ARTICLES FOR PARENTS
ARTICLES FOR PARENTS
ACCOMMODATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Program accommodations and modifications are available to children who receive services under IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
by Eve Kessler, Esq. with Michele Schneider, MS
for Smart Kids with LD
Accommodations and modifications are tools used by your child’s IEP team to help level the playing field for kids with learning difficulties. Understanding the differences, along with what the options are, can help ensure that your child’s needs are met at school.
ANXIETY
by Liz Driscoll Jorgensen, CADC, and Mary Murphy, PhD., with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
It’s not unusual for children with LD and ADHD also to experience high levels of anxiety during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. But you can help them manage their worries by finding the strategies that work best for them.
by Liz Driscoll Jorgensen, CADC, and Mary Murphy, PhD., with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
It’s not unusual for children with LD and ADHD also to experience high levels of anxiety. But you can help them learn to manage their fears and worries by finding the strategies that work best for them.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Students with LD feel as if they don’t “fit the mold.” They tend not to feel supported by parents or school personnel. They sense a double standard at school between the standards they’re held to and those for non LD students. Parents play an important role by validating their children and respecting them for who they are.
by Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Behavior is heavily influenced by the part of the brain that is most active at any given time. Helping a child deal with worry and anxiety involves understanding how the brain works and applying strategies that will help your child regain control.
ATTENTION-DEFICIT / HYPERACTIVITY
DISORDER (ADHD)
DISORDER (ADHD)
by Ellen Littman, PhD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
How you parent your child with ADHD can have a profound impact on his happiness and success. Making family members an integral part of the treatment plan will improve family dynamics and provide the steadfast support your child deserves.
for Smart Kids with LD
Eating disorders are a serious mental health issue that began to increase among school-age children during the pandemic. Females—and especially those with ADHD—are at greater risk for this illness. Understanding the various types of eating disorders and the warning signs of each may help you recognize a potential problem before it becomes serious.
by Ellen Littman, PhD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
ADHD and co-existing executive function challenges are highly complex conditions that have far-reaching effects not only on the individual with the condition, but also on those with whom they interact. Understanding what drives the behavior of your child with ADHD may help you respond in supportive and compassionate ways rather than with anger and resentment.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Ryan Wexelblatt has devoted his career to working with boys with ADHD. In a recent webinar for ADDitude this licensed clinical social worker shared several strategies to help boys with ADHD learn to compensate for their shortcomings, in order to prepare them to become resilient and independent young adults.
for Smart Kids with LD
ADHD impacts children in similar ways, whether they are Black, Brown or White. But studies indicate that cultural considerations such as stereotyping, racism, implicit bias, research representation, and care disparities negatively affect the way Black children are evaluated and treated by mental health professionals and in school settings.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Despite the large number of children and adults who have ADHD, the condition is still widely misunderstood. Separating truth from myth can help reduce stigma and ensure that those with ADHD receive the help they deserve.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
In their new book, ADHD 2.0, Drs. Edward Hallowell and John J. Ratey delve into the latest research on ADHD and make the case for fundamental changes to how kids with the condition are treated. Moving from the traditional negative framework to a positive one, the authors advocate for strategies that build on kids’ innate strengths and creativity.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Emotional regulation is key to being a successful, independent adult, yet many teen boys with ADHD have an especially hard time with that task. An essential part of parenting an adolescent male with ADHD is teaching him how to manage extreme emotional responses and develop life-long coping skills.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
Because ADHD involves a range of issues and may include multiple co-existing conditions, diagnosing it is challenging. Families turn to a variety of professionals to diagnose ADHD with varying results. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you determine which professional is best-suited to your child’s needs and your family’s situation.
by Mark Bertin, MD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For children with ADHD who do not take medication, managing symptoms successfully includes the consistent application of proven behavioral and educational interventions at home and at school. There is scant evidence to suggest complementary and alternative therapies work.
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Research by Dr. Daniel Amen shows that ADHD is not a single or simple condition. There are seven distinct types of ADHD, each one requiring a particular treatment. Amen’s studies show that when the type of ADHD is treated properly, the results are effective.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For kids with ADHD, EF impairments are typically “chronic and severe” and the consequences of lacking focus and sustained attention can be considerable. Learning to drive is an example of this.
based on an ADDitude webinar by Kathy Kuhl
With so many school options to choose from, figuring out the best fit for your child with LD or ADHD can be challenging. Use these guidelines to help determine the best option for your child and your family.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Research shows that physical activity is a promising alternative or additional treatment option for kids with ADHD. Regular exercise helps these kids by activating the brain systems that support attention, focus, memory, self-regulation, sensory input, and executive functioning.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
In an enlightening report published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, students described their childhood and adolescent struggles with loneliness, isolation and misunderstanding, as well as their successes with supportive environments and strategies.
for Smart Kids with LD
Struggling with learning differences takes a toll on your child’s self-esteem, which in turn impacts their ability to make and keep friends. To help your child become more socially competent, you must begin by building their self-esteem. These strategies from a noted expert will get you started.
by Alan Wachtel, MD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
About half the children with ADHD also have co-existing conditions such as learning disabilities or mood disorders. The challenge is to figure out if other problems are co-existing conditions or a result of the ADHD. True co-existing conditions must be treated; conditions resulting from the ADHD may resolve themselves with successful ADHD treatment.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Although ADHD and OCD are often thought of as polar opposite conditions, they are in fact more similar than you’d think. This can lead to confusion and misdiagnosis. Understanding what motivates the similar behaviors can provide clues to an appropriate treatment plan.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Understanding what motivates these behaviors will help you determine the best treatment.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
When children are diagnosed with ADHD, they often don’t have the tools to explain it to their friends and classmates. In a webinar for ADDitude, licensed clinical social worker and ADHD expert Ryan Wexelblatt shared advice on how to help your children talk to their peers about ADHD.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
In Black children behaviors commonly associated with ADHD may be symptoms of trauma, depression, or stress related to difficult living situations.
by Jacob Presson
When a student teacher returns to the preschool he once terrorized, a young child triggers memories of his struggles with ADHD.
for Smart Kids with LD
Kids with ADHD and co-existing conditions experience improved outcomes when their primary care providers, behavioral health professionals, psychiatric consultants and school-based teams collaborate on diagnosis and treatment in an integrated care model.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Musical activities engage various centers of the brain that often cause problems for those with ADHD. Rhythm, melody and tempo activate attention and focus • Moving to music helps organize the brain. Playing music enhances sustained attention, impulse control, planning, self-esteem, complex decision-making, and the ability to make sense of sound in noise.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Navigating adolescence is challenging for most kids (and their families), but for boys with ADHD, the teen years can be particularly trying. But you have an important role to play in helping your son master the skills that will eventually lead to self-sufficiency and independence. Leaning in with these strategies can make the transition easier for all involved.
by Ellen Littman, PhD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Having a child with ADHD often impacts the entire family. Educating family members about the condition can help ensure realistic expectations, which will lead to a more positive, less stressful dynamic at home.
for Smart Kids with LD
Resolving problems and navigating tense conversations with your child are best achieved through positive communication, but as every parent knows that’s not always easy to manage. Use these guidelines to help you set and maintain a positive tone.
