snow flies. Creating a comfortable, cozy space at home will be particularly important for everyone’s mental health. 

Holding your finger up when you’re on the phone — we all do it. What you might not realize is that every time you communicate nonverbally like this, you're using a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Many people suddenly find themselves working from home. Here are a few ideas to help you create a work-from-home-space that is good for your body and doesn’t necessarily involve a separate room and a desk.

You may not be familiar with the term “doomscrolling,” but you’ve probably done it. You scroll through your social media feed, read about all the bad things happening and lose anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. And now you feel worse about the state of the world. Here's how to avoid it. 

Though this autumn might look different, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the season. Here are a few ways to celebrate safely with family and friends.

While many of these get-togethers are on pause, you can still gather with your “quaranteam” or “pandemic pod” for a fun watch party to celebrate The Fraser Annual Benefit, presented by U.S. Bank. Here are 6 tips for hosting the best Alice’s “Through the Looking Glass” themed watch party.

Doyle shares some things to watch for in a bilingual child, and what you can do if you believe your child has a speech delay.

Whether you decide to watch the virtual Fraser Annual Benefit with your cat or your family, we encourage you to let your imagination fly and dress like you’re escaping to Alice’s fantasy world. Here are 6 ideas to help you create that perfect “Through the Looking Glass” look.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many people find themselves struggling with a range of emotions. Making art can be a good way to process your feelings and improve your mood.

Losing someone you love is never easy, and the grief can feel like too much to bear. Here are some ideas to help you cope. 

Back to school looks much different this year. Here are seven ways parents can help their children manage anxiety about returning to school.

Masks make it difficult to gauge whether the person you’re talking to is smiling or frowning. So reading nonverbal cues becomes trickier. Here are three ways to decipher what people really mean when they’re wearing a mask.

The CDC recommends people wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and Minnesota has  issued a mask mandate. But some people find masks difficult to wear. Here are some tips that may help. 

You’ve probably heard of sensory processing, but may not be sure what it means. The way people respond to the senses varies greatly, and when misinterpreted by the brain, it can lead to sensory processing difficulties or dysfunction.

Getting help for your mental health is often stigmatized. But talking to a therapist can be extremely beneficial. Don't let misconceptions stop you from getting help you need. 

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health, and the two are tightly linked. 

Louise Whitbeck Fraser faced extreme personal adversity in her life, but still managed to start a school for children with special needs in her home. Read more about the Fraser founder's extraordinary life. 

Even with safety precautions, the idea of attending an event currently may make some feel anxious. But there are things you can do to help prepare yourself mentally for an outdoor event.

For people with autism, sensory needs or other disabilities, even a short car trip can be hard. Here are some strategies to help make your next car ride a positive experience for your loved one. 

As the pandemic continues, many of you may wish there was more you could do to help your neighbors and community. While most nonprofits have suspended in-person volunteering, there are still plenty of ways you can support your community while you stay home.

Adoption presents unique challenges. While each family is different, here are four common issues adoptive families face.

Postpartum depression is more common than many people realize, and it is a serious mental health issue. 

Therapies that require movement, like occupational therapy, are challenging in small living spaces. Here are some occupational therapy activities that work for families in smaller living spaces.

Our therapists shared some of their favorite books for children, teens, parents or anyone who wants to better understand the unique challenges faced by people with special needs.

Not being able to see the people you love is hard. Here are a few new ways to connect and have a little fun with your family and friends.

If your child struggles with bedtime, here a few ideas to help with the transition and to ensure he or she sleeps better.

It can be hard to know if what you’re facing is sadness, depression or it’s time to reach out for help.

Fraser Occupational Therapist Gina Gibson answers some questions about what occurs during a typical Pediatric Therapy telehealth session.

Here are some tips from Fraser mental health professionals, so parents can manage their time, while helping children with both special and typical needs do their schoolwork.

Here are some easy resistance activities to help prevent meltdowns and calm and soothe children (and adults) of all abilities.

Many people are familiar with the term “autism spectrum disorder.” But many may not understand why autism is considered a spectrum.

The coronavirus pandemic has placed us in uncertain times. People are getting sick and facing job and financial losses. While many of us are worried about our physical health, taking care of our mental health is important too.