9675 SE 36th St, Ste. 100
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(206) 275-2122
(206) 275-0860
Education and Resources
Appendix
Research shows that parents reported more confidence in their parenting role as a result of searching for medical information online.
Yet they often do not discuss this information with their pediatrician, because they see it as supplementing rather than replacing guidance received at primary care visits.
At Mercer Island Pediatrics, we strongly believe in the importance of shared decision-making and parental empowerment. We see parents as children's health advocates and appreciate the insight only they can provide.
The internet can be a valuable resource, but it can also cause unnecessary worry and false information. We want to encourage parents to share all of their concerns without fear of judgement, so that we may build trust and work together to provide the best care for your child.
Our job as medical practitioners is to provide recommendations based on the standards set forth by the AAP and other health organizations, and we hope that parents understand our responsibility to do so. Nevertheless, open communication allows us to find common ground and develop a plan of action that all parties feel comfortable with. It also challenges us to take different approaches to health management, when appropriate. Most importantly, we share a common goal - supporting the well-being and wonderful potential of your family.
ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Learning Differences and Disorders
Education, resources, support, and networking opportunities
Psychology Today Therapist Network:
Search engine for therapists and counselors that specialize in ADHD in King County
International Dyslexia Association:
Dyslexia research, information, and advocacy
Learning Disabilities Association of America:
Information and support including pages for kids
Help to understand all kinds of learning differences
Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD):
The national resource center on ADHD
Resources for parents developed by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Information and resources for teaching students with ADHD
BOOKS ON ADHD
Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents (Revised Edition)
Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D.
Raising Resilient Children: Fostering Strength, Hope and Optimism in Your Child
Robert Brooks, Ph.D. and Sam Goldstein, Ph.D.
Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults
Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D.
Late, Lost, and Unprepared: A Parents' Guide to Helping Children with Executive Functioning
Joyce Cooper-Kahn, Ph.D. and Laurie Dietzel, Ph.D.
Ross W. Greene, Ph.D.
Parenting Children with ADHD: 10 Lessons That Medicine Cannot Teach
Vincent J. Monastra, Ph.D.
Raising Boys with ADHD: Secrets for Parenting Healthy, Happy Sons
Mary Anne Richey and James W. Forgan
Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D.
Peg Dawson and Richard Guare
The ADHD Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Gain Motivation and Confidence
Lara Honos-Webb, Ph.D.
Teenagers with ADD, ADHD, and Executive Function Deficits: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
Chris A. Zeigler Dendy, M.S.
Immunizations/Vaccinations
American Academy of Pediatrics:
Trusted info about immunizations
Conversation exploring vaccine hesitancy
UN support for immunizations worldwide
Info on vaccines for a number of populations, including schedule, information statement sheets, and side effects
Allergies and Asthma
Allergy and Asthma Network:
Information on allergies and asthma
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI):
Trusted resource for accurate, local pollen and mold levels. Can sign up for email alerts
Food Allergy Research and Education:
Trusted tools and resources for families about food allergies
LGBTQ
LGBTQ-Themed Picture Books for Children:
Picture books for children about the experience of knowing or having a gay parent, family member, or friend, as well as books for gender nonconforming kids
SFSU: Family Acceptance Project:
Publications, training, and resource materials for families of LGBTQ youth. Including family education booklets for English-speaking and LDS families
Lambert House:
Activity center in Seattle for LGBTQ youth, which empowers youth through the development of leadership, social and life skills
Amplify Your Voice: YouthResource:
A website BY youth and FOR youth, addressing many questions and concerns about growing up LGBTQ
Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG):
Seattle Chapter -- meetings and information
Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG):
Bellevue/Eastside -- meetings and information
Youth Eastside Services: B-GLAD:
Drop-in support group open to kids ages 13-19 who may identify as LGBTQ who may be questioning their sexuality
It Gets Better Project:
Communicates to LGBTQ youth around the world that it gets better, and creates/inspires the changes needed to make it better for them
TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation:
FAQs and resources regarding gender dysphoria in youth
American Academy of Pediatrics: Gender Non-Conforming:
Info and FAQs about raising a gender non-conforming or a transgender child
LGBTQ+ Guide for College Bound Students
Resources and a guide for college-bound students to aid in locating and navigating LGBTQ+-friendly universities and communities.
The Trevor Project
A nonprofit organization that provides life-saving and life-affirming services to LGBTQ+ youth.