WEBINAR: “Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: The Importance of Positive Communication at Home, at School and in the Social Arena”
by Alan Wachtel, MD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children with ADHD who are treated comprehensively have the most positive outcomes. A comprehensive plan involves medication in conjunction with educational, behavioral, and psychological interventions. Parent advocacy is critical to ensuring that the treatment plan is implemented properly.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Traditional talk therapy and social skills groups rarely work for boys with ADHD. The better option is to seek out ADHD clinicians and coaches who understand gender-based differences and have experience working with young males.
for Smart Kids with LD
Inattentive ADHD is characterized by the ability to focus intensely on areas of interest while paying little or no attention to tasks that are unexciting. Here, Dr. Thomas Brown, a leading expert in the field, explains the nuances of this form of ADHD along with the challenges of diagnosing it.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children with ADHD may have other mental health issues that complicate their learning challenges. In fact, about 30% of kids with attention difficulties also have OCD or a related anxiety disorder. In such cases, it’s important to understand and treat both issues.
by Eve Kessler, Esq. based on a presentation by Alan Wachtel, MD
for Smart Kids with LD
When left untreated ADHD is among the most debilitating disorders to live with. The risks of not treating ADHD include academic, social, and emotional problems in childhood. The problems may follow a person into adulthood impacting job performance, marital and family relationships, mental health, and automobile safety. Children with ADHD who are not treated are more likely to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.
Eve Kessler, Esq., for Smart Kids with LD
based on an ADDitude webinar by Kathy Kuhl
School options for kids with learning differences and ADHD include neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, parochial schools, and homeschooling (online or in-person). This article features information about each of those areas in or der to help you assess what option is best for your child.
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Psychology Today
We need to dispel the myth that autistic people lack empathy.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Psychology Today
When we don’t understand autistic kids we create a toxic environment for them.
More About Marcia Eckerd
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Autism Parenting Magazine
A look at whether the mainstream education system is doing the best it can for children with autism.
More About Marcia Eckerd
based on an ADDitude webinar by Kathy Kuhl
School options for kids with learning differences and ADHD include neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, parochial schools, and homeschooling (online or in-person). This article features information about each of those areas in or der to help you assess what option is best for your child.
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Psychology Today
We tend to mistake sexuality with having sex.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Psychology Today
Why do some autistic adults reject the term “high functioning?
More About Marcia Eckerd
BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
A functional behavioral assessment is used to help identify the reasons behind problem behaviors. In an FBA the evaluator gathers information about the time, place, and severity of negative behaviors in order to understand patterns that result in acting out. The information is used to develop interventions to alter the factors that precede or reinforce unwanted behaviors.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
This article is based on the presentation by Ross W. Greene, PhD, Children Do Well When They Can: Identifying and Solving Problems That Cause Challenging Behaviors. Dr. Greene, a leading authority on Oppositional Defiant Disorder, is the originator of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model and founding director of the nonprofit Lives in the Balance.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
During a school disciplinary hearing, kids with identified disabilities have special protections under the law. Parents need to understand these unique rights and be proactive about ensuring their implementation.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Students with LD and ADHD are suspended from school at greater rates than their peers without learning challenges. Increasingly, school codes of conduct penalize behaviors that these students struggle to control on a regular basis, putting them at risk for suspension.
DIET AND NUTRITION
for Smart Kids with LD
Eating disorders are a serious mental health issue that began to increase among school-age children during the pandemic. Females—and especially those with ADHD—are at greater risk for this illness. Understanding the various types of eating disorders and the warning signs of each may help you recognize a potential problem before it becomes serious.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
The link between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in kids is a hot topic for researchers, regulators, policymakers, and consumer advocates. Anecdotally, parents, too, attest to the harmful effect food dyes have on their child’s behavior as well as on school performance.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Food dyes can affect ADHD and hyperactive behavior, but they do not cause it. But for some kids, dietary changes in conjunction with standard ADHD care may help with their behavioral issues.
for Smart Kids with LD
Eating disorders are a serious mental illness that have spiked among adolescents since the onset of the pandemic. Following are strategies to help prevent eating disorders by changing your family’s perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs around eating, food, and weight.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Do you see a connection between your child’s behavior and what she eats? Numerous controlled studies have concluded that food dyes can worsen behavior in some children with and without ADHD.
DIGITAL DEVICES
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Research shows that kids with ADHD are particularly vulnerable to screen addictions and the negative effects that follow. Design elements intrinsic to digital media play into the neurobiology of the ADHD brain, heightening the risk for negative impacts from electronic devices.
by Dave Sylvestro, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children who spend an excessive amount of time in front of screens miss the opportunity to develop important skills. Use common-sense approaches to encourage actual social interaction and limit screen time.
by Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, and Chris Parrott, MSc, Post MSc Dipl, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
The emergence of a screen culture challenges parents to rethink family goals and their approach to technology. With few guidelines to follow, many feel intimidated, overwhelmed, or defeated. Crafting a family-friendly policy begins by exploring the options between all-or-nothing extremes.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
When teens and young adults consume a steady diet of disaster news through their social media outlets, the impact can negatively impact their health and well-being.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT STRATEGIES (FOR PARENTS AND FOR KIDS)
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Unstable emotions and behaviors underlie several learning disabilities and mental health conditions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy has been used successfully with adolescents struggling to regulate attention, mood, anxiety levels, substance use, and eating habits, as well as those who have suicidal thoughts and self-injurious behaviors.
by Caroline Adams Miller, MAPP, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
In a well-intentioned—but misguided—effort to protect our children from failure, we’ve created a generation lacking the skills to overcome adversity. But it’s never too late to change the dynamic. Here’s how to get started helping your children develop grit, the quality that will allow them to live their best lives.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For various reasons fathers are frequently skeptical when their kids are diagnosed with learning challenges. Their reluctance to accept an LD or ADHD diagnosis may exacerbate negative behaviors at home and at school. To overcome the problem, Ryan Wexelblatt, an expert who specializes in boys with ADHD, also works with dads to help them better understand their child’s challenges.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
COVID-19 has limited most everyone’s social life, but for kids with LD and ADHD who normally struggle with social issues, the pandemic is having an outsized impact on emotional health. Building the social skills kids need to weather the loneliness of online learning and social distancing falls to parents.
by Dave Sylvestro with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Parents play a key role in helping a child with a negative attitude adopt a more positive outlook. Being intentional in how you communicate is fundamental to building confidence, resilience, and independence • Even when resolving conflicts, choose your words carefully.
