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IEP’s & 504’s: What’s the Difference?
IEP's & 504's What's the Difference? Do you know the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP? It’s fine if you don’t, but in case these are relevant to you, here’s a basic primer. 504 Plans 504’s only provide accommodations, not direct services. The provision of...
“‘Spelling. That’s So Yesterday'”
Let’s say your 12-year-old sixth grader spells the following words: (brief) bref (success) susess (educate) edcccate (result) resolt (kitchen) kicten Then writes the following story to a prompt: “Once a o pon a time there was a kid that was a million...
“A Few New Disorders”
This week we turn our sights to a few disorders that may make it into the diagnostic manual upon its revision. The first is one that I know I have very badly. It's being called "PBD," or "Pushback Disorder." PBD usually manifests when parents come in with theory...
“The Tooth Ache Comes Back”
Beside the fact that I am having root canal done later today, I find myself having a throbbing toothache all too often. Behind the toothache, let's look at Joanna, an 8-year-old third grader. Increasingly, frustrated by her school challenges, Joanna is prone to...
“‘Fix-It Talk’ vs. ‘Skill Talk'” (#LD #Dyslexia #ADHD)
I spend a good deal of my professional life assessing children in an attempt to identify their profile of strengths and weaknesses. Once a child is assessed, I do my best to explain the data to the parents in straight-forward, non-jargon terms. The part of the...
Why Ask ‘Why?'” (Part II)
app Frequently, I hear from parents that they just want to know "why" something is taking place (e.g., a behavior or a learning problem) . As I hear their question, I understand they are seeking a "diagnosis," such as ADHD or dyslexia. For many parents when they get...
“Why Ask ”Why?” (Part I)
Brett, age 8, has difficulty behaving in his third grade class. Frequently calling out, pushing on line and at times being rude to the teacher and other kids, his parents have been called in for the "meeting" to discuss Brett and his behavior. They are told by the...
Sibling Rising
Jacob is an endearing 8-year-old child, well-liked by teachers and other kids. Playing a variety of sports, he is frequently seen as a team leader by coaches and peers. There is one problem, though, eating at Jacob. Even though he is now in third grade, he still...
“My Kid Can’t Pay Attention – Must Be ADHD” (Not So Fast)
Every week I hear an array of concerns regarding distractibility and inattentiveness. Beyond the immediate assumption that the child has ADHD/ADD (in other words a neurological disorder), I do my best to broaden the narrative and review other factors to consider that...
“New School Year Blues – Part II”
Last week we started our two-part series to try and help you have a smoother ride this school year and to try and reduce the New School Year Blues. In the first three tips, we encouraged you to turn down the heat during homework; to find ways as a parent to back it...
New School Year Blues – Part I
Well, it's just past Labor Day. You know what's coming. That pit in the stomach is starting to form. Yep, it's back to school. I know that you will see all kinds of articles in parenting magazines and the internet such as the 10 Tips for Having an Easy, Breezy School...