General Medical Care
American Academy of Pediatrics:
Trusted advice for parents
National Center for Medical Home Implementation:
Info for families about the best health care
Well Visit Planner:
Plan each of your child’s well visits, information about what is covered at each visit
AAP Symptom Checker:
Should you call 911? Should you make an appointment? What about home care? Simple tool to use
Parent Help 123:
Within Reach’s website to help connect parents to health insurance and health insurance subsidies/Medicaid
Text 4 Baby:
Credible information for expecting and new parents; sign up for texts and other information
Child Care
Child Care Aware of Washington:
Will help you find licensed child care and other resources
Within Reach’s website to help connect parents to child care subsidies and other resources
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education:
Trusted information about health and safety in child care
Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center:
Homepage includes a Head Start locator
Washington State Department of Early Learning:
Information about licensed care in Washington State
Autism Spectrum Disorder
CDC: Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Credible information on ASD, including early signs, causes and risk factors, treatment options, current research, and free materials
Autism Speaks:
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and advocacy
Mental Health
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA):
Info and resources
International Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Foundation:
Includes information about OCD in children
Changes Parent Support Network:
A structured, peer-led program that provides support to parents struggling with children who are engaging in oppositional and self-destructive behaviors
Trichotillomania Learning Center:
Resources for families of children suffering from trichotillomania (hair-pulling)
stopbullying.gov:
Information for parents and ideas for prevention of bullying
Youth Eastside Services Violence Prevention Pages:
To prevent bullying and dating violence
Bullying -- It’s Not OK:
important information for parents about bullying
How Children Cope With Ongoing Threat and Trauma:
Info and resources from the National Organization of School Psychologists about the psychological stress associated with extended periods of feeling at-risk, including from violence in news media
Concussion
Complete CDC information about concussions
Online Training
Seattle Children's Hospital ImPACT Baseline Testing:
Sessions for children 13+ years of age that participate in collision-potential athletics
Healthy Children: Concussions:
Info on prevention, symptoms, and treatment
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy:
Specific stepwise return-to-play protocol following concussion for a number of pediatric athletics, including gymnastics, cheerleading, and lacrosse
Nutrition and Active Living
Fun and engaging information for parents and children about healthy physical activity and nutrition
Outstanding information about nutrition, this replaces the outdated food pyramid, pages and games for children
Encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running
Development, Early Learning, and Literacy
Trusted national organization with large amount of parent support materials
Zero to Three: "Little Kids, Big Questions" podcast series:
12 podcasts about issues facing parents, including influence of media, and coping with crying in babies and toddlers
Information for parents to support development, videos, and newsletter
Mercer Island Preschool Association:
The only preschool PTA in the state, includes children’s activities, parent support and advocacy
Books Build Connections: Literacy Toolkit:
AAP resources for parents including videos about reading and teaching to read for babies
CDC: Learn the Signs, Act Early:
Information for parents about promoting young children’s development, free resources
Book list recommendations for kids from birth to teens, includes resources for free books.
King County Library: K-12 Resources:
Find story times in many languages, download e-books, and much more.
Free, easy-to-use learning tips for children 5 and under, developed by early learning experts
Gastrointestinal and Digestive Health
GI Kids:
Digestive health information including constipation, celiac, inflammatory bowel disease
AAP: GERD/Reflux
Information on mild to severe reflux, and treatment
AAP: Diarrhea
Treatment do's and dont's
AAP: Constipation
Causes, treatment, and prevention
AAP: Abdominal Pain in Children and Teens
Most common causes, and when to call your doctor
GI Kids: Cow's Milk Protein Intolerance
Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment
Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergy, and Gluten Sensitivity
Descriptions and distinguishing symptoms
Parenting Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics:
Trusted advice for parents, in English and Spanish
Zero to Three: "Little Kids, Big Questions" podcast series:
12 podcasts about issues facing parents, including influence of media, and coping with crying in babies and toddlers
Well Visit Planner:
Plan each of your child’s well visits, information about what is covered at each visit
Parent Help 123:
Within Reach’s website to help connect parents to health insurance and health insurance subsidies/Medicaid
Text 4 Baby:
Credible information for expecting and new parents; sign up for texts and other information
Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS):
Brings new families together in neighborhood-based parents' groups
Community of Mindful Parenting: Listening Mothers:
This program offers a unique opportunity for parents of babies birth through six months of age to discover the joys of parenting, using a proven curriculum that helps turn every moment into positive moments
Dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. This site empowers parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives
A new, theory-based and evidence-informed educational resource created by educators and researchers at Stanford Medicine, for anyone that works with youth.
King County Distaster Preparedness:
Disaster Preparedness resource for families in King County
Traveler's Health
The Center for Disease Control:
Up to date health and vaccine recommendations, as well as safety and travel guidance, for international travelers
Teen Health
A new, theory-based and evidence-informed educational resource created by educators and researchers at Stanford Medicine, for anyone that works with youth.
Credible website with general health information for girls from 11-25 years
Credible website with general health information for boys from 11- 25 years