EVALUATIONS
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For parents who suspect their child may have learning disabilities, the evaluation and recommendation process can be daunting. In fact, the process is a problem-solving exercise that need not be intimidating. This article is a straightforward explanation of what you can expect, with answers to your most fundamental concerns.
by Donna A. Chauvin Quallen, MEd, CAS, and Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
If done properly, the results of your child’s evaluation should form the basis for their IEP. A thorough evaluation points out strengths and deficits, both of which must be incorporated in the goals and objectives the PPT establishes for your child to succeed.
for Smart Kids with LD
Assistive Technology (AT) can help “level the playing field” for your child with LD. To ensure that your child has access to appropriate technology, request an AT evaluation, the results of which can be incorporated into the IEP.
by Donna A. Chauvin Quallen, MEd, CAS, and Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
When academic performance suffers, an educational diagnosis is done to help define the student’s academic strengths and learning needs and translate them into an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
With the COVID-19 school closures, teaching has shifted from classroom, small group, and individual instruction to distance learning. Teachers and service providers are working hard to adapt to remote platforms. As parents, you are in a unique position to let your school team know how your kids are responding to online learning
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
RTI is an individualized, comprehensive assessment and intervention process that utilizes a problem-solving framework to identify and address academic difficulties through effective, research-based instruction. The goal of RTI is to separate children with true learning disabilities from those who perform poorly as a result of poor instruction.
for Smart Kids with LD
Evaluation is the first step in addressing learning difficulties or ADHD. Parents—especially those new to learning challenges—often are confused about the differences between school-based evaluations and clinical evaluations. Here is a straightforward explanation that will help you determine what’s best for your child.
EXECUTIVE FUNCTION SKILLS
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
for Smart Kids with LD
For kids with ADHD, EF impairments are typically “chronic and severe” and the consequences of lacking focus and sustained attention can be considerable. Learning to drive is an example of this.
for Smart Kids with LD
Promoting responsibility and independence in kids requires parents to step back from doing things for them rather than with them. Breaking the pattern involves motivating new behaviors through positive communication and encouragement.
by Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For parents of teens with weak executive functions, helping your kids improve these skills takes a concerted and intentional effort, some of which may not come naturally. Applying these strategies can help you find the balance between too much support and not enough.
by Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Students with ADHD and other learning challenges often have weak executive function skills. Strengthening these skills will benefit your child at school and beyond. Share this article’s strategies with your child’s teacher, and follow them at home as well.
by Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
The turbulence associated with adolescence is partially due to underdeveloped executive functions, putting teens at risk for unhealthy behaviors. You can counter these natural tendencies by explicitly teaching executive function skills.
for Smart Kids with LD
Inattentive ADHD is characterized by the ability to focus intensely on areas of interest while paying little or no attention to tasks that are unexciting. Here, Dr. Thomas Brown, a leading expert in the field, explains the nuances of this form of ADHD along with the challenges of diagnosing it.
FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE
AND SELF-ADVOCACY
AND SELF-ADVOCACY
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
for Smart Kids with LD
Promoting responsibility and independence in kids requires parents to step back from doing things for them rather than with them. Breaking the pattern involves motivating new behaviors through positive communication and encouragement.
for Smart Kids with LD
Resolving problems and navigating tense conversations with your child are best achieved through positive communication, but as every parent knows that’s not always easy to manage. Use these guidelines to help you set and maintain a positive tone.
WEBINAR: “Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: The Importance of Positive Communication at Home, at School and in the Social Arena”
HELPFUL THERAPIES
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Research shows that music training benefits the brain in ways that may be particularly beneficial to children with learning challenges, ADHD and executive function issues.
by Jacob Presson
When a student teacher returns to the preschool he once terrorized, a young child triggers memories of his struggles with ADHD.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Musical activities engage various centers of the brain that often cause problems for those with ADHD. Rhythm, melody and tempo activate attention and focus • Moving to music helps organize the brain. Playing music enhances sustained attention, impulse control, planning, self-esteem, complex decision-making, and the ability to make sense of sound in noise.
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP)
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Becoming the advocate your child deserves requires that you participate fully in his IEP meetings. Preparing ahead is fundamental to achieving the outcomes that will ensure educational success, Showing up with a collegial attitude will help with problem-solving.
LEARNING DISABILITIES (LD)
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Bookshare is an online library of accessible eBooks and educational materials for children (and adults) with diagnosed language learning disabilities and other issues that make reading difficult. Members have access to over 400,000 titles, including textbooks, bestsellers, children’s books, young adult books, college prep and career books, newspapers and magazines. Books not already in Bookshare’s collection may be ordered.
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children with disabilities are among the most likely victims of school bullying. Parents play an important role in keeping their children safe by openly discussing the issue and working with the school.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Experts believe that approximately 7% of the population has symptoms of dyscalculia. But dyscalculia— often referred to as “the forgotten learning disability”— is neither well-researched nor entirely understood.
based on an ADDitude webinar by Kathy Kuhl
With so many school options to choose from, figuring out the best fit for your child with LD or ADHD can be challenging. Use these guidelines to help determine the best option for your child and your family.
for Smart Kids with LD
Struggling with learning differences takes a toll on your child’s self-esteem, which in turn impacts their ability to make and keep friends. To help your child become more socially competent, you must begin by building their self-esteem. These strategies from a noted expert will get you started.
by David P. Sylvestro, CSP, and Hallie A. Buckingham, EdD,
with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Girls with LD have unique social-development challenges. As boys and girls grow up they learn to express anger and frustration differently. It’s important to provide girls with specific social tools to avoid the negative consequences of the “mean-girls” culture.
by Cynthia Keefe, PsyD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Stress is a normal part of being a parent. Parents of children and adolescents with ADHD, LD, anxiety or other special needs, however, experience significantly more daily and chronic stress than other parents.
by Jonathan Cohen, PhD, and Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Social, emotional, and ethical literacy may be more important than academic skills when it comes to achieving happiness and success. As a parent you can help your child develop competencies in those areas. Use your child’s evaluation as a tool to improve in areas other than academics.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Research shows that music training benefits the brain in ways that may be particularly beneficial to children with learning challenges, ADHD and executive function issues.
by Jacob Presson
When a student teacher returns to the preschool he once terrorized, a young child triggers memories of his struggles with ADHD.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For children with dyslexia, the optimal time frame for addressing reading deficits is before most children are diagnosed. This may become more possible as new tools are being developed to identify at-risk kids when treatment can be most effective.
for Smart Kids with LD
Resolving problems and navigating tense conversations with your child are best achieved through positive communication, but as every parent knows that’s not always easy to manage. Use these guidelines to help you set and maintain a positive tone.
