Adulting with Autism: Could I Have Undiagnosed ASD?

It’s estimated that over 5.4 million adults in the US have autism spectrum disorder, but with autism only being widely recognized since the 1980’s, many of these adults have gone their entire lives without a diagnosis. Check out this month’s blog to learn how autism can impact adult life and discover the benefits of seeking a diagnosis at any age.

10 Signs That Your Child Might Have Dyslexia

Dyslexia can be difficult to detect, but its symptoms can be much more manageable for kids who receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate support. Read this month’s blog to learn about how you can recognize the signs of dyslexia in your kid.

My Kid is Being Bullied - How Will This Impact Their Ability to Learn?

Even top-rated schools can turn into hostile and damaging environments for kids who are bullied on campus. Check out this week’s blog to learn how bullying can alter a student’s brain development and impair their ability to learn.

Self-Advocacy in the Workplace: 10 Tips for Talking to Your Employer about Accommodations

If you have a disability that affects your career, asking your employer for accommodations may seem stressful. Read this month’s blogs to learn helpful tips & talking points for successful accommodation requests in the workplace.

4 Steps to Securing Special Education

The requirements for receiving special education can get confusing and complex. Read this month’s blog to learn how a diagnosis differs from special education eligibility, and how our team can help your student secure the support they need.

A Parent’s Guide to Non-Public Schools in Orange County

Orange County has a variety of specialized schools for kids and teens with learning differences. Check out this week's blog to discover the various non-public schools that OC has to offer.

7 Steps to Take if Your Kid Is Facing School Retention

It’s hard to believe, but the end of the school year is just around the corner. If you are facing the reality that your kid might be held back a year, check out this month’s blog to learn what you can do.

What Parents Need to Know About Dysgraphia: The Learning Disability that Impairs Writing

Does writing or typing seem way harder than it should for your child or teen? Do they have trouble gripping a pencil, organizing sentences, or using proper grammar? 

If writing challenges are holding your child back in school, they may have a learning disability known as dysgraphia. Check out this week’s blog to learn the signs and how you can help. 

School Refusal and Anxiety: 7 Questions for Parents to Consider

Does that idea of going to school give your kid unmanageable anxiety?

If your kid adamantly refuses to go to school, you may be wondering what you can do. Read this month’s blog to get answers to some of your questions about school refusal and learn how our team can help. 

8 Risks to English Language Learners in Special Education

English Language Learners face numerous obstacles in a traditional classroom setting, but what about ELLs who require special education? Check out this week’s blog to learn about risks that ELLs with learning differences face, and how we can help.

6 Things to Know About Your Student’s Math Struggles

Does math feel unmanageable to your student?

If your kid struggles with learning math, you aren’t alone. Check out this month’s blog to learn possible causes and how our team can help.

Caring for Cognition: 8 Steps for Middle & High School Students to Prioritize Healthy Thinking in the New School Year

Every student wants to bring their A-game when they start a new school year, but back-to-school stressors can sometimes impair our ability to think clearly, logically, and critically. Check out this month’s blog to learn 8 steps students  can take to care for their cognition as they head back to class.

My Kid is Struggling in School – Should I Get Them Tested?

Having your kid tested for learning differences may seem overwhelming, but testing is often a student's launchpad to receiving a truly equitable and enriching learning experience. Read this week’s blog to find answers to some of the most pressing questions about diagnostic testing. 

Adaptive Functioning: What Is It, and How Does It Affect Learning?

Brushing your teeth, asking questions, getting to school on time: do you know what adaptive functioning skills are, and how they impact student success? Check out this month’s blog to discover the importance of adaptive functioning for students, and learn what you can do if your student struggles with adaptive behaviors. 

Is Residential Placement the Best Option for my Child or Teen?

The idea of residential schools can be scary to parents, but these specialized programs can offer life-changing benefits for students whose needs cannot be met through standard schooling. Read this week’s blog to learn when residential placement is often appropriate, and how Variations can help parents considering this path for their child’s education.

Does My Child Have Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder? 7 Ways to Identify DMDD

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) inhibits a child’s ability to control their emotions, resulting in various challenges in their social and academic lives. Read this month’s blog to learn how a parent can identify DMDD in their kid, and how our diagnosticians can help.

Does My Kid Qualify for an IEP Under “Other Health Impairment (OHI)”?

Unlike most of IDEA’s 13 categories, the “Other Health Impairment” category covers a broad range of conditions, from ADHD to depression. Check out this month’s blog to learn more about this important category and whether your child might qualify for an IEP under its umbrella. 

