We talked with Paul Beljan about pediatric neuropsychology, how it differs from school and educational psychology, and how and when families can benefit from a practitioner’s expertise. … [Read more...] about A Primer on Pediatric Neuropsychology
twice exceptional
Dysgraphia
Parent Question: My 10-year-old son has been diagnosed with the writing disability dysgraphia. Because he has difficulty with writing tasks, he tends to avoid them. His teacher has expressed that my son seems to be unmotivated and oppositional regarding writing assignments. How can I make sure the school fully understands my son’s disability and what modifications should I suggest? … [Read more...] about Dysgraphia
Twice Exceptional Doesn’t Have To Be Twice as Hard
My daughter, Allison, has been exceptionally perceptive since she was born. The sheets in her bassinet irritated her the day we brought her home from the hospital, and she protested until we found ones that she liked. Her heightened sensitivities made her cognitively quick as a toddler; however, they also made her feel oppressed by the touch of others, overwhelmed by smells and noises around her, and disheartened that the world did not live up to her expectations. … [Read more...] about Twice Exceptional Doesn’t Have To Be Twice as Hard
Asperger Syndrome and Giftedness
Parents and educators have long understood that social savvy and emotional intelligence are not to be taken for granted among gifted youths. Gifted children differ from other children in ways that are obvious both to themselves and to their classroom counterparts. Because they must learn to engage and play with others far less mature in their interests and capabilities, social interaction is rocky terrain for some gifted youths. For gifted children with Asperger syndrome, social difficulties can … [Read more...] about Asperger Syndrome and Giftedness
Identifying ADHD in Gifted Students
Perhaps the biggest challenge in helping gifted students with attention difficulties is getting an accurate diagnosis of them. How are true attention deficits differentiated from the emotional and behavioral shifts common among gifted students? The problem may be compounded by a lack of appropriate educational services in the classroom. … [Read more...] about Identifying ADHD in Gifted Students
College Planning with LD and/or ADD
The college admissions process gives rise to great excitement, adventure, and struggle for all kids. If your child has learning disabilities (LD) and/or attention deficit disorder (ADD), the process becomes even more challenging. Every family needs to ask prospective colleges myriad questions, but you will need to ask more. The more specific information you gather early on, the easier the task will be. … [Read more...] about College Planning with LD and/or ADD