WEBINAR: “Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: The Importance of Positive Communication at Home, at School and in the Social Arena”
by Jerome J. Schultz, PhD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
This article is based on “Stress and the LD Puzzle,” the Keynote presentation by Jerome J. Schultz, Ph.D., Harvard-based clinical neuropsychologist, author and consultant, at the conference Best Practices and New Perspectives in the Field of Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficits.
by Margie Gillis, EdD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children with dyslexia can learn to read, but there is no quick fix for this reading disability. Teaching these children requires a systematic approach that builds on previously learned skills one step at a time. Instruction must be individualized to address each child’s unique challenges and abilities.
by Dave Sylvestro with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Parenting a child with LD or ADHD can be an emotional roller-coaster ride. Your child’s unique characteristics present daily challenges in all facets of life. Understanding what they go through on a daily basis can help you help them manage the challenges.
by Eve Kessler, Esq., for Smart Kids with LD
based on an ADDitude webinar by Kathy Kuhl
School options for kids with learning differences and ADHD include neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, parochial schools, and homeschooling (online or in-person). This article features information about each of those areas in or der to help you assess what option is best for your child.
NON-VERBAL LEARNING
DISABILITIES (NVLD or NLD)
DISABILITIES (NVLD or NLD)
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
As with other learning disabilities, the evaluation for Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities (NLD) involves a thorough history in addition to comprehensive neuropsychological testing. An NLD evaluation is best done by a psychologist familiar with NLD.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Teachers and school personnel often do not know about or understand NLD. It is up to parents to educate those who work with their children every day. Share basic information such as how NLD shows up in the classroom and on the playground, as well as strategies to help school staff address related issues.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Because nonverbal learning disabilities are not well understood, parents of kids with NLD challenges often feel alone and unsupported—even by those who should be natural allies such as family members, school personnel, and medical professionals. Rather than trying looking for help from those who aren’t willing to be educated, seek out people in your community who are experiencing similar struggles.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Kids with NLD tend to have trouble with social rules. The challenges are often misinterpreted as problematic nonconformity, when in fact these kids just don’t “get” social customs. Understanding where the difficulties stem from and how to deal with them can help you help your child navigate social situations.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
For kids with NLD, tone of voice is one of many nonverbal cues that often elude them, leading to misinterpretation and miscommunication. Working with a professional can help them learn to better decipher the intonations of others as well as express themselves in a way others find easier to understand.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Although kids with NLD have many strengths, they often have social skill deficits. There are some simple techniques you can do to help your child develop the skills they need to manage social situations effectively.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Because students with NLD often excel academically, problems with language deficits may go undiagnosed. As academic demands increase, problems with comprehension and written expression may become apparent.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Challenges for parents of children with NLD include learning to manage inflexibility, preventing meltdowns, and navigating social awkwardness. Successful parenting strategies include communicating clearly, previewing situations, anticipating frustration, and reinforcing positive behaviors. Educating others about NLD is critical for those who interact with these children.
More About Marcia Eckerd
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Although ADHD and OCD are often thought of as polar opposite conditions, they are in fact more similar than you’d think. This can lead to confusion and misdiagnosis. Understanding what motivates the similar behaviors can provide clues to an appropriate treatment plan.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Understanding what motivates these behaviors will help you determine the best treatment.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children with ADHD may have other mental health issues that complicate their learning challenges. In fact, about 30% of kids with attention difficulties also have OCD or a related anxiety disorder. In such cases, it’s important to understand and treat both issues.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
AND ADVOCACY
AND ADVOCACY
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
Becoming the advocate your child with LD deserves means learning how to navigate the school system. It’s essential to educate yourself on policies that impact your child as well as develop positive relationships with those in a position to give your child what she needs.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
As a parent, it’s your job to manage your child’s education and secure their rights under the law. Here are some tips to help you establish a collaborative partnership with your school to achieve those goals.
PLANNING AND PLACEMENT TEAM (PPT)
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Despite school closures the Department of Education expects IEPs to continue. As a key member of your child’s IEP team, your input is vital to the process. Before the meeting, take the time to prepare your thoughts and questions to ensure the optimal outcome for your child.
by Noreen O’Mahoney, SDA, CSW, and Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For kids with LD, the importance of the IEP meeting cannot be overstated. The questions you ask at those meetings will help influence the discussion and decisions made by your child’s team.
SECTION 504
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Section 504 is a federal law that prevents discriminating against those with disabilities. If your child does not qualify for protections under the IDEA, he or she may still be eligible for support and accommodations under Section 504. Eligibility is based on an assessment.
SOCIAL SKILLS AND PLAY
for Smart Kids with LD
Struggling with learning differences takes a toll on your child’s self-esteem, which in turn impacts their ability to make and keep friends. To help your child become more socially competent, you must begin by building their self-esteem. These strategies from a noted expert will get you started.
TEENS
by Gail Schwartz, MS, MSW, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Guiding your adolescent toward adulthood starts with a dose of commonsense, coupled with clear expectations, and mutual respect. Most of all it involves not getting dragged into the drama that defines those tumultuous years.
by Gail Schwartz, MS, MSW, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
The teen years are notorious for being challenging. They are marked by confusion and uncertainty, which helps explain why teens often make life difficult for those around them, and themselves. Add learning disabilities or attention issues to the mix, and the challenges may be even more difficult to manage.
TRANSITION
for Smart Kids with LD
Once your teen graduates from high school many of the supports they’ve come to rely on will not be available at the next level—and those that are will require the student to proactively seek them out. With the responsibility squarely on the student’s shoulders, these guidelines will help ensure a smooth transition to higher ed and set the student up for college success.
for Smart Kids with LD
When students with learning differences transition from high school to college, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) replace the IDEA as their source of legal protections. This ushers in a new standard for receiving Assistive Technology (AT) services: college students with disabilities must be provided with aids, benefits, or services that level the playing field and that provide them with an equal opportunity to achieve the same result or the same level of achievement as others.
for Smart Kids with LD
Parents play a critical role in helping their child make a smooth transition to college. Use these guidelines to identify and track your child’s readiness in key areas and work with their school team to make improvements where necessary.
for Smart Kids with LD
Helping your child prepare for college involves more than just academic readiness. Encouraging the independence they’ll need to succeed begins in high school by having them assume greater responsibility for all facets of their life.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
When looking for a college, it’s important to match the types of services needed with the services offered. Typically, colleges offer one of three levels of support.
for Smart Kids with LD
Finding the right college for your child with learning challenges is a highly individualized process. Rather than focus on rankings and prestige, look for campuses that are “the right fit” based on your teen’s unique skills, priorities, learning style, interests and needs.
for Smart Kids with LD
Going from high school directly into college may not be the best choice for your child with learning challenges. Understanding and evaluating the alternatives can help put your young adult on a career path in line with her abilities, strengths, and maturity level.
for Smart Kids with LD
For young adults with learning challenges, accessing supports in college is entirely student-driven. Using this step-by-step guide will help your child get off to a strong start by receiving the accommodations they’ll need to succeed as they embark—and continue—on their higher education journey.
by Jacob Presson
When a student teacher returns to the preschool he once terrorized, a young child triggers memories of his struggles with ADHD.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
College is not the only route to career success. Helping your non-college bound teen find his path is the specialty of Rick Fiery, co-founder of Inventive Labs. This article, based on Fiery’s ADDitude Magazine Expert Webinar, Encouraging Your Children to Find Their Own Paths, summarizes his strategy for helping teens find their way to a successful career.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Program accommodations and modifications are available to children who receive services under IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
by Eve Kessler, Esq. with Michele Schneider, MS
for Smart Kids with LD
Accommodations and modifications are tools used by your child’s IEP team to help level the playing field for kids with learning difficulties. Understanding the differences, along with what the options are, can help ensure that your child’s needs are met at school.
