Dyslexia
Should You Tell Your Child Their Diagnosis? (explaining ADHD, autism, and learning disorders)
One of the most common questions parents ask after an evaluation is: “Should I tell my child their diagnosis?” The simple answer is, “yes”… but let’s talk through why, how and when. Sometimes the diagnosis feels helpful and clarifying. Other times it feels heavy. Parents may worry about labeling, stigma, or whether their child will see themselves differently. …
Read MorePrint Books vs. Digital Books
As digital devices become more common in children’s daily lives, many parents are asking whether it matters if their child reads stories on a screen or from a traditional printed book. The short answer? Both formats can support literacy—but they offer different experiences. And depending on your child’s age, reading ability, and learning needs, one…
Read MoreAnxiety and Dyslexia
The relationship between anxiety and dyslexia is complex. Studies show that social anxiety is the most common type of anxiety that individuals with dyslexia experience. Social anxiety might manifest when a child is expected to read aloud or participate in discussions about the reading material. Being around others who do not have dyslexia can present…
Read MoreWhat’s After High School for Teens with Special Needs?
Young adults with a history of developmental differences may not follow the same path as their peers. It’s easy to feel lost when counseling centers and teachers focus primarily on transition to a 4-year college. This may not be the path your teen should take. You can start by looking at your teen’s strengths…
Read MoreIf Your Child Needs Help in the Public Schools…
There is a formal process for getting your child the help they need. The details will vary by state, but the general steps are similar. Also keep in mind that some schools have more resources than others, so delays can be quite long (e.g., 3-6 months or more). Begin to advocate as soon as possible!…
Read MoreWhy Can’t My Child Retain Sight Words?
It can be so confusing when you review letters or sight words over and over with your child, but they don’t stick. It’s especially hard to understand when your child easily remembers the things they enjoy. How can this be? When a child is struggling to make progress in reading, it’s likely because there are…
Read MoreCurious About Learning Disabilities?
I am surprised how often learning disabilities (or learning disorders) are misunderstood. This label can be mistakenly used as a general description for a child who has any type of learning challenges, including by pediatricians and other medical doctors. But a learning disorder is actually a specific pattern in how a child’s overall cognitive versus…
Read MoreHow Do I Find the Right School for My Child?
Regardless of a child’s abilities, many parents worry about their educational setting at some point. Is your child getting enough support? Is your child being challenged? Are your child’s peers a good influence? If only there was a crystal ball… In some cases, families really know that their child’s school is not a good fit.…
Read MorePsychoeducational vs. Neuropsychological Evaluation
If your child has been referred for a psychoeducational evaluation, you are likely noticing differences, delays, or problems at school. The goal of a psychoeducational evaluation is to evaluate intellectual functioning and academic functioning. Foundational language skills (e.g., phonological processing, verbal retrieval and fluency) may also be evaluated because weaknesses can contribute to a learning…
Read MoreDyslexia in Children with Medical and Genetic Conditions
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects reading, as well as writing, spelling, and spoken language. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they can affect educational progress significantly when a child does not get timely intervention. Dyslexia affects around 15-20% of the general population. Depending on the study methods, sample, and reading…
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