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It’s 11pm. Now 12am. Now 1am. Now 2am. Now 3am. And you still haven’t fallen asleep. During those sleepless hours, you might feel like the whole world is asleep – except you. But you are not alone. In 2010, it was reported that the demand for sleeping pill prescriptions boosted by 60% in the United States.[1] Moreover, one in three Americans has difficulties falling asleep, and more than 35 million have chronic insomnia. A Brief History of Insomnia There is an intriguing relationship between insomnia and historical developments. As outlined by Summers-Bremner, certain events of the human story have contributed to our propensity to become insomniacs.[2] In the 1700s, the European Baroque culture led to a greater appreciation of modern nightlife, thereby interrupting regular sleep patterns. Historians especially point to industrialization as a dominant variable that led groups of society – even cities – to become victims of tiresome, sleepless nights. The developments of gas, electric lighting, the increasing popularity of nighttime entertainment, and evermore-busy schedules have turned our sleep into an utter nightmare. For these reasons, urban cities are especially connected with the rise of insomnia. It is not surprising, then, that the popular Hollywood film, Sleepless in Seattle, takes place in an urban setting. My Experience with Insomnia Like you, I too have suffered from insomnia. I am all too familiar with the cycle of fearing that I will not fall asleep, not falling asleep, and then dreading that I will wake without ever having slept. I have laid down in bed and calculated how many coffees or teas I should have the next day,just to get through the first few hours of the morning. I have also planned out when I can squeeze in a quick 15-minute nap to give me the energy needed to last the rest of the day. And I have felt hopeless by thinking that my insomnia had no cure. But following the advice of my counselor, I made a few small changes in my diet, exercise, schedule, and thought patterns. I eventually discovered that I could enjoy the blessing of a restful sleep. Defining Insomnia Doctors have defined three main types of insomnia.[3] Transient Insomnia The first of these is transient insomnia. This category of insomnia involves troubles sleeping for only a night or two. For example, you might not sleep as well on the night before an exam, or the night before an important meeting, or the night after a heated argument with your loved one. Short-Term Insomnia Secondly, short-term insomnia occurs when you cannot sleep well for a few days or even a few weeks. This could be because you are stressed about work, suffering from relationship issues, or getting over jet lag. Chronic (or Acute) Insomnia Thirdly, chronic insomnia involves troubled sleep patterns that last for months or years. Unfortunately, this category of insomnia can lead to or be caused by mental health issues, notably depression and anxiety. Insomnia and Mental Health Issues Depression One of the key mental health issues associated with insomnia is depression.[4] Signs of depression include irritability, a short temper, decreased motivation, an inability to concentrate, hopelessness, increased crying, and a lack of fulfillment in things that you would typically enjoy. Sometimes it is difficult to trace the causal relationship between insomnia and depression. Did your insomnia cause your depression or did your depression cause your insomnia? If you are unsure of the answer, it is a good idea to discuss this with a counselor. Addressing this question can help you identify the root of your insomnia, which can help you along the path to more restful nights. Anxiety In addition to depression, anxiety can also be intimately related to insomnia.[5] Signs of anxiety include an inability to relax, dizziness, nausea, excessive fears, nightmares, and hot or cold sweats. Anxiety can also lead to a perpetual cycle of feeling anxious about not sleeping and then not sleeping due to your anxiety. If you struggle with anxiety and insomnia, then cognitive behavioral therapy is a helpful method of treatment. By seeking the help of a mental health professional, you can help identify the root of your anxiety, as well as effective coping techniques. Seeking Help from a Mental Health Professional Insomnia can be a lonely experience, but there are mental health professionals who can walk alongside you in your search for a restful sleep. You know that simply counting sheep does not solve the issue. You also might feel that your insomnia is related to a deeper issue – the most common being either depression or anxiety. If you can’t sleep, then rest assured that there are counselors and therapists who can help you discover techniques, medications, and lifestyle changes that can help you restore your sleep. I’ll let you sleep on that. [1] Kornblatt, S. 2010. Restful Insomnia. San Francisco: Red Wheel. [2] Summers-Bremner, E. 2008. Insomnia: A Cultural History. London: Reaktion Books. [3] Kornblatt, S. 2010. Restful Insomnia. San Francisco: Red Wheel. [4] Silberman, S.A. 2008. The Insomnia Workbook. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. [5] Ibid.