ANXIETY
by Liz Driscoll Jorgensen, CADC, and Mary Murphy, PhD., with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
It’s not unusual for children with LD and ADHD also to experience high levels of anxiety during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. But you can help them manage their worries by finding the strategies that work best for them.
by Liz Driscoll Jorgensen, CADC, and Mary Murphy, PhD., with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
It’s not unusual for children with LD and ADHD also to experience high levels of anxiety. But you can help them learn to manage their fears and worries by finding the strategies that work best for them.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Students with LD feel as if they don’t “fit the mold.” They tend not to feel supported by parents or school personnel. They sense a double standard at school between the standards they’re held to and those for non LD students. Parents play an important role by validating their children and respecting them for who they are.
by Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Behavior is heavily influenced by the part of the brain that is most active at any given time. Helping a child deal with worry and anxiety involves understanding how the brain works and applying strategies that will help your child regain control.
ATTENTION-DEFICIT / HYPERACTIVITY
DISORDER (ADHD)
by Ellen Littman, PhD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
How you parent your child with ADHD can have a profound impact on his happiness and success. Making family members an integral part of the treatment plan will improve family dynamics and provide the steadfast support your child deserves.
for Smart Kids with LD
Eating disorders are a serious mental health issue that began to increase among school-age children during the pandemic. Females—and especially those with ADHD—are at greater risk for this illness. Understanding the various types of eating disorders and the warning signs of each may help you recognize a potential problem before it becomes serious.
by Ellen Littman, PhD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
ADHD and co-existing executive function challenges are highly complex conditions that have far-reaching effects not only on the individual with the condition, but also on those with whom they interact. Understanding what drives the behavior of your child with ADHD may help you respond in supportive and compassionate ways rather than with anger and resentment.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Ryan Wexelblatt has devoted his career to working with boys with ADHD. In a recent webinar for ADDitude this licensed clinical social worker shared several strategies to help boys with ADHD learn to compensate for their shortcomings, in order to prepare them to become resilient and independent young adults.
for Smart Kids with LD
ADHD impacts children in similar ways, whether they are Black, Brown or White. But studies indicate that cultural considerations such as stereotyping, racism, implicit bias, research representation, and care disparities negatively affect the way Black children are evaluated and treated by mental health professionals and in school settings.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Despite the large number of children and adults who have ADHD, the condition is still widely misunderstood. Separating truth from myth can help reduce stigma and ensure that those with ADHD receive the help they deserve.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
In their new book, ADHD 2.0, Drs. Edward Hallowell and John J. Ratey delve into the latest research on ADHD and make the case for fundamental changes to how kids with the condition are treated. Moving from the traditional negative framework to a positive one, the authors advocate for strategies that build on kids’ innate strengths and creativity.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Emotional regulation is key to being a successful, independent adult, yet many teen boys with ADHD have an especially hard time with that task. An essential part of parenting an adolescent male with ADHD is teaching him how to manage extreme emotional responses and develop life-long coping skills.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
Because ADHD involves a range of issues and may include multiple co-existing conditions, diagnosing it is challenging. Families turn to a variety of professionals to diagnose ADHD with varying results. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you determine which professional is best-suited to your child’s needs and your family’s situation.
by Mark Bertin, MD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For children with ADHD who do not take medication, managing symptoms successfully includes the consistent application of proven behavioral and educational interventions at home and at school. There is scant evidence to suggest complementary and alternative therapies work.
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Research by Dr. Daniel Amen shows that ADHD is not a single or simple condition. There are seven distinct types of ADHD, each one requiring a particular treatment. Amen’s studies show that when the type of ADHD is treated properly, the results are effective.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For kids with ADHD, EF impairments are typically “chronic and severe” and the consequences of lacking focus and sustained attention can be considerable. Learning to drive is an example of this.
based on an ADDitude webinar by Kathy Kuhl
With so many school options to choose from, figuring out the best fit for your child with LD or ADHD can be challenging. Use these guidelines to help determine the best option for your child and your family.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Research shows that physical activity is a promising alternative or additional treatment option for kids with ADHD. Regular exercise helps these kids by activating the brain systems that support attention, focus, memory, self-regulation, sensory input, and executive functioning.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
In an enlightening report published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, students described their childhood and adolescent struggles with loneliness, isolation and misunderstanding, as well as their successes with supportive environments and strategies.
for Smart Kids with LD
Struggling with learning differences takes a toll on your child’s self-esteem, which in turn impacts their ability to make and keep friends. To help your child become more socially competent, you must begin by building their self-esteem. These strategies from a noted expert will get you started.
by Alan Wachtel, MD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
About half the children with ADHD also have co-existing conditions such as learning disabilities or mood disorders. The challenge is to figure out if other problems are co-existing conditions or a result of the ADHD. True co-existing conditions must be treated; conditions resulting from the ADHD may resolve themselves with successful ADHD treatment.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Although ADHD and OCD are often thought of as polar opposite conditions, they are in fact more similar than you’d think. This can lead to confusion and misdiagnosis. Understanding what motivates the similar behaviors can provide clues to an appropriate treatment plan.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Understanding what motivates these behaviors will help you determine the best treatment.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
When children are diagnosed with ADHD, they often don’t have the tools to explain it to their friends and classmates. In a webinar for ADDitude, licensed clinical social worker and ADHD expert Ryan Wexelblatt shared advice on how to help your children talk to their peers about ADHD.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
In Black children behaviors commonly associated with ADHD may be symptoms of trauma, depression, or stress related to difficult living situations.
by Jacob Presson
When a student teacher returns to the preschool he once terrorized, a young child triggers memories of his struggles with ADHD.
for Smart Kids with LD
Kids with ADHD and co-existing conditions experience improved outcomes when their primary care providers, behavioral health professionals, psychiatric consultants and school-based teams collaborate on diagnosis and treatment in an integrated care model.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Musical activities engage various centers of the brain that often cause problems for those with ADHD. Rhythm, melody and tempo activate attention and focus • Moving to music helps organize the brain. Playing music enhances sustained attention, impulse control, planning, self-esteem, complex decision-making, and the ability to make sense of sound in noise.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Navigating adolescence is challenging for most kids (and their families), but for boys with ADHD, the teen years can be particularly trying. But you have an important role to play in helping your son master the skills that will eventually lead to self-sufficiency and independence. Leaning in with these strategies can make the transition easier for all involved.
by Ellen Littman, PhD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Having a child with ADHD often impacts the entire family. Educating family members about the condition can help ensure realistic expectations, which will lead to a more positive, less stressful dynamic at home.
for Smart Kids with LD
Resolving problems and navigating tense conversations with your child are best achieved through positive communication, but as every parent knows that’s not always easy to manage. Use these guidelines to help you set and maintain a positive tone.
