When children are diagnosed with special needs (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism etc.), the initial efforts to support them almost always revolve around helping them to fit in with the environment around them.  This of course is very important, but it leaves out a much-needed corollary to these efforts and that is:  changing the environment to...Read More

Imagine that Leonardo da Vinci was a child growing up in contemporary times and school authorities had to determine whether or not he should receive an IEP (Individual Education Plan).  Here’s what it might look like. Principal:  ”Okay, I think we’re ready to start.  Who wants to get the ball rolling?”‘ School Psychologist:  ”Well, I ran...Read More

The concept of neurodiversity emerged in the 1990’s as a way for autism advocates to affirm their identity as people with neurological differences rather than as disabled individuals.  The idea has spread as other advocates (including myself) have sought to articulate the ”diversity rather than disability” message to a broader segment of the population than...Read More

A blog post appeared today on the website, Motherly, which I wrote, that provides practical strategies to help kids focus.  It is especially relevant to kids diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  The tips I recommend include exercise, a nourishing diet, relaxation skills, talking to the child’s teacher about why fidgeting helps some kids focus,...Read More

I’ve just written an article for Education Week Teacher, the online teacher-based arm of the education weekly Education Week.  It presents 10 practical strategies that teachers can use to help ensure that kids with an ADHD diagnosis have a smooth transition at the beginning of the school year. It incorporates strategies from my new book...Read More