Raising kids can be challenging for any parent at times, but being a single parent brings some unique challenges to the equation. In addition to the stress and heartache that a separation of any kind can cause, single parents are limited to a single income potential, and have less time to spend with their kids, as well as all the same responsibilities that come with a 2 parent household. Add to that the social stigma that often surrounds the single parent and you have an emotional burden that can be overwhelming. Not Alone Single parents are no longer the minority in our world. The U.S. Census Bureau table, “America’s Families and Living Arrangements for 2012,” reports that 26% of children are raised in single parent homes. If you look at the same statistics over the last several years, it is clear that the trend is on the way up. Single parents are not alone, but for the individual living a life of stress every day with no break, it can feel that there is no support. Juggling a job, children, schools, household chores, the finances, and all the things that go along with all those, without the help of a partner every day can be more than just a hectic life. Single Parent Struggles Research has shown that single mothers are more likely to suffer from poor mental health than partnered mothers, and the factors that most greatly affect single mother mental health are financial hardship, and a perceived lack of support.[1] In the study, 45% of single mothers experienced depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder in the previous year, compared to 23.6% of partnered mothers. In the study, all the factors believed to contribute to the mental health concerns were examined such as financial hardship, unemployment, lack of social support, the responsibility of caring for children, consequences of a family break-up, trauma such as abuse, childhood adversity, and socio-economic disadvantage. Of the factors studied, financial hardship, social support, household income, and socio-demographics accounted for 94% of the association between single mothers and poor mental health.[2] Did you get that; making ends meet and support are the most important factors for the mental wellness of single parents. I would bet all the single parents out there can concur. It makes sense, right? It is not just single mothers; there is an increasing amount of single fathers each year. Single fathers in 2012 consisted of 16% of all single parents, 9% were raising 3 or more children under the age of 18, and of those, 42% had a family income of $50,000 or more annually.[3] That means that 58% made less than $50,000 per year. One of the most important factors in being emotionally healthy is the ability to provide for your family. Single parents have a harder time with this in many cases. Some parents must work two jobs to make ends meet, which not only takes time from their family, but can wear on the physical health as well. The parent has to choose between wearing themselves out to provide, and being there for their family. Food, a basic need, can be a source of stress for anyone who is not earning enough to support their family. The prevalence of mental health illness among Canadian adults with poor food quality was 24%, and 25% for those who did not have enough food, with an even higher rate for single parents.[4] Single parents also have to deal with the stigma of being a single parent, while worrying about their children’s’ well-being. Many studies over the years have correlated single parenting with an increase in children’s mental disabilities, as well as unruly kids. Recent research suggests that single parent families are no indicator of a child’s future well-being, but family climate and well-being is significantly related.[5] So the quality of mom or dad being there is very important to the child’s well-being. This means that parents need to take care of themselves in order to provide the emotional support their kids need. Aside from depression and anxiety, lone parents have an increased prevalence of suicidal thoughts.[6] All of these factors emphasis the need for single parents to place themselves in an environment of support. Therapy is a valuable tool for many single parents, and their children. The Therapist is Not the Missing Parent One of the challenges of seeing a therapist for single parents is that the family looks to the therapist to take a position that would represent the missing parent.[7] Often times the members of the family look to the therapist to take on a position of authority, or experience to resolve their problems. For instance, if a single mother is hoping to gain respect, or discipline from the children, she may hope for the therapist to take a disciplinary role with the children. It is not the place of the therapist to think of the mother as a victim, or label the other members of the family. The environment of therapy is non-judgmental. The therapist will be able to reconnect the family with its own resources and a social support system. While being a single parent may be the most difficult thing you will ever do, it is not hopeless. There are resources to help you, and therapy can give you insight into some of those resources. If you would like to read more about divorce, check out this link. https://www.theravive.com/services/divorce-help.htm [1] Crosier, T., Butterworth, P., & Rodgers, B. (2007). Mental health problems among single and partnered mothers. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 42(1), 6-13. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00127-006-0125-4 [2] Ibid. [3] One-parent Unmarried Family Groups With Own Children Under 18, By Marital Status Of The Reference Person: 2012 (FG6). (2012). Retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau website: http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2012.html [4] Mental health; findings from university of british columbia update understanding of mental health. (2013). Food Weekly News, , 167. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1356048090?accountid=3358 [5] Phillips, T. (2012). The Influence of Family Structure Vs. Family Climate on Adolescent Well-Being. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 29(2), 103-110. doi:10.1007/s10560-012-0254-4 [6] Psychiatry; study findings on psychiatry are outlined in reports from science institute. (2013). Mental Health Weekly Digest, , 101. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1415811419?accountid=3358 [7] Rober, P. (2010). The Single-Parent Family and the Family Therapist: About Invitations and Positioning. Australian & New Zealand Journal Of Family Therapy, 31(3), 221-231.

It is not always just about the kids...back to school help for parents: Back to school time can be very stressful for both children and parents. Parents want their kids to be happy and healthy, and get along well in school. After days of staying up late, sleeping in, and no homework, it can be tough to get back to a routine. Add to that the stress of the $8.5 billion that the United States spent on school shopping in August 2012, and the tension is even higher. [i] However, there are some things you can do to help ease the stress, and send the kids off to school with confidence. Be Prepared Don’t wait until the last minute. Create a schedule and do a trial run before school starts. This will give you an idea of how long the morning routine will take, and what types of things can be done in the evening instead of mornings. Make lunches, iron, set out clothes, and pack the backpacks before bed, and you will cut out valuable morning time. Practice bus routines. Meet the neighborhood kids before the first day, so that your child knows who they will spend the ride with, and it will make it easier to find the right bus after school because they know who to look for on the bus. Plan play dates prior to school so that the kids will know each other and the ride to school will put them at ease before they get to school. Visit the school. Meet the teachers, know what is expected, get teacher contact info, and a get school supply list. Meeting the teachers will help you decide what types of things are going to be priorities, and what you may need to watch for during the school year. It can also ease the child’s fears if they do not know the teacher, or are unfamiliar with the school layout. Inquire about fees, such as lunches, class fees, art fees, etc. This will allow you to plan your budget. Gather information. Know the school web site, know the contact information for principal, superintendent, and phone numbers for administration such as the number to call when your child is ill, or you have questions about events. Know how the school communicates important information such as school closures, or late starts, and emergency routines. Get to bed early several nights before going back to school. We tend to stay up longer as the sun stays up longer. Our bodies need time to adjust back to the fall season. Give yourself a couple weeks to adjust to going to bed early. Start about a half-hour earlier, and gradually add more until you have reached the desired fall bedtime. If you find it difficult to get the kids to adjust, use relaxation techniques such as a warm bath, stories, or other quiet time activities before you put them to bed. Create a budget, and know how much you can spend for all school related expenses. Differentiate between needs and wants, and do your shopping as close to that first day as you can. Kids always seem to have growth spurts during the summer, and shopping early may mean you will be shopping again early in the year. Discuss with your child, prior to shopping, the types of things you are going to get, and stick to it. If you choose to get 5 new shirts, and 5 new pants, the child knows the expectation and will feel content with what they get. Designate a desk area. Homework comes first, so make sure there is a place where the kids have