WEBINAR: “Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: The Importance of Positive Communication at Home, at School and in the Social Arena”
by Alan Wachtel, MD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children with ADHD who are treated comprehensively have the most positive outcomes. A comprehensive plan involves medication in conjunction with educational, behavioral, and psychological interventions. Parent advocacy is critical to ensuring that the treatment plan is implemented properly.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Traditional talk therapy and social skills groups rarely work for boys with ADHD. The better option is to seek out ADHD clinicians and coaches who understand gender-based differences and have experience working with young males.
for Smart Kids with LD
Inattentive ADHD is characterized by the ability to focus intensely on areas of interest while paying little or no attention to tasks that are unexciting. Here, Dr. Thomas Brown, a leading expert in the field, explains the nuances of this form of ADHD along with the challenges of diagnosing it.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children with ADHD may have other mental health issues that complicate their learning challenges. In fact, about 30% of kids with attention difficulties also have OCD or a related anxiety disorder. In such cases, it’s important to understand and treat both issues.
by Eve Kessler, Esq. based on a presentation by Alan Wachtel, MD
for Smart Kids with LD
When left untreated ADHD is among the most debilitating disorders to live with. The risks of not treating ADHD include academic, social, and emotional problems in childhood. The problems may follow a person into adulthood impacting job performance, marital and family relationships, mental health, and automobile safety. Children with ADHD who are not treated are more likely to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.
Eve Kessler, Esq., for Smart Kids with LD
based on an ADDitude webinar by Kathy Kuhl
School options for kids with learning differences and ADHD include neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, parochial schools, and homeschooling (online or in-person). This article features information about each of those areas in or der to help you assess what option is best for your child.
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Psychology Today
We need to dispel the myth that autistic people lack empathy.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Psychology Today
When we don’t understand autistic kids we create a toxic environment for them.
More About Marcia Eckerd
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Autism Parenting Magazine
A look at whether the mainstream education system is doing the best it can for children with autism.
More About Marcia Eckerd
based on an ADDitude webinar by Kathy Kuhl
School options for kids with learning differences and ADHD include neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, parochial schools, and homeschooling (online or in-person). This article features information about each of those areas in or der to help you assess what option is best for your child.
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Psychology Today
We tend to mistake sexuality with having sex.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Psychology Today
Why do some autistic adults reject the term “high functioning?
More About Marcia Eckerd
BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
A functional behavioral assessment is used to help identify the reasons behind problem behaviors. In an FBA the evaluator gathers information about the time, place, and severity of negative behaviors in order to understand patterns that result in acting out. The information is used to develop interventions to alter the factors that precede or reinforce unwanted behaviors.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
This article is based on the presentation by Ross W. Greene, PhD, Children Do Well When They Can: Identifying and Solving Problems That Cause Challenging Behaviors. Dr. Greene, a leading authority on Oppositional Defiant Disorder, is the originator of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model and founding director of the nonprofit Lives in the Balance.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
During a school disciplinary hearing, kids with identified disabilities have special protections under the law. Parents need to understand these unique rights and be proactive about ensuring their implementation.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Students with LD and ADHD are suspended from school at greater rates than their peers without learning challenges. Increasingly, school codes of conduct penalize behaviors that these students struggle to control on a regular basis, putting them at risk for suspension.
DIET AND NUTRITION
for Smart Kids with LD
Eating disorders are a serious mental health issue that began to increase among school-age children during the pandemic. Females—and especially those with ADHD—are at greater risk for this illness. Understanding the various types of eating disorders and the warning signs of each may help you recognize a potential problem before it becomes serious.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
The link between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in kids is a hot topic for researchers, regulators, policymakers, and consumer advocates. Anecdotally, parents, too, attest to the harmful effect food dyes have on their child’s behavior as well as on school performance.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Food dyes can affect ADHD and hyperactive behavior, but they do not cause it. But for some kids, dietary changes in conjunction with standard ADHD care may help with their behavioral issues.
for Smart Kids with LD
Eating disorders are a serious mental illness that have spiked among adolescents since the onset of the pandemic. Following are strategies to help prevent eating disorders by changing your family’s perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs around eating, food, and weight.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Do you see a connection between your child’s behavior and what she eats? Numerous controlled studies have concluded that food dyes can worsen behavior in some children with and without ADHD.
DIGITAL DEVICES
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Research shows that kids with ADHD are particularly vulnerable to screen addictions and the negative effects that follow. Design elements intrinsic to digital media play into the neurobiology of the ADHD brain, heightening the risk for negative impacts from electronic devices.
by Dave Sylvestro, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children who spend an excessive amount of time in front of screens miss the opportunity to develop important skills. Use common-sense approaches to encourage actual social interaction and limit screen time.
by Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, and Chris Parrott, MSc, Post MSc Dipl, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
The emergence of a screen culture challenges parents to rethink family goals and their approach to technology. With few guidelines to follow, many feel intimidated, overwhelmed, or defeated. Crafting a family-friendly policy begins by exploring the options between all-or-nothing extremes.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
When teens and young adults consume a steady diet of disaster news through their social media outlets, the impact can negatively impact their health and well-being.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT STRATEGIES (FOR PARENTS AND FOR KIDS)
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Unstable emotions and behaviors underlie several learning disabilities and mental health conditions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy has been used successfully with adolescents struggling to regulate attention, mood, anxiety levels, substance use, and eating habits, as well as those who have suicidal thoughts and self-injurious behaviors.
by Caroline Adams Miller, MAPP, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
In a well-intentioned—but misguided—effort to protect our children from failure, we’ve created a generation lacking the skills to overcome adversity. But it’s never too late to change the dynamic. Here’s how to get started helping your children develop grit, the quality that will allow them to live their best lives.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For various reasons fathers are frequently skeptical when their kids are diagnosed with learning challenges. Their reluctance to accept an LD or ADHD diagnosis may exacerbate negative behaviors at home and at school. To overcome the problem, Ryan Wexelblatt, an expert who specializes in boys with ADHD, also works with dads to help them better understand their child’s challenges.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
COVID-19 has limited most everyone’s social life, but for kids with LD and ADHD who normally struggle with social issues, the pandemic is having an outsized impact on emotional health. Building the social skills kids need to weather the loneliness of online learning and social distancing falls to parents.
by Dave Sylvestro with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Parents play a key role in helping a child with a negative attitude adopt a more positive outlook. Being intentional in how you communicate is fundamental to building confidence, resilience, and independence • Even when resolving conflicts, choose your words carefully.
