Additional Resources

Description:

Executive function is like the brain's "command center" - it controls planning, organization, time management, emotional regulation, and impulse control. Many children and teens we work with struggle in these areas, whether due to ADHD, anxiety, trauma, or other factors.

Research:

• Executive function in children with neurodevelopmental conditions - Nature Human Behaviour, 2024

• Executive function deficits in ADHD and autism - PMC, 2024

Description:

Many children and teens feel emotions intensely and struggle to manage them. This can show up as meltdowns, anxiety, shutting down, or angry outbursts. Research shows emotional regulation is a skill that can be developed with the right support.

Research:

• Evidence of emotion dysregulation as a core symptom of adult ADHD - PLOS ONE, 2023

• Emotional dysregulation and ADHD - PMC, 2014

• Emotional and sensory dysregulation: A review - Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2023

Description:

Physical activity and time in nature aren't just good for general health - research shows they directly improve attention, emotional regulation, and mental wellbeing. This is why our 100-acre ranch setting is central to our approach.

Research:

• Effects of physical exercise on attention and executive function in children - Science Direct, 2022

• Attention Improves During Physical Exercise - Frontiers in Psychology, 2018

• Physical exercise and mental health - PMC, 2020

• ADHD and Exercise - Child Mind Institute

Content: Our work with horses, goats, cats, and other animals is backed by growing research showing that animal-assisted therapy can reduce anxiety, build trust, and help children open up in ways traditional office settings may not.

Research:

• Animal-Assisted Intervention for Mental Health - PMC, 2022

• Equine-Assisted Therapy for Children and Adolescents - Frontiers in Psychology, 2021

• Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Children - PubMed, 2019

Content: Some children experience intense emotional pain in response to perceived criticism or rejection. A small correction can feel devastating. Understanding this helps parents and teachers respond with compassion rather than frustration.

Research:

• Qualitative study on emotional sensitivity in young adults - PMC, 2023

• The lived experience of rejection sensitivity - medRxiv, 2024

• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: Symptoms & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic

Many children - especially girls - learn to hide their struggles to fit in. They may appear "fine" at school but fall apart at home. Research shows this masking is exhausting and can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Research:

• Masking and quality of life in neurodivergent adults - Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2025

• Camouflaging in ADHD and autism - Autism Research, 2024

• Identity work among girls: Social camouflaging in school - PMC, 2025

Content: Many children we work with have experienced trauma - big or small. Our approach is informed by research on how trauma affects the developing brain and how safety, connection, and regulation support healing.

Research:

• Trauma-Informed Care: What It Is and Why It's Important - SAMHSA/NCBI

• The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences - CDC

Content: Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges in young people. Research shows that avoidance makes anxiety worse, while gradual exposure and coping skills build resilience.

Research:

• Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents - PMC, 2019

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Child Anxiety - Child Mind Institute

• Childhood Anxiety: What Parents Can Do - CDC