Specific Learning Disabilities & Special Education: 6 Facts for Parents

The Specific Learning Disability category is one of 13 categories under IDEA that can qualify a student for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Read this month’s blog to learn about the impact of SLDs, how students can qualify for an IEP under this category, and how our diagnosticians can help.

7 Ways Schizophrenia Impacts Education

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that presents a variety of obstacles to learning. Read this month’s blog to learn about the symptoms of schizophrenia, how it can affect a student’s education, and how our diagnosticians can help.

My Kid Has an Emotional Disability – Can They Qualify For an IEP?

The Emotional Disturbance category is one of the 13 categories under IDEA that can qualify a student for an Independent Education Program (IEP). Check out this month’s blog to learn how students can qualify for special education under this category, and how our team can help your child receive the necessary support.

The 13 Categories of IDEA: What Conditions Can Qualify My Student for Special Education?

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) defines 13 categories of conditions that can quality students for special education. Check out this month’s blog to learn what these categories are, and how our team can help your student receive appropriate support.

Understanding Supports, Services, Accommodations, Modifications & Placements

Academic accommodations, services, modifications, and placements: do you know the differences?

Check out this week’s blog to brush up on your education program lingo and discover how each type of intervention can help your child reach their academic potential.

“Could I Have ADHD?”: 7 Tips to Identify & Manage Executive Functioning Challenges

Ever wondered why you have issues with planning, memory, time management, or attention? If so, check out this week’s blog!

Dealing with Dysgraphia: 7 Steps to Help Your Child Overcome Writing Challenges

Does writing or typing seem way harder than it should be for your child or teen? Do they have trouble gripping a pencil, organizing sentences, or using proper grammar?

If writing challenges are holding your child back in school, they may have a learning disability known as dysgraphia. Check out this week’s blog to learn the signs and how you can help.

Why isn’t my kid making any friends?

Does your kid struggle to make or keep friends? There are many reasons why some kids have a harder time than others in building friendships. Check out this week’s blog to uncover 8 common causes, and learn how we can help.

9 Facts About Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)

Did you know?...

When schools provide internal evaluations, they see results before the parents and those results are added to the student’s academic record. Since school evaluators are employed by the district, their results are at risk of being biased. An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) can provide a more thorough, objective, and private testing experience. Check out this week’s blog on the benefits of IEEs and how Variations can help.

8 Reasons to Get Your Kid Tested by an Educational Psychologist

Could your child or teen benefit from Educational Testing?

Whether your student struggles or excels in school, testing may be the best next step in providing their optimal education. Check out this week’s blog to learn how educational testing can help your kid overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

Is My Child or Teen Depressed? 10 Tell-Tale Questions to Consider

Depression in youth is on the rise, but more than half of affected kids don’t receive appropriate treatment. Would you be able to recognize signs of depression in your child or teen? Check out this week’s blog to find out.

Understanding Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): A Parent’s Guide to Educational Placements

Students are entitled by law to receive their education in “the Least Restrictive Environment,” but the LRE varies greatly from one kid to the next. Check out this week’s blog to get the lowdown on different placement options, and learn how you can determine the most appropriate LRE for your child or teen.

My Kid is a Perfectionist – Blessing or Curse?

“An A minus?! I’m a failure!” “My eyebrows are uneven – I can’t be seen at school like this!”
While striving for excellence can be a great driver for success, sometimes perfectionism can harm your child’s mental health and even hold them back from reaching their potential.
Are your child’s perfectionist habits a blessing or curse? Check out this week’s blog to find out.

Adulting with Autism: Could I Have Undiagnosed ASD?

It’s estimated that over 5.4 million adults in the US have autism spectrum disorder, but with autism only being widely recognized since the 1980’s, many of these adults have gone their entire lives without a diagnosis. Check out this month’s blog to learn how autism can impact adult life and discover the benefits of seeking a diagnosis at any age.

My Kid is Being Bullied - How Will This Impact Their Ability to Learn?

Even top-rated schools can turn into hostile and damaging environments for kids who are bullied on campus. Check out this week’s blog to learn how bullying can alter a student’s brain development and impair their ability to learn.

Self-Advocacy in the Workplace: 10 Tips for Talking to Your Employer about Accommodations

If you have a disability that affects your career, asking your employer for accommodations may seem stressful. Read this month’s blogs to learn helpful tips & talking points for successful accommodation requests in the workplace.

4 Steps to Securing Special Education

The requirements for receiving special education can get confusing and complex. Read this month’s blog to learn how a diagnosis differs from special education eligibility, and how our team can help your student secure the support they need.

What Parents Need to Know About Dysgraphia: The Learning Disability that Impairs Writing

Does writing or typing seem way harder than it should for your child or teen? Do they have trouble gripping a pencil, organizing sentences, or using proper grammar? 

