Insights on Children of Immigrants in “Joy Ride”

I must admit, I approached “Joy Ride” with some skepticism. Over the past few years, we’ve seen an influx of Asian American films across various Hollywood genres, from romantic comedies to superhero blockbusters and introspective dramas. While many of these films have been exceptional, I’ve noticed a recurring theme in some of them: the protagonist’s …

Read more

Facebook’s Impact on Dementia in the Modern Era

In the spring of 2018, an unexpected Facebook-friend request landed in my notifications. It was from someone claiming to be my father, but there was something off about it. The profile featured my dad’s photos, but the name was misspelled. Not thinking much of it, I reported the account and moved on with my life. …

Read more

The Atlantic: Reflecting on the First Child with Autism

Donald Triplett passed away at the age of 89, leading to a global recognition that had previously eluded him in his small town of Forest, Mississippi. His significance stems from being identified as “Case 1, Donald T” in the initial batch of autism case studies in 1943, making him the first child to be diagnosed …

Read more

Homeroom Dilemma: My Child Is Experiencing Cyberbullying

Editor’s Note: Abby Freireich and Brian Platzer answer questions about children’s education from readers every Tuesday. Have a question? Email them at [email protected]. Dear Abby and Brian, Our 14-year-old daughter, whom I’ll refer to as “Pam,” is currently experiencing a difficult time. Last week, I discovered her in tears while looking at a photo of …

Read more

Welcome Distraction and Delight Your Friends!

Two years ago, I encountered a unique challenge with one of my psychiatry patients. Despite his typically talkative nature, our Zoom sessions presented a struggle for engagement. The patient seemed to dodge eye contact and remained quiet, only offering brief responses to my questions. Concerned that he may discontinue his treatment, I proposed something unconventional: …

Read more

The Things I Sacrificed When I Gave Up Tears

Crying is a natural biological process, yet it’s not uncommon for people to go long periods without shedding a tear. Author Benjamin Perry’s “Cry, Baby” examines the benefits of crying and why it’s worth reclaiming this emotional act. Perry reflects on his own experiences and how he went from someone who hadn’t cried in years …

Read more