Help With School Archives

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

August 2, 2020August 2, 2020

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

Maybe it IS ADHD – Does it Really Matter?

July 21, 2020July 20, 2020

I am often asked if I think ADHD is over-diagnosed. My answer – yes. I also believe it is underdiagnosed. The problem is that there is still not one agreed-upon cohesive and comprehensive protocol for diagnosing ADHD; a real, life-impacting disorder that affects a significant percentage of people. And yet there are still many practitioners who do not include an ADHD screening in their assessments. I believe, and evidence supports, there are enormous lifelong risks to mental health, physical health, employment, … Read more

Introduction to Dyslexia

September 22, 2020May 2, 2020

Given the prevalence of dyslexia co-occurring with ADHD, I thought parents would like to know more about dyslexia. While some researchers say 30-40% of individuals with dyslexia may have ADHD, other researchers say it is likely much higher. Furthermore, many students with learning differences are struggling during online schooling related to COVID-19. Both student and parent are experiencing increased frustration as these students may struggle with independent learning. I have therefore asked a licensed psychologist, Dr. Cynthia Johnson, if she … Read more

Help Your Children Work More Independently: Self-Regulation, Executive Function Skills & the Real Lessons of the Marshmallow Test

April 19, 2020April 18, 2020

Several of the parents I am working with have been struggling to have their children work independently, without the structure and guidance of their teacher. And for many parents who need to get THEIR OWN work done at the same time – well, it’s been a lot to deal with! For many clients, we have been successful in developing routines and practices that have been very effective. I would be lying, however, if I said it was easy or always … Read more

Addressing the Link Between Learning Differences—and Anxiety & Depression

November 19, 2019November 19, 2019

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

Parenting Your Child for Career Success

October 24, 2019October 24, 2019

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