all their supplies, quiet, and a posture of study. Make Family Time Don’t take on extra tasks during this time. The back to school mad dash is enough stress. Don’t over-stimulate yourself by taking on too much. Stick to your priorities. Remember that kids can be overwhelmed also, and they will need their sleep, and healthy life-style. Be aware of how they are feeling. Ask the child about their fears. The best way to diminish worry is to address it. Do not give kids new things to worry about by expressing what you think they may worry about, but ask what they are thinking and what they are excited about as the new school year approaches. Based on what they express, you can address the fears they have. Establish relaxation for both kids and parents. Start a fun tradition, such as doing something special the day before school starts. I like to take my child out for a juice, or ice cream, and do some last minute light shopping for something simple, such as a belt, or hat. The real purpose is to talk and see what my child is thinking about, but all he knows is that it is super cool to have juice or ice cream with mom, and pick out one last new thing. You could also do a family marshmallow roast in the back yard, or game night. Any activities that will allow for natural conversation and fun will be perfect. Above all, stay positive. We make it through each new school year, and our kids see the little cues we give off if we are tense. Remember that this can be an exciting time to watch our kids grow, and develop into the wonderful new person that they are becoming. Relax and enjoy the pride you have in your amazing kids. Getting Help: It is okay to be stressed out. It is normal to be worried about getting everything right and feeling rushed for time. You, as a parent, may benefit from talking to someone about how you are feeling. Counseling to assist in making you the best parent you can be can be helpful. The back to school time can be stressful on your marriage or even work. Therapy can help to relieve the added tension and can help bring back some balance and perspective to life during this time. When it seems like it is all about the kids, sometimes it is important to make sure we are taking care of ourselves. [i] "Monthly & Annual Retail Trade, Main Page - US Census Bureau." Census Bureau Homepage. N.p., 29 Mar. 2013. Web. 28 July 2013.

Back to School Series The start of your college career is just around the corner. You’ve done your campus tour, been assigned your college dorm, signed up for your classes, said goodbye to your high school friends, listened to your parents cry as they anticipate your departure, and wondered what your life will be like as a college student. Will you get along with your roommate? Will your professors be incredibly intimidating? Will your course load be too heavy? Will you find any extracurricular activities that you enjoy? Will you make new friends? Will you be able to manage your finances? And will these be the best or the worst four years of your life? Although this article is by no means comprehensive, it outlines some helpful tips that I’ve gathered during my years as an undergraduate and postgraduate student. These might help you make these the best – and not the worst – years of your life. 1. Get To Know Your Roommate If you are living with a roommate, take the time to get to know him or her. After all, you will be spending the next eight months living right next to each other. After you’ve both settled in, consider going for a walk or grabbing a coffee with him or her just to get to know each other a bit. Even if you are complete opposites, those first conversations are crucial to understanding how to make the most of your time living together. What are your schedules like? Is he or she an early riser or a night owl? How clean or messy is he or she? Though these might seem like trivial questions, appreciating each other’s differences in lifestyle is essential to creating a healthy living situation. Having worked as a Residence Don for two years, I witnessed a strong contrast between roommates who knew how to respect each other’s boundaries and those who didn’t. I would even suggest writing up a quick roommate contract with a short list of what you absolutely need your roommate to respect. A few examples include the need for a quiet study space at certain times during the week, a need to have the freedom to invite friends over on Friday nights, or the need to have a decently clean living space. 2. Do Not Be Shy If you’re like me, meeting a whole new group of strangers can be intimidating. But getting yourself out there is worth it. College is not only an opportunity to improve your mind, but it is also a tremendous opportunity to improve your social life. Like never before, you will have endless crowds of people to interact with – from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, belief systems, interests, and ideas. During my years as an undergraduate and postgraduate student, I noticed a marked difference between high school and college. In high school, meeting new people was more difficult – there were fewer people to befriend and people were less likely to make new friends. However, in university the atmosphere was different. I made new friends left, right, and centre – at the library, in lectures, at school clubs, at formal events, at the school pub, in dorms, and the list continues. 