EVALUATIONS
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For parents who suspect their child may have learning disabilities, the evaluation and recommendation process can be daunting. In fact, the process is a problem-solving exercise that need not be intimidating. This article is a straightforward explanation of what you can expect, with answers to your most fundamental concerns.
by Donna A. Chauvin Quallen, MEd, CAS, and Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
If done properly, the results of your child’s evaluation should form the basis for their IEP. A thorough evaluation points out strengths and deficits, both of which must be incorporated in the goals and objectives the PPT establishes for your child to succeed.
for Smart Kids with LD
Assistive Technology (AT) can help “level the playing field” for your child with LD. To ensure that your child has access to appropriate technology, request an AT evaluation, the results of which can be incorporated into the IEP.
by Donna A. Chauvin Quallen, MEd, CAS, and Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
When academic performance suffers, an educational diagnosis is done to help define the student’s academic strengths and learning needs and translate them into an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
With the COVID-19 school closures, teaching has shifted from classroom, small group, and individual instruction to distance learning. Teachers and service providers are working hard to adapt to remote platforms. As parents, you are in a unique position to let your school team know how your kids are responding to online learning
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
RTI is an individualized, comprehensive assessment and intervention process that utilizes a problem-solving framework to identify and address academic difficulties through effective, research-based instruction. The goal of RTI is to separate children with true learning disabilities from those who perform poorly as a result of poor instruction.
for Smart Kids with LD
Evaluation is the first step in addressing learning difficulties or ADHD. Parents—especially those new to learning challenges—often are confused about the differences between school-based evaluations and clinical evaluations. Here is a straightforward explanation that will help you determine what’s best for your child.
EXECUTIVE FUNCTION SKILLS
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
for Smart Kids with LD
For kids with ADHD, EF impairments are typically “chronic and severe” and the consequences of lacking focus and sustained attention can be considerable. Learning to drive is an example of this.
for Smart Kids with LD
Promoting responsibility and independence in kids requires parents to step back from doing things for them rather than with them. Breaking the pattern involves motivating new behaviors through positive communication and encouragement.
by Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For parents of teens with weak executive functions, helping your kids improve these skills takes a concerted and intentional effort, some of which may not come naturally. Applying these strategies can help you find the balance between too much support and not enough.
by Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Students with ADHD and other learning challenges often have weak executive function skills. Strengthening these skills will benefit your child at school and beyond. Share this article’s strategies with your child’s teacher, and follow them at home as well.
by Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
The turbulence associated with adolescence is partially due to underdeveloped executive functions, putting teens at risk for unhealthy behaviors. You can counter these natural tendencies by explicitly teaching executive function skills.
for Smart Kids with LD
Inattentive ADHD is characterized by the ability to focus intensely on areas of interest while paying little or no attention to tasks that are unexciting. Here, Dr. Thomas Brown, a leading expert in the field, explains the nuances of this form of ADHD along with the challenges of diagnosing it.
FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE AND SELF-ADVOCACY
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
for Smart Kids with LD
Promoting responsibility and independence in kids requires parents to step back from doing things for them rather than with them. Breaking the pattern involves motivating new behaviors through positive communication and encouragement.
for Smart Kids with LD
Resolving problems and navigating tense conversations with your child are best achieved through positive communication, but as every parent knows that’s not always easy to manage. Use these guidelines to help you set and maintain a positive tone.
WEBINAR: “Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: The Importance of Positive Communication at Home, at School and in the Social Arena”
HELPFUL THERAPIES
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Research shows that music training benefits the brain in ways that may be particularly beneficial to children with learning challenges, ADHD and executive function issues.
by Jacob Presson
When a student teacher returns to the preschool he once terrorized, a young child triggers memories of his struggles with ADHD.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Musical activities engage various centers of the brain that often cause problems for those with ADHD. Rhythm, melody and tempo activate attention and focus • Moving to music helps organize the brain. Playing music enhances sustained attention, impulse control, planning, self-esteem, complex decision-making, and the ability to make sense of sound in noise.
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP)
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Becoming the advocate your child deserves requires that you participate fully in his IEP meetings. Preparing ahead is fundamental to achieving the outcomes that will ensure educational success, Showing up with a collegial attitude will help with problem-solving.
LEARNING DISABILITIES (LD)
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Bookshare is an online library of accessible eBooks and educational materials for children (and adults) with diagnosed language learning disabilities and other issues that make reading difficult. Members have access to over 400,000 titles, including textbooks, bestsellers, children’s books, young adult books, college prep and career books, newspapers and magazines. Books not already in Bookshare’s collection may be ordered.
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children with disabilities are among the most likely victims of school bullying. Parents play an important role in keeping their children safe by openly discussing the issue and working with the school.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Experts believe that approximately 7% of the population has symptoms of dyscalculia. But dyscalculia— often referred to as “the forgotten learning disability”— is neither well-researched nor entirely understood.
based on an ADDitude webinar by Kathy Kuhl
With so many school options to choose from, figuring out the best fit for your child with LD or ADHD can be challenging. Use these guidelines to help determine the best option for your child and your family.
for Smart Kids with LD
Struggling with learning differences takes a toll on your child’s self-esteem, which in turn impacts their ability to make and keep friends. To help your child become more socially competent, you must begin by building their self-esteem. These strategies from a noted expert will get you started.
by David P. Sylvestro, CSP, and Hallie A. Buckingham, EdD,
with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Girls with LD have unique social-development challenges. As boys and girls grow up they learn to express anger and frustration differently. It’s important to provide girls with specific social tools to avoid the negative consequences of the “mean-girls” culture.
by Cynthia Keefe, PsyD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Stress is a normal part of being a parent. Parents of children and adolescents with ADHD, LD, anxiety or other special needs, however, experience significantly more daily and chronic stress than other parents.
by Jonathan Cohen, PhD, and Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Social, emotional, and ethical literacy may be more important than academic skills when it comes to achieving happiness and success. As a parent you can help your child develop competencies in those areas. Use your child’s evaluation as a tool to improve in areas other than academics.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Research shows that music training benefits the brain in ways that may be particularly beneficial to children with learning challenges, ADHD and executive function issues.
by Jacob Presson
When a student teacher returns to the preschool he once terrorized, a young child triggers memories of his struggles with ADHD.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For children with dyslexia, the optimal time frame for addressing reading deficits is before most children are diagnosed. This may become more possible as new tools are being developed to identify at-risk kids when treatment can be most effective.
for Smart Kids with LD
Resolving problems and navigating tense conversations with your child are best achieved through positive communication, but as every parent knows that’s not always easy to manage. Use these guidelines to help you set and maintain a positive tone.
