Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives: How to Promote Mental Health in Young Children with Developmental Disabilities or other Special Needs

Mental health is essential for successful life outcomes. But what is mental health? Is it simply the absence of mental illness or is it something more? The World Health Organization defines mental health in this way: “Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder. It is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community." Mental health is our goal for each of us and for all of our children. This workshop is designed to help participants learn how to promote mental health in young children with developmental disabilities or other special needs. Topics in the workshop will include:
1. Teaching and promoting everyday mental health skills.
1. Strategies to avoid harming the mental health of young children.
2. The role of positive affirmations in mentally healthy thinking.
3. The importance of learning how to quiet the mind.
4. Teaching children how to think in “shades of gray.”
5. Strategies to model safe emotional expression.
6. Social connectedness as an asset in our mentally healthy lives.
7. The importance of self knowledge for mental health and self advocacy.
Join STARnet and Barbara T. Doyle, MS in this exciting day of learning and growth.