Dr Jephtha Tausig

10/06/2026

When tutoring isn’t helping, a professional assessment may offer insight into a child’s learning challenges. This blog explains how evaluators determine the appropriate testing, how parents can discuss concerns with teachers, and how assessment results can guide classroom accommodations and support at home.

drjeph.com/child-assessment

09/11/2026

A Back-to-School Mental Health Toolkit - Four practical strategies to help children manage anxiety, communicate concerns, and begin the school day more calmly

The transition back to school can bring excitement, uncertainty, and stress for children and their families. A back-to-school mental health toolkit does not need to be complicated. A few simple routines can help children regulate anxious feelings, talk more openly about their experiences, and move through school mornings with greater calm and confidence.

See the story:bit.ly/4ysua2p

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