WEBINAR: “Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: The Importance of Positive Communication at Home, at School and in the Social Arena”
by Jerome J. Schultz, PhD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
This article is based on “Stress and the LD Puzzle,” the Keynote presentation by Jerome J. Schultz, Ph.D., Harvard-based clinical neuropsychologist, author and consultant, at the conference Best Practices and New Perspectives in the Field of Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficits.
by Margie Gillis, EdD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children with dyslexia can learn to read, but there is no quick fix for this reading disability. Teaching these children requires a systematic approach that builds on previously learned skills one step at a time. Instruction must be individualized to address each child’s unique challenges and abilities.
by Dave Sylvestro with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Parenting a child with LD or ADHD can be an emotional roller-coaster ride. Your child’s unique characteristics present daily challenges in all facets of life. Understanding what they go through on a daily basis can help you help them manage the challenges.
by Eve Kessler, Esq., for Smart Kids with LD
based on an ADDitude webinar by Kathy Kuhl
School options for kids with learning differences and ADHD include neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, parochial schools, and homeschooling (online or in-person). This article features information about each of those areas in or der to help you assess what option is best for your child.
NON-VERBAL LEARNING DISABILITIES (NVLD or NLD)
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
for Smart Kids with LD
As with other learning disabilities, the evaluation for Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities (NLD) involves a thorough history in addition to comprehensive neuropsychological testing. An NLD evaluation is best done by a psychologist familiar with NLD.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Teachers and school personnel often do not know about or understand NLD. It is up to parents to educate those who work with their children every day. Share basic information such as how NLD shows up in the classroom and on the playground, as well as strategies to help school staff address related issues.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Because nonverbal learning disabilities are not well understood, parents of kids with NLD challenges often feel alone and unsupported—even by those who should be natural allies such as family members, school personnel, and medical professionals. Rather than trying looking for help from those who aren’t willing to be educated, seek out people in your community who are experiencing similar struggles.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Kids with NLD tend to have trouble with social rules. The challenges are often misinterpreted as problematic nonconformity, when in fact these kids just don’t “get” social customs. Understanding where the difficulties stem from and how to deal with them can help you help your child navigate social situations.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
For kids with NLD, tone of voice is one of many nonverbal cues that often elude them, leading to misinterpretation and miscommunication. Working with a professional can help them learn to better decipher the intonations of others as well as express themselves in a way others find easier to understand.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Although kids with NLD have many strengths, they often have social skill deficits. There are some simple techniques you can do to help your child develop the skills they need to manage social situations effectively.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Because students with NLD often excel academically, problems with language deficits may go undiagnosed. As academic demands increase, problems with comprehension and written expression may become apparent.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Challenges for parents of children with NLD include learning to manage inflexibility, preventing meltdowns, and navigating social awkwardness. Successful parenting strategies include communicating clearly, previewing situations, anticipating frustration, and reinforcing positive behaviors. Educating others about NLD is critical for those who interact with these children.
More About Marcia Eckerd
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Although ADHD and OCD are often thought of as polar opposite conditions, they are in fact more similar than you’d think. This can lead to confusion and misdiagnosis. Understanding what motivates the similar behaviors can provide clues to an appropriate treatment plan.
for Smart Kids with LD
Understanding what motivates these behaviors will help you determine the best treatment.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Children with ADHD may have other mental health issues that complicate their learning challenges. In fact, about 30% of kids with attention difficulties also have OCD or a related anxiety disorder. In such cases, it’s important to understand and treat both issues.
PARENT COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
Becoming the advocate your child with LD deserves means learning how to navigate the school system. It’s essential to educate yourself on policies that impact your child as well as develop positive relationships with those in a position to give your child what she needs.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
As a parent, it’s your job to manage your child’s education and secure their rights under the law. Here are some tips to help you establish a collaborative partnership with your school to achieve those goals.
PLANNING AND PLACEMENT TEAM (PPT)
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Despite school closures the Department of Education expects IEPs to continue. As a key member of your child’s IEP team, your input is vital to the process. Before the meeting, take the time to prepare your thoughts and questions to ensure the optimal outcome for your child.
by Noreen O’Mahoney, SDA, CSW, and Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
For kids with LD, the importance of the IEP meeting cannot be overstated. The questions you ask at those meetings will help influence the discussion and decisions made by your child’s team.
SECTION 504
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Section 504 is a federal law that prevents discriminating against those with disabilities. If your child does not qualify for protections under the IDEA, he or she may still be eligible for support and accommodations under Section 504. Eligibility is based on an assessment.
SOCIAL SKILLS AND PLAY
for Smart Kids with LD
Struggling with learning differences takes a toll on your child’s self-esteem, which in turn impacts their ability to make and keep friends. To help your child become more socially competent, you must begin by building their self-esteem. These strategies from a noted expert will get you started.
TEENS
by Gail Schwartz, MS, MSW, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
Guiding your adolescent toward adulthood starts with a dose of commonsense, coupled with clear expectations, and mutual respect. Most of all it involves not getting dragged into the drama that defines those tumultuous years.
by Gail Schwartz, MS, MSW, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
The teen years are notorious for being challenging. They are marked by confusion and uncertainty, which helps explain why teens often make life difficult for those around them, and themselves. Add learning disabilities or attention issues to the mix, and the challenges may be even more difficult to manage.
TRANSITION
for Smart Kids with LD
Once your teen graduates from high school many of the supports they’ve come to rely on will not be available at the next level—and those that are will require the student to proactively seek them out. With the responsibility squarely on the student’s shoulders, these guidelines will help ensure a smooth transition to higher ed and set the student up for college success.
for Smart Kids with LD
When students with learning differences transition from high school to college, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) replace the IDEA as their source of legal protections. This ushers in a new standard for receiving Assistive Technology (AT) services: college students with disabilities must be provided with aids, benefits, or services that level the playing field and that provide them with an equal opportunity to achieve the same result or the same level of achievement as others.
for Smart Kids with LD
Parents play a critical role in helping their child make a smooth transition to college. Use these guidelines to identify and track your child’s readiness in key areas and work with their school team to make improvements where necessary.
for Smart Kids with LD
Helping your child prepare for college involves more than just academic readiness. Encouraging the independence they’ll need to succeed begins in high school by having them assume greater responsibility for all facets of their life.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
When looking for a college, it’s important to match the types of services needed with the services offered. Typically, colleges offer one of three levels of support.
for Smart Kids with LD
Finding the right college for your child with learning challenges is a highly individualized process. Rather than focus on rankings and prestige, look for campuses that are “the right fit” based on your teen’s unique skills, priorities, learning style, interests and needs.
for Smart Kids with LD
Going from high school directly into college may not be the best choice for your child with learning challenges. Understanding and evaluating the alternatives can help put your young adult on a career path in line with her abilities, strengths, and maturity level.
for Smart Kids with LD
For young adults with learning challenges, accessing supports in college is entirely student-driven. Using this step-by-step guide will help your child get off to a strong start by receiving the accommodations they’ll need to succeed as they embark—and continue—on their higher education journey.
by Jacob Presson
When a student teacher returns to the preschool he once terrorized, a young child triggers memories of his struggles with ADHD.
by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD
College is not the only route to career success. Helping your non-college bound teen find his path is the specialty of Rick Fiery, co-founder of Inventive Labs. This article, based on Fiery’s ADDitude Magazine Expert Webinar, Encouraging Your Children to Find Their Own Paths, summarizes his strategy for helping teens find their way to a successful career.