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Social Work Today’s CE program has offered hundreds of social workers from across the country the opportunity to earn CEs from the comfort of their homes or offices.
Simply read an issue of the magazine, complete the online exam or the printed exam published in the magazine, and earn 2 CE credits! PLUS, you have the opportunity to earn CE credits from past issues, too! See what all the talk is about. Visit www.SocialWorkTodayCE.com today for more information! |
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| Social Workers care about their clients, but rarely do they have time to care about themselves. Show yourself a little appreciation with field-inspired gear from our Gift Shop. We've got the perfect item for every situation from busy days in the office to at home visits. Check out our secure online shop today or call toll-free 877-809-1659 for easy and fast ordering. |
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Speech Recognition to Address Critical Resource Issues, Improve Care for Children and Families
Using speech recognition, social service agencies can reduce administrative and transcription costs and improve client service by enabling caseworkers to quickly, accurately, and more comprehensively complete case notes and reports by voice. Learn more »
Wireless Lifeline Supporters Rally for Federal Program
Under this wireless program, eligible low-income Americans are provided access to telecommunications services via cell phones with a specific number of minutes per month. Learn more » |
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Families of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encounter many challenges in communicating with their children and trying to understand the unique characteristics of their behaviors. The author of this month’s E-News Exclusive is a social worker who has observed the benefits of animal-assisted therapy in children with ASD. Through interacting with therapy dogs, a children with ASD can build confidence and the ability to demonstrate empathy by caring for the needs of a dog. The addition of an animal in the therapeutic milieu can offer a nonjudgmental and nonthreatening supplement to the team working with children with ASD.
Enjoy this month’s e-newsletter and remember to follow Social Work Today
on Facebook and Twitter!
— Marianne Mallon, editor |
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 Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Benefit From Animal-Assisted Therapy
By Cyndie Brashear-Kieffer, LSW
Although animal-assisted therapy (AAT) may sound like a creative ruse for people bringing their dogs (or other pets) with them to work, there is sound research that it is a valid and effective modality. Boris Levinson, PhD, was the first professionally trained clinician to document the benefits of a dog’s presence while he worked with children in the late 1960s. AAT has been steadily gaining legitimacy as a useful addition to therapies that help improve physical and emotional health. It can benefit many clients and provides a social lubricant that may coax the most reluctant people to open up about the issues they are facing. It is important to note that animal-assisted therapy occurs only when a professional/licensed individual delivers goal-directed interventions using their animal. It is not to be confused with animal visitation programs that are offered at different facilities.
Many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can have difficulty socializing with peers and communicating with family and often demonstrate repetitive behaviors such as rocking or hand twirling. These, along with other atypical behaviors, can make it difficult for the child with ASD to form friendships. The addition of an animal in the therapeutic milieu can offer a nonjudgmental and nonthreatening supplement to the team working with children with ASD. On numerous occasions, children with these disabilities encounter situations that can make them feel isolated, depressed, and anxious. Through interacting with therapy dogs, children with ASD can build confidence and the ability to demonstrate empathy by caring for the needs of a dog.
Full Story » |
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Bullying and Suicide Risk — Building Resilience
Bullying is not the only suicide risk factor, but it is one of the few that is intentional and external, making it a valuable opportunity for social workers to help build resiliency skills. Read more »
Connecting With Clergy — Stepping Stone to Treatment?
A recent study shows that some individuals turn to clergy for help with alcohol-related problems. Could social workers encourage treatment by connecting with clergy and providing valuable resources and referrals? Read more »
Suicide — Personally and Professionally
Practitioners never know how many people they have prevented from completing suicide yet are unfortunately left with the pain of those who have been lost to it.
Read more » |
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U.S. Prescription Drug Deaths Outnumber Traffic Fatalities
The Los Angeles Times reports that a surge in prescription drug deaths has exceeded the number of traffic fatalities according to 2009 data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
Parents of Children With Serious Mental Illness Cope With Refusal of Psychiatric Treatment
The Philadelphia Inquirer highlights some of the difficult choices of families whose loved ones resist care for mental illness.
Adoptive Parents Struggle With News of Babies From Chinese Black Market
According to The New York Times, some adoptive parents of Chinese babies are asking themselves tough questions in responses to news of child abduction and trafficking in China.
Inhuman Treatment of Indonesians With Mental Illness
NPR reports on the antiquated and tragic ways people with mental illness are treated in Indonesia. |
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