ADHD…Maybe!

Practically every week I hear an array of  concerns regarding distractibility and inattentiveness. There's always the question lurking of, "Does my child have ADHD/ADD?" While talking to parents I try and  broaden the narrative,  reviewing other factors that may be...

Trusting Your Mom Intuition

As part of the assessment process I always conduct an interview  to get an overview of the issues of concern. When a child is struggling, typically there will be suggestions of disorders that have been raised by different professionals along with opinions offered from...

Parenting at the Root of the Problem (Not So Fast)

In addition to the myriad of labels and diagnoses offered as explanations for a child's behavior, it is often assumed that parenting is a significant variable, if not the sole reason for a child's behavior. As proof of this, when we see a child who appears to be...

Understanding & Enhancing Comprehension – (Part II)

Last week's post introduced concepts related to reading comprehension.  (Enhancing Reading Comprehension: Part I) As previously noted, comprehension is an interactive process. The interaction involves ideas, concepts, images, background experience, fund of knowledge,...

Understanding & Enhancing Comprehension (Part I)

Reading is not a one-directional process. Instead, it activates our prior knowledge, making the process more interactive than previously understood.

Inside Out 2 Helps Kids Label Their Emotions – Is That a Good Thing?

Is it healthy to label emotions, or are we over-clinicalizing childhood?

504 Plans: Avoid Templated Accommodations

504 plans make a lot of accommodations for children that sound good … until the child finds out, and has other thoughts about it.

Balanced Literacy vs. Bottom-Up Methods: Which is Better?

When they are given nonsensical methods that do not work for them, they remain shut-down and discouraged.

Getting a Roadmap – The Stages of Reading Development (Part 2 of 2)

Regardless of whether the child does or does not have a learning disability, the concept is that a child is somewhere on a continuum from the first stage through to the final stages.

Getting a Roadmap – Knowing the Stages

An “old-school” concept not discussed much anymore, but that is still quite relevant has to do with the “Stages of Reading Development.”

Hi, I’m Dr. Richard Selznick

You can call me Dr. Selz. Welcome to The Shut-Down Learner, my website where I share down-to-earth, no-nonsense perspectives on raising children with challenges in school and at home.

I strive to talk to parents in plain language about the concerns they have for their children, which you can see in the hundreds of blog posts I’ve published here, as well as in my books. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get new posts and other announcements weekly.

If you ever have questions or concerns about your family’s unique situation, I’m also available for virtual consultations, both individualized and for groups. Reach out at any time to drselz@shutdownlearner.com.

Virtual Consultations

Have particular questions about your family situation you want to discuss? Need a second opinion from someone willing to offer candid advice?

I offer virtual consultations with individuals or groups to help deliver more specific counseling. We will go over any existing information, and can meet once or on a recurring basis.

Learn more about what else a virtual consultation entails, and reach out to schedule.

Dr. Selznick changed my daughter’s life. We met Dr. Selznick when she was in 8th grade, after advocating for her since 2nd grade. Dr. Selznick took a thorough history, evaluated her abilities, and spoke to Brooke with a kindness and understanding that was poorly missing on our educational journey. The resulting diagnosis, along with his academic recommendations, were pivotal in placing her appropriately in high school. She is now a junior in college and thriving. I know, for sure, without his intervention her story would have been different, and I’m forever grateful.

Dena Blizzard

One Funny Mother