Learning
What Research Is Teaching Us About Dyslexia
Over the past two decades, researchers have learned much more about how children learn to read, why some children struggle, and how best to support them. As a neuropsychologist who frequently evaluates children for dyslexia and other learning differences, I believe it is important for families to understand how this evolving research is shaping the…
Read MoreHelp Your Child Build Study Skills
Supporting your child’s learning at home can feel like a delicate balancing act. You want to help—of course you do—but you also want your child to grow confident, independent, and capable. The good news is that with a few intentional strategies, you can create a homework routine that builds study skills, lowers stress, and supports…
Read MoreUnderstanding Neurodivergence, Anxiety, and Accommodations
For many parents, one of the hardest parts of raising a neurodivergent child is figuring out what belongs to the child’s unique way of thinking and what comes from anxiety layered on top of it. The two can be very difficult to tease apart. Because anxiety can be common among neurodivergent children, it can influence…
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 MoreReduce Learning Losses Over Summer
To reduce the effects of the “summer slide”— or the academic regression that many students experience during extended breaks from school — try to blend learning opportunities into your child’s preferred activities or daily routines. Here are some ideas that you can adjust based on your child’s age… Daily Reading No matter your child’s age,…
Read MorePrepare in Advance for Teacher Conferences
Teachers don’t always have time to communicate with parents on a regular basis. Things get missed – all the time. Parents can be surprised by how much they learn when information is directly requested. If you are already aware of things you need to monitor, write down your questions so you don’t forget. If your…
Read MoreThe Limitations of a Psychoeducational Evaluation
It’s distressing to sit with parents after they’ve taken a long winding path, and they’re still searching for answers about their struggling child. They are frustrated and anxious. They may question the diagnosis given to their child or worry about minimal progress with tutoring or therapy. When the child had a prior psychoeducational evaluation, they…
Read MoreAnxiety and ADHD
Recent estimates from a very large US study (>45,000 participants) with the CDC shows that around 35% of children and 43% of adolescents/teens with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder (Danielson et al., 2024). Next to behavioral/conduct problems, anxiety is the most commonly associated disorder with ADHD. Why and how are anxiety and ADHD related?…
Read MoreAnxiety and Math
The impact of anxiety on math achievement has received significant attention in the field of educational research. There is no doubt that anxiety symptoms and math performance are negatively related (as one goes up, the other goes down). In some kids, problems in math may cause anxiety. But in other kids, anxiety may contribute to…
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…
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