3. Get Involved One thing I will never regret about my university years was my choice to get involved in extracurricular activities. Not only is it a great way to meet new people, but it is also a fantastic way to develop a new skill or try something new. Most colleges and universities have a variety of clubs and activities to choose from, and you can often find out more about them during your orientation week. Try a few in your first month, and if it’s not the right fit, there is bound to be something else that fits you like a glove. Try a salsa class, write for your school newspaper, join an activist group, play a sport, or perform in a play. The options are endless. 4. Start Studying Early Unfortunately, the attractions of dorm life, a fun social life, and engaging extracurricular activities can turn into an unhealthy distraction from your studies. Map out your assignment deadlines, midterms, and final exams as soon as you get your academic syllabi. Divide up the amount of work that you will need to do to perform well, and then ensure to create a weekly schedule that realistically balances your schoolwork and your other interests. There is no need to pull an all-nighter the day before your final exam worth 50% of your final grade. Start early, and you will be a lot less stressed and learn a lot more. 5. Spend Wisely University tuition is already expensive, so it is important to be realistic about your finances. While it is great to go out with your friends, make sure not to overdo it. There are usually a lot of discounts available for students, so find out what deals apply to you. Can you find your books at a second-hand store? Are drinks cheaper on Tuesday nights? Is membership at your university gym cheaper than a regular gym? Saving a bit here and there makes a huge difference in the long run. 6. Do Not Forget to Call Home During my first year as an undergraduate, I miserably failed at calling home. But this was not a healthy choice – neither for me, nor for my parents. It is important to give updates on how you are doing, to remember that there are people who care for you, and to catch up with your loved ones. If your parents are helping you out financially, then remember to thank them every once in a while. If grandma sent you a box of baked cookies, then give her a call to let her know that you appreciate her. There are people who helped you get to where you are today, and they want to know that you remember them. 7. Do Not Be Afraid to Seek Help Being away from home can be difficult. Researchers have found that the stress of a first failed midterm or a low grade on an assignment can lead to a vicious cycle of hopelessness, lack of motivation, and declining academic performance.[1] Universities often experience a peek in the number of students coming to seek help during final exam season. At McGill University, for instance, their mental health clinic serves four times the number of students close to the end of the academic year.[2] If you are feeling stressed, lonely, discouraged, or anxious, do not be afraid to seek help. Your college has a variety of staff available to help you, including a team of mental health professionals. If you just need to talk to someone, there is always a listening ear available. Find out where your college’s counseling office is, and be encouraged that you are not the only one on campus who is finding your new life as a university student a bit of a challenge. Yes, you can make these the best years of your life. [1] Hanlon, C. 2012. Addressing mental health issues on university campuses. State of Mind. [online] Available at: < http://www.aucc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/mental-health-state-of-mind-university-manager-article-summer-2012.pdf> [2] Bradwhaw, J. and Wingrove, J. December 07, 2012. As student stress hits crisis levels, universities look to ease pressure. Globe and Mail. [online] Available at: < http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/as-student-stress-hits-crisis-levels-universities-look-to-ease-pressure/article5902668/>

