Category: Blog Posts

In 2013, President Obama launched a $100 million initiative to unlock the mysteries of the brain so that brain disorders can be better understood and treated. Now, one year later, the journal Nature reports on the progress toward understanding the function of the brain.

For many years researchers have focused on only certain areas of the brain, so it’s been impossible to sift through these widely dispersed findings and see the function of the brain as a whole. Now a new project is underway to map how the entire brain is connected and how it functions. Once they understand what a normal brain looks like, they can compare diseased brains and see what areas are affected by that particular disease.

To date, they have successfully completed a map of the brain of a mouse. Often rodent brains are the first line of examination since they possess only 75 million neurons, whereas the human brain possesses 86 billion neurons. This map is called the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas and is publicly available.

Because of the advances in computer and imaging technology, the Human Brain Project, an European initiative now feels confident that they can map the entire human brain. See a 3-D view of the connections that have already been discovered here.

This is good news for those who suffer behavioral problems, brain injuries and brain disease. Once the damage is understood, better treatments can be developed. For now, the use of medicines, whole foods, vitamins and supplements can often help heal the brain. This is the type of holistic health regimen that I often use with clients.

Learn more about holistic healing on my website – Mind and Body: Holistic Health.

For more information about the brain – Type the word brain into the search box on my blog and scroll through my previous articles about the fascinating things that have already been discovered.

Recently I was interviewed by Sarah DeWeerdt for an article, Suicidal thoughts alarmingly common in people with autism. At the suggestion of Dr. Oren Shtayermman, PhD, MSW, she spoke with me about what it’s like to have an autistic child express suicidal thoughts. I shared with her the story of my daughter, who used to beg me to kill her so that we both wouldn’t suffer any more. She was in so much emotional pain, and that was the only way she could tell me that she felt helpless. While this is a painful topic, I was glad that I could contribute to further understanding an issue that has for too long been ignored.

The alarming statistics show that both children and adults with autism have a much higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behavior. One study the article quoted says that “two-thirds of a group of adults diagnosed with Asperger syndrome said they had thought about committing suicide at some point, and 35 percent had made specific plans or actually made an attempt.” Research is showing that the very cognitive patterns that people with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome possess make them more vulnerable to suicidal tendencies.

Because those on the Autism Spectrum can’t express their feelings well, it’s been assumed that they don’t feel depressed. When they are asked if they feel depressed, they may say “No”. Yet at that same moment, they may be harboring thoughts of wanting to end their lives. They don’t make the connection. As a result, I am so grateful that research into this connection between autism and suicide is increasing.

It’s important to note that our autistic loved ones may have these suicidal feelings, but be unable to express them. It’s imperative then that we be alert and sensitive to hear their unusual way of crying for help.

Asking for help is another social skill that those with autism may be lacking. If you or someone you know is struggling with hopelessness or deep sadness, I urge you to get help immediately. If you live near Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA please contact my office and set up an appointment. I assure you no matter how bleak your life looks, it can get better.

Read more on my website – Overcoming Depression and Asperger Syndrome.

If you’ve been part of my community for any length of time, you know that I’ve been looking for a new home and office this year. It’s made life very busy and hectic trying to pull it altogether while still caring for my patients. But with the loyal help from my assistant, Michelle, (Thank you so much!) we’ve been able to accomplish it.

I’m happy to announce that as of Monday, August 4th, the office for Dr. Kathy Marshack, is open on Hayden Island in Portland, Oregon. Yes, we’ve moved to a new state, but we’re moving only a few miles across the Columbia River, so it’s actually only minutes from the old office location. Our new address is:

HAYDEN ISLAND PLAZA
700 N Hayden Island Drive
Suite 274
Portland, OR 97217

I love my new office. It’s easy to find. It’s still conveniently located for all of my patients in Washington and Oregon. There is plenty of parking. And since it’s so close to the Columbia River, it’s perfect for taking a short walk and clearing your mind. For the convenience of those on the south side of Portland and City Center, I will still see clients at the office off Macadam in John’s Landing neighborhood in Portland. Need to set up an appointment? You can still contact my office here.

