Good grades don't always tell the whole story. In this first installment of our Things Parents Hear That Aren’t Quite Right series, we explore why understanding how a child learns can be just as important as what they achieve. Through a neuropsychological lens, we look beyond the report card to better understand the effort, strategies, and support that may be shaping a child's success.

Special education can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially with so many myths and mixed messages. We break down common misconceptions and explain what special education really means so you can confidently advocate for the support your child needs and better understand your role in the process. With the right information, navigating the system becomes much more manageable.

If your child rereads and highlights but still struggles to remember what they study, they’re far from alone. Effective learning depends on active strategies—not passive ones—and students often need explicit teaching in how to preview, process, and explain new information. With the right tools and guidance, kids develop stronger comprehension and study habits that support them well beyond a single test.

When a child is avoiding doing their homework or procrastinating getting started, it is easy to come to the conclusion that they lack the motivation to get it done. Then, you offer an incentive to try and spark some sort of progress— “You can have an extra hour of screen time as soon as you get your homework done.” Not budging? There may be something a bit more complicated in play. Task avoidance is often caused by challenges with crucial emotional and executive functioning abilities.

Often times, children with learning difficulties experience heightened symptoms of anxiety. The academic struggles combined with (real or imagined) social, emotional, or behavioral fears can become debilitating for a child. As a parent, it is hard to see your child suffering academically, emotionally, and socially. Therefore, gaining a better understanding of the connection between learning disorders and anxiety is a vital step in aiding your child and increasing their confidence and overall ability.

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects reading, writing, and spelling. When families seek out an evaluation due to concerns about their child’s reading or writing performance, dyslexia is one of the primary diagnoses that comes to mind for many practitioners. About 85% of students referred for special education services are students with literacy difficulties that may be dyslexia. Dyslexia is the most common learning disability.Given its prevalence, it is perhaps surprising that there are still many myths that persist.

If your child has had difficulties in school or you have concerns about their development, you have likely been referred for a neuropsychological evaluation. To many parents, this daunting, new recommendation has you imagining your child hooked up to machines for neurological imaging and observation. When in fact, these evaluations require no fancy machines and are often fun for kids. We want to answer common parent questions about these evaluations and clear up the confusion.

Many children require additional support in school for a variety of reasons. However, the education system can be difficult to navigate. Since parents are the primary advocate for their children, it is important to understand what is available, how to obtain services, and which services are appropriate for your child.