Blog Posts

Can You Just Sit Still and Pay Attention? The Art of Fidgeting

This is certainly a comment many children hear all day long.  Regrettably, it is often said as a statement or command, rather than a question.  For children who have a difficult time managing themselves during class time, or homework time, how we adults intervene can significantly impact the child’s success and self-image. Brain Differences FACT: … Read more

Raise Awareness…  Establish World ADHD Awareness Day

Please read this compelling letter to the World Health Organization by world-renowned Researcher and expert in the field of ADHD, Dr. Russell Barkley. In this letter, he makes the case for establishing a Worldwide ADHD Awareness Day.  He clearly explains the history, the condition, and the challenges of living with and treating ADHD, a disorder … Read more

Let’s address the REAL lesson of the Suicide of Richard Fee

I would like to take a moment to address an article that appeared February 2, 2013 in the NY Times titled Drowned in a Stream of Prescriptions.  There has been a terrible tragedy exposed in the practice of treating ADHD with the death of Richard Fee.  From all accounts, this case was mismanaged.  Unfortunately, most … Read more

No Hits, No Runs, Many Errors…The Adult ADHD Slump

Adult ADHD

ADHD is often thought of as a childhood diagnosis that magically disappears in late adolescence. Up until the last couple of decades the Adult ADHD diagnosis simply did not exist. ADHD affects upwards of 10% of the population, which often persists into adulthood and typically causes individuals to continue to struggle with core symptoms of … Read more

It’s Just a Question…

Have you ever said or done something and the other person with you reacts more strongly or differently than you might have expected?  Perhaps you mention to your friend that you are going to be a few minutes late for tomorrow’s luncheon.  You receive a harsh comeback when you had not anticipated a problem with … Read more

The Fine (or not so fine) Art of Effective Note Taking

A key skill for school success involves the ability to take effective class notes.  Teachers expect that their words will be recorded and that students will use these notes for test preparation, homework completion, essays and other assignments.  In reality, note taking is quite difficult for many students who face challenges caused by inattention, learning … Read more

What is so Difficult about Doing Homework?

Okay, you have resolved some of the more obvious issues.   You have systems in place to help ensure that the proper information and materials arrive home with our child.  Your child has been given a second set of books to keep at home.  Yet, somehow, getting the homework completed at a quality level and returned … Read more

Dear Ms. D.: I letter to my fifth grade teacher

I am Samantha. You may not remember me, you were my fifth-grade teacher in 1998. While I am sure whatever memory you have of me has long faded after years of teaching, you have made an indelible mark on education, my self-esteem and me. Before you assume I am extolling your virtues and teaching abilities, … Read more

Tips, Tools, and Strategies for Managing the College Application Process for Students with ADHD

Making the College Application Process Easier for Students with ADHD Teenagers with ADHD often feel anxious about what the future will hold.  They are not alone in their worry, as parents are often equally or more concerned about the best path for their child. It is therefore recommended that a frank and open family discussion … Read more

ADHD and Back to School Anxiety

Here it is, the new school year.  For many, it’s the time when our children’s carefree smiles disappear and their walk loses some of its lightness.  Stress, overwhelm, and anxiety, creep back into our children’s lives as they approach the beginning of school.  What’s a parent to do? For starters, do whatever you can to find … Read more

Help a Teacher to Understand a Child

It’s 8 am.  The kids are pulling in to school after a long break.   Mrs. S. enters the main office to ask, calmly but assertively, to speak to the Principal.  He greets her with confusion and concern.  Mrs. S. reports that she needs to talk with her son’s Social Studies teacher, NOW! She has prepared … Read more

Great Apps for Parents and Kids

There seems to be an explosion of new apps being developed for computers, tablets and smartphones each day. While it can seem overwhelming, some of these apps are worth learning about. And the best part is that most of them are free or very inexpensive. For those still unfamiliar with what an “app” is, think … Read more