Practical Guidance For Everyday Challenges
Parents often know where their child or teen is struggling but aren't quite sure what to do next. They may be wondering whether a concern needs more attention, or they may already have recommendations from an evaluation and need help putting them into action.
The Practical Tools library from the Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Center offers free, parent-friendly resources to help. You'll find practical guides, printable tools, and screening resources designed to help you better understand what you're seeing, try strategies at home and school, start conversations, and consider when additional support may be helpful.
A Tool Is A Starting Point
Children and teens can struggle with the same task for very different reasons, including challenges with attention, language, executive functioning, anxiety, or development.
These tools provide a place to start, but they aren't a substitute for understanding an individual child's strengths and needs. When concerns are persistent, affect several areas of life, or significantly interfere with learning, relationships, emotional well-being, or independence, a more comprehensive evaluation may help clarify why a child is struggling and where to focus your efforts.
Explore Practical Tools
Explore the categories below based on the question you're trying to answer or the support your child or teen needs right now. New resources will continue to be added.
- Wondering if your child needs more help? Screening and decision tools can help you consider whether a concern may warrant additional support or evaluation.
- Would My Toddler or Preschooler Benefit From an Evaluation?
- Would My School-Age Child Benefit From an Evaluation?
- Would My Teen or Young Adult Child Benefit From an Evaluation?
- Is Anxiety Getting in the Way? A Structured Observation Tool
- Talking with your child or teen. Parent guides can help you start conversations about diagnoses, learning differences, and self-advocacy.
- Making daily life easier. Everyday tools and templates can support routines, visual schedules, organization, chores, and growing independence.
- Working with your child's school. School and advocacy tools can help you communicate with educators, prepare for meetings, and support your child's needs.