Dr Jephtha Tausig

04/23/2026

Simple and effective tips to self care!

Self‑care isn’t about finding one perfect habit — it’s about building small layers of support that work together.
Each layer may have “holes,” but together they help protect your energy and wellbeing.

04/17/2026

Identifying Autism in Children
Since there isn’t a blood test for Autism, diagnosis relies more upon observations of a child’s behaviors. These observations can include Developmental Monitoring to see how and when a child is meeting their developmental milestones. Developmental Screening (usually recommended at nine months, 18 months, and 30 months) involves using checklists and surveys that caregivers complete. The results are compared to that of children of the same age. If concerns emerge regarding a child's possible Autism, then a more in-depth evaluation can be done to determine whether a child meets the criteria for Autism.

drjeph.com/autism for the blog

04/07/2026

Dorsal Vagal Shutdown: When Your Nervous System Goes Offline—

When Aaron, 35, experiences dorsal vagal shutdown as an autistic person, his body feels massively heavy and isn’t as responsive as normal. Mentally, everything feels more taxing.

‍“I feel uncoordinated because even just moving around and existing takes significant effort,” he says. “If I try to power through those moments, it feels like pulling myself out of a vat of sludge, and then moving around still covered in it.”
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Simply put, dorsal vagal shutdown is “a state of overwhelm of the nervous system,” explains Jephtha Tausig, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in autism. It commonly occurs in autistic and neurodivergent adults, like Aaron.

See the story: wwwdrjeph.com

02/19/2026

Dr Jeph latest blog post on Rest, Recover, Recharge, Reconnect - The Importance of Taking a Pause.
In a culture that often rewards constant motion, productivity, and “pushing through,” the simple act of pausing can feel unfamiliar—or even uncomfortable. Yet rest is not a luxury; it’s a biological and emotional necessity. Without intentional pauses, our nervous systems remain in a state of heightened alert, making it harder to think clearly, regulate emotions, and feel connected to ourselves or others.

drjeph.com/rest-recover-recharge-reconnect

02/14/2026

Dr. Jeph was recently interviewed by Parents Magazine, where she provided expert commentary on the emerging parenting trend “Play Pockets,” highlighting the importance of intentional, screen-free time to support independence, creativity, and emotional development.

Dr. Tausig says this method can be very helpful for families, but it’s not the answer for everyone.

Some kids, especially older ones, might get bored with just a small collection of items. Some parents might interact too much, or too little, and the play pocket might not encourage independent play as expected. And while some families might be able to cut down on toys, others might be bothered having toys in every room.



See story: bit.ly/3MvuGdR

12/25/2025

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes—most commonly occurring during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are reduced. Unlike general depression, SAD follows a predictable pattern and is closely tied to circadian rhythm disruption, serotonin regulation, and light exposure. While mild seasonal mood shifts are common, SAD can significantly affect energy levels, motivation, and overall functioning.
See the story: drjeph.com/seasonal

11/18/2025

Effective planning and communication are crucial for a stress-free holiday season.

1. Plan your schedule wisely, avoiding overscheduling and allowing for flexibility.
2. Delegate tasks to family members to share responsibilities and foster teamwork.
3. Establish a plan for handling unexpected issues and conflicts.

See the story: drjeph.com/holiday-gathering

11/14/2025

Men’s mental health is gaining more attention than ever—and for good reason. From workplace pressures to shifting expectations around masculinity, men face unique stressors and often greater hurdles in seeking support. But talking about mental health is never a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful act of strength. See Men’s Story: bit.ly/4oOLvys

10/22/2025

As the semester reaches its midpoint, students often begin to feel the cumulative pressures of academic demands, extracurricular commitments, and social responsibilities. It’s a natural time for parents and educators to pause, reflect, and check in on students’ overall well-being. Dr. Jeph shares insights on recognizing signs of stress, maintaining emotional balance, and fostering healthy daily routines that support resilience and growth. See the story: https://drjeph.com/semester-checkin

06/23/2025

Fox 5’s news reporter Richard Giacovas explored how changes in weather can impact our mental health and spoke with Dr. Jeph for her expert insight on Seasonal Affective Disorder.

“It’s not abnormal to feel a certain way about the weather. In fact, it’s a disorder that some people suffer from. Seasonal Affective Disorder can lead to depression. It can lead to a lack of motivation.” Dr. Jeph



Watch the full interview here: bit.ly/3HS0ve4