Blog
“Is the Diagnosis of ADHD a ‘Mess?'”
“‘I think the current diagnosis of ADHD is a mess and has been wildly overdone. It blames a variety of symptoms entirely on the child’s brain, and ignores the child’s environment and the interaction with it." (Dr. William B. Carey, pediatrician, researcher, and...
ADHD? Perhaps.
Practically every week I hear an array of concerns regarding distractibility and inattentiveness. There's always the question of, "Does my child have ADHD/ADD" lurking. While talking to parents I try and broaden the narrative, reviewing other factors that may be...
Fillin’ the Cracks
Anxiety over your child’s school-based problems can start very early. A mom recently contacted me after reading The Shut-Down Learner. “My son is drowning in school. Do you think he could be a shut-down learner?” After asking a few more questions, I was struck by the...
Sharks & Minnows – Part II
Last week we talked about the law of the playground (and the jungle), that in spite of well meaning attempts to extinguish the phenomenon of “sharks” picking on the "minnows,” the law of the playground persists (Sharks & Minnows (Part I). Picking up on the...
“Sharks & Minnows”
Out in the playground, in the lunchroom and on the school bus – really in every possible school situation – group dynamics are always at work. There will be those in the group who are more assertive (sometimes aggressive), and those who are not. Many will be in the...
“Boy, You’re in Hot Water”
Recently, 8-year-old Marty showed some signs of misbehavior when his mom exclaimed, “Boy, you’re in hot water now.” Marty started having a meltdown, screaming and crying, “I don’t want to be in hot water!!!!!!! I It will hurt me!!!” Seven-year-old Marissa became...
“Brief Tip: Getting Clear on Remediation”
Most children referred for assessments are related to struggles with reading, spelling and writing. Parents feel a sense of desperation and don't know what direction to go. Once the issues are identified, the remediation, unfortunately, can be a bit scattershot. This...
All Aboard the Curriculum Ship
Is your child falling off the Curriculum Ship? The Curriculum Ship leaves dock in early September and starts steering its course until mid to late June, when it arrives at port somewhere on the other side of the ocean. Not slowing down even when some passengers are...
Green-Yellow-Red Zone
Liana's mom has seen a great deal of struggling in her 4th grade daughter. After I evaluated Liana, the mom asked me, “Was this a problem that could have been averted?” As I explained to her there are valid and reliable screening measures that can be given early on in...
“ADD-ing”
Over the last couple of decades ADHD (commonly referred to as “ADD") is frequently diagnosed with struggling children. Within the doctor's office, the child's history is reviewed along with the parent filling out a rating scale (typically the Vanderbilt Scale, which...
“‘Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less'”
A common complaint that parents bring to me is some variation on the theme of the child being poorly motivated. Parents will say things like, “He just doesn’t seem to care about anything (other than screens). We’ve tried everything and nothing seems to motivate...