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Mental illness is the most common cause of disability, affecting one in four adults, and one in ten children in the United States, but minorities are less likely to receive care. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was created to raise awareness about mental illness in diverse communities and promote wellness and recovery. Statistically African Americans living below the poverty level are 3 times more likely to report psychological distress compared to those who are over twice the poverty level. Suicide rates for African Americans between the ages of 10 and 14 increased 233% between 1980 and 1985, while Non-Hispanic Whites increased 120%. Southeast Asian refugees, who experienced trauma due to immigration, are at risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but Asian Americans have lower rates of mental health utilization because stigma and shame deter them from treatments. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for American India/Alaska Natives between the ages of 10 and 34 in 2009. Adolescent American Indian/Alaska Native females have almost four times the rate of suicide than white adolescent females. In 2011, Hispanic high school girls attempted suicide 70% more than white girls of the same age. [1] National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed throughout the month of July. The United States House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The purpose is to recognize the need for improved access to mental health treatment and services, and make people aware of mental illness, especially for minorities that do not get care. [2] In honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, who was member of the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED), the resolution was passed May 21, 2008. Campbell was also a member of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), and cofounder of the Inglewood, California chapter. [3] Bebe Moore Campbell was best known as a journalist and bestselling author of several novels including “Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine,” a historical novel about Emmitt Till, and the beginnings of the Civil War movement. She wrote children’s books such as “Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry,” which deals with coping with a mother who is mentally ill. Her novel, “72 Hour Hold,” demonstrates the complexities of living with a family member with bipolar disorder. [4] Bebe Moore Campbell was dedicated to move people to support mental wellness and bring awareness to the hardships of those with mental health disorders. Addressing the Need Barriers to mental health care cause minorities to have less availability to mental health care, and they are less likely to use the services that are available. This means that a lot of minorities are also not being included in mental health research. Barriers include: Stigma In some communities, seeking a mental health care professional can be a problem because the community has stigmatized healthcare providers, and treatments. On the other hand, some have used cultural stigmas to dismiss mental illness. Language In order to diagnose and treat any mental illness, there must be communication. When there are language barriers, fear of treatment or mistrust can keep a person from receiving the care they need. Economics The cost keeps many from getting the care they need, but for minorities who are uninsured, or underinsured, mental health care is out of reach, or the care that they do get is of poor quality. Social status and economic disadvantage contribute to the stress and depression that perpetuates mental illness, leaving minorities even more vulnerable. Cultural Differences Faith, customs, values, and traditions play a big part in person we are, and how we live our lives. Whether a provider of care, or the patient, we have a set of values that we use to base our truths. In the United States, the health care we use is based on Western Medicine. If a person of another culture has views that are opposed to Western Medicine, they are unable to benefit from treatment. [5] Help spread the word, and encourage people to seek wellness. You can contact the Office of Minority Health to find events going on in your area, or start your own event. Treatment and recovery are possible for everyone. Anyone who has symptoms or concerns about their mental health should continue to seek help. If you find care that does not work for you, keep seeking until you find quality care that works. You are not alone. [1] "Mental Health Data/Statistics - The Office of Minority Health - OMH." Office of Minority Health - OMH - Home Page. US Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, n.d. Web. 14 July 2013. [2] Gimeno, Jessica. "NAMI | History and Highlights: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month ." NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness - Mental Health Support, Education and Advocacy. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 July 2013. [3] Ibid. [4] "Bebe Moore Campbell Biography." Encyclopedia of World Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 July 2013. [5] "Executive Summary Mental Health: Culture, Race, and Ethnicity A Supplement to Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General." Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. U.S. Public Health Service, n.d. Web. 13 July 2013.

