From Challenges to Strengths: Insights on the Upside of Gaming, and Addressing PDA
This presentation is geared towards helping parents better understand and support their teens and tweens. First, we will also look at the pros and cons of gaming for youth, including potential mental health benefits. In addition, we will look at some core features of Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA) as it commonly appears in adolescence. Parents will leave with an overview of realistic, actionable tools they can use to strengthen communication, reduce tension, and nurture their child’s strengths.
Dr. Grace Malonai is founder and Director of TheraThrive, a group therapy and assessment practice that specializes in serving neurodivergent individuals and their families, as well as those with autoimmune challenges. Her vision is to help neurodivergent communities to be understood and supported with the things that are truly important to thrive, both in their own lives and in their relationships. Dr. Grace has contributed to various books, magazines, newsletters and blogs. As a regular presenter, Dr. Grace is able to share her knowledge and passion on various topics that focus on neurodivergent populations.
Katie Malone, LPCC, LMFT, is an experienced speaker and clinician at TheraThrive in Lafayette. Katie plays an important role supporting, supervising associates, and training staff. In addition to being TheraThrive’s Clinical Director, Katie’s roles at TheraThrive include Clinical Supervisor, Licensed Therapist and Assessor, as well as Neurofeedback Clinician. She is an experienced presenter, and her clinical work is interactive, strength-based, and focused on supporting neurodivergent populations, including Gifted, 2e, Autism, ADHD, OCD, Autoimmune concerns, and a full spectrum of additional experiences.
Event Location
Fusion Academy Walnut Creek Downtown
101 Ygnacio Valley Rd STE 150, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
