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News and Research
Science-backed Information for Better Care
ScienceWorks is a modern telepsychology practice offering evidence-based care for: Autism & ADHD, Anxiety & Depression, OCD, Trauma, Insomnia, Kids & Families, and more.
These conditions frequently co-occur, can be difficult to diagnose, and also difficult to treat - often requiring specialist knowledge and direct clinical experience to achieve the best possible outcomes.
That's why research and training are the foundation of our work.
Our goal is sharing our knowledge with our friends, clients, and partners to build a stronger, more informed mental health community.
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Kids & Families
Stay informed with news and updates from clinical experts. Scientific information, evidence-based treatments, and more.


ADHD testing for teens Nashville TN: What Parents Should Know
If you’re considering ADHD testing for teens in Nashville, TN, this guide explains when an evaluation makes sense, what a solid assessment includes, how school input helps, and what supports to use after.

Ryan Burns
Jan 38 min read


Parent Training for ADHD: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and What Changes Fastest
Parent training ADHD isn’t about “fixing” your child. It’s an evidence-based skill set that helps you reduce power struggles, build routines, support executive function, and recover faster after big feelings so home feels calmer.

Ryan Burns
Dec 21, 20258 min read


PDA vs ODD: What’s Similar, What’s Different, and Why It Matters
Confused about pda vs odd? From the outside, both can look like “refusing.” But the why is often different. This guide breaks down what overlaps, what’s distinct, and how choosing the right support plan can reduce power struggles at home and school.

Kiesa Kelly
Dec 21, 20258 min read


PDA Profile: Meaning, Signs, and Support That Doesn’t Turn Into a Power Struggle
A pda profile describes when everyday requests (even enjoyable ones) can feel like a threat to autonomy—triggering intense avoidance, big emotions, and “power struggle” cycles. This guide explains signs across ages and offers dignity-preserving supports.

Kiesa Kelly
Dec 21, 20258 min read


ROCD: Relationship OCD Signs and Cycles
ROCD (relationship OCD) can make normal relationship uncertainty feel urgent and dangerous, pulling you into “Do I really love them?” loops. This guide breaks down common ROCD symptoms, the obsession–compulsion cycle, and how ERP and I-CBT help you relate to doubts differently.

Ryan Burns
Dec 21, 20258 min read


Do I Need an ADHD Assessment or Therapy? A Decision Guide for ADHD + Demand Avoidance
If you’re wondering, do I need an ADHD assessment or therapy, you’re not alone. This decision guide helps you choose the next best step for clarity, relief, and support systems, especially when demand avoidance, anxiety, or possible AuDHD are in the mix.

Ryan Burns
Dec 17, 20256 min read


Executive Dysfunction vs Demand Avoidance: How Evaluations Tell Them Apart
Executive dysfunction vs demand avoidance both can sound like “they won’t,” but the mechanism matters. Learn how evaluations tell ADHD-style executive overload from a nervous-system threat response to demands—and what supports fit each pattern.

Kiesa Kelly
Dec 17, 20257 min read


PDA not in DSM: What Clinicians Mean by “PDA-Style” Demand Avoidance
“PDA not in DSM” doesn’t mean demand avoidance isn’t real. It means clinicians need careful, evidence-informed language to describe a PDA-style pattern and match supports without over-claiming.

Ryan Burns
Dec 17, 20256 min read


Practical Supports for Pathological Demand Avoidance in Neurodivergent Families
Many families are desperate for something more helpful than “be consistent with consequences.” For autistic demand avoidance, PDA support strategies rooted in safety, autonomy, and collaboration reduce power struggles and open practical pathways to "yes" at home and school.

Ryan Burns
Nov 18, 20257 min read


PDA, Anxiety, or “Oppositional”? Making Sense of Demand Avoidance
Many children and adults who show demand avoidance are not "oppositional" at all. For some, pathological demand avoidance—a profile linked with autism and anxiety—explains why simple requests feel like danger. This article explains pathological demand avoidance, anxiety-driven avoidance, and ODD-style "oppositional" patterns so you can recognize what’s really going on and consider next steps for support.

Ryan Burns
Nov 18, 20258 min read


PDA and ADHD: When Demand Avoidance Shows Up in an ADHD Brain
PDA and ADHD can look similar, but they’re not the same. When demand avoidance in ADHD is driven by overwhelm—not defiance—supports that lower perceived threat and protect autonomy work best. Learn how to tell ADHD from PDA-style demand avoidance and what actually helps.

Kiesa Kelly
Nov 18, 20257 min read


Emotion Regulation Tools for Kids: Scripts You Can Use Right Now
Emotion regulation tools for kids don’t have to be complicated. This guide gives parents simple co-regulation scripts, sensory ideas, and quick steps to help kids calm down, reset, and build emotional skills that last.

Ryan Burns
Oct 13, 20255 min read


From Meltdown to Reset: A Science‑Backed Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Child meltdown co‑regulation helps calm the amygdala–prefrontal circuit so kids can reset rather than escalate. Learn what’s happening in the brain, how co‑regulation works in practice, and ScienceWorks’ step‑by‑step plan to turn meltdowns into teachable moments—and long‑term emotion regulation skills.

Ryan Burns
Oct 12, 20255 min read


Your Child's Meltdowns Aren't Behavior Problems: Understanding and Managing Meltdowns
Your child’s meltdowns aren’t bad behavior—they’re neurological overload. When the brain’s stress response takes over, your child isn’t being defiant—they’re overwhelmed. Your job is safety and calm, not correction. Through co-regulation, patience, and understanding triggers, you can help your child’s nervous system recover and build lasting regulation skills.

Shane Thrapp
Oct 9, 202510 min read


Parent Training: The First Step in Helping Neurodivergent Kids
Struggling to help your ADHD or autistic child? Discover why parent training through ScienceWorks Behavioral Health is the essential foundation that works alongside therapy and other treatments—reducing stress and preventing burnout for the whole family.

Shane Thrapp
Aug 22, 20257 min read


Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance with Neurodivergence: For Parents
When your child refuses demands and has meltdowns, understanding whether it's pathological demand avoidance (PDA) autism, ADHD-related avoidance, anxiety, or typical resistance helps you find the right support approach that works for your family's unique situation.

Kiesa Kelly
Jul 31, 20257 min read
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