Networking has a new meaning in today's job market... The Past In the past, some of the best insight into whether a person would be a good fit for a company has been personal interviews, positive personal references, IQ tests, and personality testing. In our technologically changing world, there are new ways to gather this sort of information. Social networking, data-mining, and even games and videos can be used to collect information about how people deal with various situations, how they multi-task, and even, to some degree, intelligence. [1] The Present The most popular vehicle for employers to seek insight into a candidate has been the professional networking site, LinkedIn. According to an article written by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and Christopher Steinmetz, LinkedIn offers the professional the personal reference through its use of the “Endorsements” feature. An employer looking for a candidate can now see the resume, and references, as well as interests before making contact with the candidate. This saves time in the hiring process. A 2012 study by psychologists Jamie Guillory and Jeffery Hancock at Cornell University found that public resumes on LinkedIn foster more honesty with regard to work experience than the tradition paper resume, because it is public, and can more easily be called to question by family and friends. However, interests or hobbies that are not known as objectively were not as honest. In addition to LinkedIn, there are several other ways an employer can seek information about a person. Looking at blogs, Facebook, and Twitter give a glimpse into a person’s character and interests, but can also create a bias based on looks, or interests that would not matter in the work environment, and would not come up in a face to face interview. The Future? New technology could take the social networking we currently use even further with data mining. Data mining is software used to derive insight to make evidenced-based decisions. Companies such as TweetPsych and YouAreWhatYouLike use Twitter and Facebook to create a personality profile for an individual based on the individual’s activity on those social networks with amazing accuracy. Psychologist Michal Kosinski of the University of Cambridge published an analysis suggesting that the accuracy is greater than 75% for predicting gender, sexual orientation, religion, and political preference. While the percentage is lower for personality traits and intelligence, it is still significantly accurate in estimating IQ and personality. [2] Another tool for networking is a video offered by companies like EnRecruit and Spark Hire, which asks candidates questions on video, and employers can evaluate their responses in private. This offers a time savings, and a standardized interviewing process. Additionally, gaming can also predict character traits through situational behavior. This engaging innovation allows a candidate to play a game that analyses their choices and categorizes job skills and personality traits. The company, Knack, bases personality profiles on research from behavioral scientists who have mapped certain responses in the game with job skills. As an example, the game “Wasabi Waiter” can measure many skills such as the ability to multi-task, and remember details. Reckitt Benckiser, a multinational consumer goods company, uses the game “Insanely Driven” to profile personality. Players must handle tough situations in a race that measures personality, ambition, sensitivity, and prudence. This game bases assessment on the five-factor model Hogan Personality Inventory. L’Oreal uses the game “Reveal” for its cosmetics company. This game is used to discover people based on the qualities such as Risk taking, analytical skills, and more. Additionally, there are databases that can assess what people are saying about an individual. These sites like Topsy and Klout can be used to see an individual’s influence on the world. Can This Innovation Shape the Job Market? There are pros and cons to all of this new technology. On one hand, employers can save time scheduling, and sifting through papers to find the perfect fit for their company. Candidates can avoid some of the anxiety of interviews, and loss of self-esteem from rejections. It streamlines the process of hiring, while making it a bit more evidence based. On the other hand, it also requires a loss of privacy for the person looking for a job. Companies would need access to the information that is normally private or protected by password. Another problem with the new technology is that people are not willing to give up that privacy in an age so tight on security. It also tends to limit the human contact even further than we have already in our gadget run world. Whether a job seeker wants to use the old resume and cover letter, or cutting edge new networking innovations, a career counselor can help research the best career match, based on a person’s individual qualities, and skills, as well as aid in finding the right tools for the job search in our ever changing job market. ________________________________________________________________ [1] Chamorro-Premuzic, Tomas, and Christopher Steinmetz. "The Perfect Hire." Scientific American Mind July-Aug. 2013: 43-47. [2] Kosinski, Michael, David Stillwell, and Thore Graepel. "Private Traits and Attributes Are Predictable from Digital Records of Human Behavior." Private Traits and Attributes Are Predictable from Digital Records of Human Behavior. PNAS, 11 Mar. 2013. Web. 06 July 2013.

