Insights From Our Experts
Perspectives and practical guidance on learning, development, mental health, and supporting children and families.
MythBusters: Special Education
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.
Making Reading Stick: Active Reading Comprehension Strategies and Why They Work
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.
Selective Mutism: Demystifying School Lingo
Since parents are the primary advocate for their children, it is important to understand what is available for children with SM, how to obtain those services, and which services are appropriate for your individual child. Here is an introduction to our “special education dictionary” to help you better understand the language and terminology your school may use.
Addressing Homework Avoidance
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.
More Common than you Think: Learning Disorders & Anxiety
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.
MythBusters: Dyslexia
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.
The What and Why of Neuropsychological Evaluations
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.
Selective Mutism Lingo: Understanding Treatment for SM
Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder characterized by consistent failure to speak in specific social situations. Kids with SM may struggle to speak at school, with adults, or with peers. They may have difficulty sharing personal information or making choices. Unfortunately, SM is not widely understood and neither are the important concepts that guide treatment for SM. Being a good consumer of treatment options will help you to be the best advocate for your child.
School Lingo 101: Understanding Special Education
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.