Linda Downey, MSW, LCSW

Linda has a passion for supporting and empowering parents. She received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Missouri, St. Louis in 2014 and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Linda is the owner of Downey Parent Coaching and Counseling, which provides online coaching services to help families learn what strategies, resources, and changes will make a difference in their homes.

 

When not empowering families, Linda enjoys spending her time with her husband and daughter. Her hobbies include being outside with nature, mid-century modern antiquing, reading, and warm cups of coffee. You can find more about her here.

Linda Downey, MSW, LCSW
Mother and authistic daughter sleeping together on a sofa in living room at home.

Autism, Sleep

Autism and Sleep: Strategies to Improve Bedtime for Your Child

Autism and sleep problems often go together. Improving sleep can help your child be less irritable and learn better and reduce stress in your home.

Mom and her daughter child girl are playing, smiling and hugging at home.

Development, Parenting

Responsive Parenting: Building Strong Bonds with Your Child

Responsive parenting raises well-adjusted kids by combining appropriate expectations with high levels of emotional support. Learn how to be a responsive parent.

Closeup male kid hands drawing by fingers funny car character on sand wooden table therapy.

Behavior

What is a Sensory Diet?

For kids that struggle with overstimulation or understimulation, a sensory diet can be a helpful to help them feel more calm and in control of their bodies.

A girl with EEG leads on her head.

Special Needs

5 Coping Strategies for Parents of Kids With Epilepsy

Coping with childhood epilepsy can be stressful, but focusing on strategies to support you and your family can positively impact your child’s well-being.

Adoptive family meeting with social worker.

Adoption and Foster Care

Are You Qualified to Be a Foster or Adoptive Parent?

Foster parents support children in need of a safe and caring temporary home. Find out if you’re qualified or what disqualifies you from being a foster parent.

Asian disability boy learning color Painting in classroom with Autism girl in special school with female teacher.

Development

Speech Delay vs Autism: How to Recognize the Difference

Some children with speech delays are diagnosed with autism. Understand the difference between speech delays and autism to help your child get the right support.

Mother and daughter consueling baby crying at kindergarten.

Behavior

Toddler Crying? 6 Reasons Why and How to Handle Them

Toddler crying is exhausting and unpredictable. Learn ways to understand and support your child through this emotional and normal stage of development.

Cute little toddler girl sitting on the ground after falling at summer park.

Sensory Activities

Sensory Seeking Behavior in Children: What to Know

Is your child constantly moving, jumping, in your face, or touching things? These sensory-seeking behaviors are stressful. Learn ways you can help your child.

Speech and language development for babies producing babbling sounds.

Development

The Babbling Stage in Childhood Language Acquisition

Babbling is cute and silly, but it also plays an important role in your infant’s language development. Learn how you can encourage your child to babble more.

Toddler girl walking from dad to mothers arms in sitting room.

Development

What Is Joint Attention & Why Is It Important?

The ability to respond and initiate joint attention is necessary for developing relationships. Learn strategies to foster joint attention for your child.

Photo of cheerful relaxed mother pretty lady hold small newborn baby boy cuddle wear white t-shirt home indoors.

Behavior

Why Is My Baby So Clingy All of a Sudden?

When a baby becomes clingy all of a sudden it can be exhausting. Remain calm and learn ways to support your child through this normal phase of development.

Worried autistic boy sitting with crossed legs on mint chair during conversation with psychiatrist.

Autism, Behavior

How to Discipline a Child With Autism

Disciplining a child with autism involves using consistent, gentle discipline techniques and understanding your child’s specific needs and behaviors.