The Student Wheel of Life: How Satisfied Are You Now?

Taking time to reflect and evaluate how satisfied we are with our lives may seem like something only adults do. I have found that helping children (of all ages) examine key areas of their lives in an intentional exercise can be very beneficial.   Positive change is most likely to occur when we first assess our current situation. I have found that the “Wheel of Life” assessment is a safe, non-judgmental, non-evaluative tool that allows for reflection and creates a structure and … Read more

“Why Don’t You Listen?” How to Stop Nagging and Start Communicating

I recently wrote this article for ADDitude Magazine online. I hope you find it helpful. Your child may be ignoring your requests for very good reasons. Instead of insisting on compliance and obedience, find out the source of their resistance by engaging in teachable moments. “My son just doesn’t listen to me.” “My daughter snaps back when I ask her to do something.” “Why doesn’t he show me a little respect?” I hear comments like these all the time from … Read more

Improving your Child’s ADHD, Emotional, and Mental Wellness – Meet Esteem

I’m excited to share that PTS coaching and Esteem Therapeutics are working together to bring my parent education and coaching services to their ADHD parenting app. I was attracted to collaborate with the founders of Esteem because, like me, they recognize that parents need education and support to help their children thrive, not just treatment for their children.  Over the last few months, we have been strategizing together on how we can help as many people as possible. Esteem helps … Read more

Is Clutter Controlling Your Child’s ADHD Life – or Yours?

Two years ago, when I first moved to Colorado from New York, I met Beth Blacker, Founder and Chief Clutter Controller of It’s Just Stuff. I love her enthusiasm and passion for helping anyone struggling to create and maintain organizing systems for daily life. As a specialist in ADHD, I certainly know how complex and deeply rooted these struggles can be. In this article, Beth shares some really good organizing tips and advice for children with ADHD (& their parents) and … Read more

What Every High School and College Kid Needs to Know About Their ADHD Medication

As High School and College students embark on their journey into a new school year, whether in-person/on-campus, virtually, or a combination of both, I’d like to offer this very important reminder regarding ADHD stimulant medication, and its use, misuse, overuse, and safekeeping. We know that a significant number of kids take stimulants, either not prescribed to them or prescribed inappropriately, in an effort to deal with academic pressures. Some also use stimulants as part of a weight-loss strategy or to … Read more

ADHD Diagnosis, Therapy, & Treatment Guide

Science has come a long way in the last decade. Mainstream medical, psychological, and educational organizations have concluded that ADHD is a real, brain-based medical disorder. Getting a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the lives of those who struggle. This guide will help clarify what is involved in getting a proper diagnosis and the various treatment options that have been recognized as effective. What is involved in a proper diagnosis? A proper diagnosis is dependent on a … Read more

Addressing the Link Between Learning Differences—and Anxiety & Depression

Last month I took part in a panel discussion at the Innovative Learning Conference in San Mateo, California. This conference brought together top people in the fields of learning, neuroscience, and clinical practice, including Ned Hallowell, Thomas Brown, Akihiko Takahashi, and Adam Gazzaley. Following our panel discussion, we collaborated to answer some of the questions that we did not have time to address during our talk. I am sharing the questions and answers below, along with some additional helpful resources. … Read more

What is Involved in Getting an Evaluation for ADHD and Learning Disabilities?

Now that the school year is in full swing, I am often asked by parents if they should seek an evaluation for their child to address concerns that either they have or that someone at their child’s school has raised. I have asked a licensed psychologist, Dr. Cynthia Johnson, if she could answer a few questions to help parents determine when, where, and how to go about having their child evaluated. If a parent tells you that his or her … Read more

Parenting Your Child for Career Success

Whether your child is five, fifteen, or twenty-five, the issue of career development is an essential and valuable discussion. I believe this to be true for “typical” children, along with every other person. Why – because how we view ourselves, how we picture our future, and what we are exposed to as we learn and grow into our future selves has a tremendous impact on the trajectory of our lives. Now before you start thinking that I want young children … Read more

What exactly IS a Parent Coach? 

For over ten years, I have been working with parents of children who have ADHD, executive function challenges, learning challenges, and behavioral challenges. When parents initially contact me, they are often seeking support to help their children directly.  Our skilled Coaches do provide direct support to teens and college students. But, parents sometimes become disappointed to find that their child is not ready or willing to fully engage in the coaching process, yet. While parents may feel it would be … Read more

ADHD Treatment Options

ADHD Is Absolutely Treatable

Russell Barkley, recognized authority on ADHD, gave a powerful keynote presentation at the November 2018 International Conference on ADHD titled Advances in Understanding the Symptoms of ADHD.  He outlined the numerous and potential serious impairments that ADHD can have on major life activities. When not properly treated and managed, people with ADHD do not learn to regulate their moods, impulses, and actions.  This makes them more susceptible to health issues (not properly managing weight, exercise, alcohol, drugs), anxiety, depression, risky behaviors, … Read more

What Makes Waking Up So Difficult for People with ADHD

In a previous article, What makes sleep so difficult for kids with ADHD, We explored the difficulties that children and adolescents may have with falling asleep.  As we have mentioned in many sessions with parents and professionals, research shows that between 25 and 50% of people with ADHD have clinically reported sleep difficulties. These can be attributed to biology, stimulant medication side effects, lack of consistent bedtime routine, and characteristics related to the ADHD itself. For many parents, getting their children … Read more

What I Learned About Time Management from Running and a Tomato

Life lessons often come from places you least expect.  Now before you become concerned that I am going to preach the virtues of running or changing your diet, no worries – that’s not my agenda.  I would like to share, however, what I have learned this past year, NOT about Time Management, but TRUE PRODUCTIVITY.  After all, isn’t that the real goal of managing time, to increase your overall success in accomplishing what you want in life? If anyone would have … Read more