Resources from the Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Center
These online Resources from the Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Center are based on existing research and our clinical expertise. For simplicity, we did not include references or citations unless we are sharing information from a specific source.
Science changes and evolves. Hundreds of scientific papers can be published on a single topic within months, so it can be challenging to keep up! This means that information shared in our Resources might become outdated or inaccurate. We are also continually growing as clinicians, as clinical care is both an art and a science. We may make mistakes or omissions in our Resources. Please let us know if you catch errors that need correction. We are always open to feedback because we are always learning! Also feel free to make requests for topics you want to learn about. Contact us at [email protected]
ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety: Why Diagnosis Can Be Complicated
Many parents come in with the same question: “We’ve been told it’s ADHD… but something still doesn’t feel quite right.”Sometimes anxiety has been mentioned. Other times…
Does My Child Need Medication for ADHD?
As a parent, few decisions feel heavier than deciding whether your child might need medication for ADHD. It’s normal to have questions, hesitations, and even…
Understanding Masking: When Kids Hold It Together All Day and Fall Apart at Home
Parents often tell me some version of this story: “My child does great at school. Teachers say they’re a great student, a good friend, and…
Help 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…
The Importance of Early Intervention for Autism: What Parents Need to Know
When you’re raising a child who processes the world differently, you’re often the first one to notice the little things. Maybe it’s the way your…
Does your child struggle with transitions?
Transitions are everywhere. Some are so big and obvious that you can spot the problem from a mile away—like moving from a beloved tablet game…
Separation Anxiety in School-Aged Children
Your 8-year-old clings to you at the classroom door. Your 10-year-old insists on sleeping in your room. You wonder… Is this normal, or is something else going on?
Supporting Your Teen’s Growing Independence
As a parent, you’ve worked hard for years to keep your child safe, healthy, and supported. When your child has neurodevelopmental differences (e.g., autism, ADHD, or a learning disorder) or if your child has a medical condition, your protective instinct can feel even stronger. You’ve likely spent much of their childhood coordinating appointments, advocating at school, and stepping in when the world wasn’t quite ready to meet their needs.
Is it normal for my child to have meltdowns?
Your child is having an intense emotional outburst — screaming, crying, seeming unable to calm down. Is this normal? Will they outgrow it? The honest answer: it depends on what’s driving it, not necessarily their age.
How to support your preschooler’s emotional communication skills
Your 4-year-old melts down over a broken crayon. Your 3-year-old hits when frustrated. Your preschooler struggles to tell you what’s wrong when upset. Sound familiar? It’s so easy to get triggered by our child’s big emotions and to interpret these as something is wrong. It’s also tempting to try to “fix it”.
Simple breathing exercises for kids to calm their nervous system
When your child feels overwhelmed, anxious, or wound up, you want to help them find a place of calm again. Breathing exercises are one tool you can teach your child – lots of research shows these simple techniques change how their nervous system responds to stress. Before you try these during those times of big emotion, be sure to first practice them during times of calm.
About Medical Play for Kids with Medical Fears
“Medical play” (sometimes called “therapeutic play”) refers to play activities in which children use real or pretend medical equipment, dolls, or role‐play to explore medical experiences (e.g. doctor visits, hospital stays, injections). In healthcare settings, it may be guided by a child life specialist, psychologist, or another trained professional. Parents and caregivers can also help facilitate medical play, especially if their child shows an interest.