By Tanya Glover Theravive.com Contributor There are many challenges a parent of a special needs child faces. The one I have most recently had to deal with is my son’s transition to a new school. For a special needs child, change can be very difficult. Many of these children rely on routine and consistency, so when a major change comes, it can be very scary for them and the parents as well. Helping them (and yourself) becomes top priority when change occurs. Changing Schools Though your special needs child may be in a self contained classroom, they still have to change grades and therefore teachers and schools. This can be a stressful experience for the child and for you as well. My son has just entered middle school (grades 6-8). The school he had been at previously (grades 3-5) was a place that he had grown accustom to, as did I. He had the same teacher and teacher’s assistant for the past 2 years. The school was fairly small and he knew where to go for everything he needed and also knew all of the staff. He was comfortable with this school and the staff, as was I. Knowing he had to change to a new school this year was something at the front of my mind for quite some time. When you have a special needs child you worry about all sorts of things. Will his teachers give him what he needs? Will the other kids be kind to him? Will he be able to navigate the new school without getting scared and lost? There are so many things to consider and I will share what I have done and what you can do to, to help yourself and your special needs child. Tips to Quell Your Fears The first thing anyone of a special needs child should do before sending them to a new school is to visit the school yourself with your child. This is the first step in ensuring the needs of your child will be met. When you meet with your child’s teacher, ask questions! Have a list of questions with you so you do not forget something you may feel important. In order to feel better about your child’s new situation, have the new teacher explain to you how their daily routine works. Even special needs children in a self contained classroom participate in elective classes. This means that they will likely spend at least some time with the regular classes. Make sure you know what their schedule is so if you need to check up on them you know exactly where they are and when. Not only do you need to ask questions, you must also assert yourself by telling the staff that will be working with your child about his or her needs. For example, my son can only read, write, and spell his first and last name. This is something I want them to be aware of so they do not just give him work to do and expect that he will complete it by himself. Also, if you child has any problem with self care issues, make this known. Tell the teacher if you child needs help with buttons or zippers for instance. If your child takes medication be sure to let their teacher and the other staff involved in his or her care know about this. Make sure the dosage and frequency are made known and when the child takes the medication. If your child must take medication at school, make sure you are aware of the schools policy on medication at school. Usually there are rules about this and there must be a doctor’s note of file for the medication to be used at school. In addition to that, your child will most likely not be allowed to carry the medication with them but must leave it at the office instead. When it is time to take the medication, your child will be sent to the office to get it from the staff. Get Informed About Classroom Policy Some teachers welcome parents to pop in whenever they would like to. In my opinion, this is the most ideal situation. If this is allowed and/or encouraged, do so as often as you can! A teacher that wants the parent involved and in the classroom is a teacher who finds it important for the parents to participate in the education process. It also says to me that the teacher has nothing to hide and do not mind the parents seeing how they handle their classroom. Many times schools are underfunded and the teachers actually welcome help from the parents. This is a fantastic way to be involved in your child’s education and be able to keep an eye on them as well! Issues for the Custodial Parent Some children are from a divorced family and some are even in danger from the absent parent .This is the case with my son who was shaken by his biological father. This happened so long ago and the judgment was that I was to have full custody and the biological father would never be allowed to be near him again. Every school he has been in took my word as to the custody issue and it was listed that his biological father would never be allowed access to him. Now that he is in a different school things have changed. Due to the size of the new school they are very strict on custody policies and require that each parent have a copy of custody on file at the school. If this is a concern for you be sure to check out your child’s school policy on this. If there is a rule about absent parents having access to their children if no custody papers are on file, you need to be aware of this and take the proper steps. With no custody papers, the only thing the school can do to stop the absent parent from acquiring the child is place a courtesy call to you and try to stall for the time it takes for you to arrive and intervene. This is VERY IMPORTANT. The law states that if the parents name on the birth certificate matches the identification the parent is carrying, the school legally has no choice but to release the child UNLESS there are custody papers on file at the school. While you may think that the absent parent would never try to take your child from their school, it is always best to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Conclusion Though it can be a scary experience for your entire family, switching your special needs child to a new school is just one of many new changes your child will have to face in their lives. Be strong for them so they can feel confident about being able to handle the change. If you have to walk your child to class for a few weeks until he or she can make their own way, do it, as it can also help to ease your own anxiety. Keep in regular contact with your child’s teacher because sharing information is good for all involved and can help the child both at school and at home. Above, all fight for your child. If you feel that they are not getting what they need at their new school, speak up! You are their voice and must be loud and unwavering.