Thank you to everyone who has made this move as painless as possible. I appreciate what each one of you has done.

The internet is gathering data on you. It looks at the websites you visit and the items you purchase as its algorithms try to decipher which ads to put before you to entice you to buy. Now, according to a recent New York Times article, “Your Personality Type, Defined by the Internet“ there’s a new parameter that they’re tracking…Your personality through the choice of words you use when posting to Social Media.

A Berkeley CA. company, Five Labs, has created a new tool that links to Facebook posts and analyzes the way we write in relation to five personality attributes: openness, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and neuroticism. The majority of people who have tried it think it’s fairly accurate.

This is interesting in more than one way. Psychological research has shown that the words we use reflect our personality and frame of mind, so this tool probably is pretty accurate. This little device could become very useful to us, especially when we have difficulty seeing ourselves as we really are. It could be used to help people see areas of their personality that they can change for the better. It also confirms that if we change our words, we can change our attitude and emotions toward life.

What if the results leave you feeling like you need to change? You may want to explore Neuro-Linguistic Programming. It’s a communication technology that has applications in any setting involving human interaction. NLP works because it eliminates the guesswork. Goal setting, negotiating, problem solving, creativity are more streamlined when you know the structure to follow. Consider working with a therapist trained in NLP to assist you in resolving a personal problem or developing your potential. Contact my office to set-up an appointment or to learn more.

Based on my Facebook posts, they classify me as inventive, efficient, sensitive, analytical, and outgoing. Join me on my Facebook page, (https://www.facebook.com/Kathy.Marshack.Ph.D) as we discuss the results you get, how accurate it is and how you feel about this.

Do you sometimes wonder if you matter or can make a difference and a real contribution? Recently I read a heart-warming story about a champion body builder, Mr. Addo, who uses his physical fitness skills and the values from his youth to make a real difference in the lives of others.

You’d expect someone who has won Mr. Ghana bodybuilding championship twice to open up a gym for the elite. Instead, Mr. Addo has found his niche helping senior citizens regain their balance, mobility and strength. As the story explains, “He was raised with the values that improving the lives of one’s elders is of the highest virtue. He brings that to life among this group of retired adults. In his own words he says, ‘They remind me of my grandmothers and aunties back home.’”

This unlikely combination of bodybuilder and the frail elderly has changed many lives for the better. Together they have created a community of people who care about each other, and they work to make each other stronger physically and emotionally.

We can all make a difference in the world when we use our talents to improve the lives of those around us. This giving spirit nurtures both the giver and the receiver. What values and talents do you hold dear, and who can benefit from them? Even our weaknesses can be used to strengthen others. When you find the answer to those questions, you’ll find happiness and purpose. Join us on my Facebook page, (https://www.facebook.com/Kathy.Marshack.Ph.D) and let’s continue the discussion about people who inspire you to achieve your greatest potential.

The Northwest Autism Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides valuable education to those with autism, their families, caregivers, and health care providers. Their services include:

• Publishing a detailed Autism Resource Directory of local and national resources for ASD information and services. (Download the Directory here.)
• Continuing education to the medical professionals in Oregon.
• Sponsoring workshops and lectures about the most up-to-date ASD topics.
• Organizing and sponsoring the annual Autism OASIS conference, which enlists the best scientists and doctors to speak on the most effective treatment options.

They can now add to this list an annual Art Walk that raises money for worthy organizations. Their goal this year is to raise $25,000 for the Victory Academy, Oregon’s only year-round accredited school for children with autism. Victory Academy’s mission is “to provide children affected by ASD with an integrated academic and therapeutic program, carefully designed to address an individual’s strengths and challenges. They foster the development of meaningful relationships and the achievement of life-long learning.”

To support this Art Walk, you can either sponsor your own team or donate to one of the fundraising teams listed here. They are also looking for sponsors and volunteers to help them get this event off the ground. If you’d like to help you can email them at: autismnwaf@gmail.com.