If writing challenges are holding your child back in school, they may have a learning disability known as dysgraphia. Check out this week’s blog to learn the signs and how you can help. 

Deck the Halls with Solid Boundaries: Tips to Avoid People-Pleasing

Do the holidays bring out your inner people-pleaser? Many of us struggle to say “no” to family and friends around the holidays, even when it means compromising our own well-being. Check out our special edition blog for 7 tips to tame your inner people-pleaser this holiday season.

My Kid Can’t Understand Nonverbal Communication – What Could be the Cause?

“Why can’t my kid ‘Read the Room’?!”

Does your kid struggle to understand nonverbal cues such as tone, sarcasm, or body language? Do they tend to pay attention to unimportant details in school, but seem to miss “the big picture”? If so, they may have nonverbal learning deficits, which can impact their academic success. Check out this week’s blog to learn more.

10 Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers

Most kids with autism are diagnosed at age 4 or older, but there are several common clues that toddlers often show before age 2. Check out this week’s blog to learn what to look for, and how we can help.

Healing at Home: How Can I Help My Child Overcome Trauma?

Has your child been through a traumatic experience? 45% of American kids have survived at least 1 adverse childhood experience (ACE). No matter how severe the trauma, there are ways to help kids heal and feel safe again. Check out this week’s blog to learn 10 tips for building resiliency and recovering from childhood trauma.

Is your kid with ADHD prepared to manage college life?

While there are many supports in grades K-12 for kids with ADHD, the college “big leagues” can feel overwhelming to students who struggle with lack of structure, wonky schedules, and limitless distractions. Check out this week’s blog to learn how you can prepare your teen with ADHD for college success.

“My Kid Has OCD – How Will This Impact Their Education?”

How does OCD impact a kid’s grades, friendships, and emotional health? Check out this week’s blog to find out.

Why is Math So Hard for My Kid?

If your child is frequently frustrated with math, they may be showing signs of a learning disorder called dyscalculia. Check out this week’s blog to uncover dyscalculia’s symptoms and learn how we can help

8 Ways Bipolar Impacts a Teen’s Education

Emotional ups and downs can make school hard for any teen, but could your teen’s rapid mood changes be signs of bipolar disorder? Check out this week’s blog to find out.

10 Signs a Processing Disorder is Behind Your Career Struggles

Did you know that problems with time management, clumsiness, and organization can all be signs of processing disorders?

Being an adult is hard enough without a processing disorder to complicate things further. Check out this week’s blog to discover if you’ve been dealing with any PD symptoms, and learn how we can help.

Gifted Kids and Disabilities – What Parents Need to Know about 2e

Do you have a twice-exceptional kid? Many gifted students also have a disability that impacts their academic success. Check out our blog to learn more about twice-exceptional (2e) students and how to support them.

11 Signs You Have a Gifted Kid

Could your child be academically gifted? Check out this week’s blog to learn 11 common traits of highly gifted kids – some may surprise you!

Detecting Dyslexia: Could My Kid Have It?

Did you know Albert Einstein, Keira Knightly, Steven Spielberg, John Lennon, Salma Hayek, Octavia Spencer, and Barbara Corcoran all achieved their success despite having dyslexia?

Dyslexia presents plenty of challenges, but it doesn’t have to define your kid’s potential. Check out this week’s blog to learn some of the tell-tale signs of dyslexia and how we can help.

BE DIRECT! 8 Teacher Tips for Getting Students to Listen

Calling all teachers! Do you struggle to get students to listen to instructions? Check out this week’s blog for our top tips on giving effective commands and building student compliance.

Could My Kid Have a Processing Disorder?

Processing Disorders impact a child’s ability to interpret info taken in by their senses. Check out this week’s blog to recognize signs of processing disorders and how they may be impacting your child’s learning.

Supporting Student Emotions: 9 Tips for a High EQ Classroom

How’s your classroom EQ?

Today’s educators are realizing the importance of emotional learning in addition to core academics. Check out this week’s blog to for tips to empower emotional health in your students.

Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs): What They Are & How They Can Help

Does your child have a learning disability or condition that impacts their learning? Do you disagree with their school’s evaluations or recommendations for support? If so, check out this week’s blog on how an Independent Educational Evaluation can help.

Public, Private, Charter, Magnet, & Same Sex: A Parent’s Guide to Pros & Cons of School Types

Public, Private, Charter, Magnet, Same-Sex – Which school type is best for your kid? Check out this week’s blog to find out!

Diagnostic Testing: 6 Reasons it’s the Best First Step Before Therapy or Educational Services

Thinking of trying treatment like therapy or educational services? Check out this week’s blog to make sure you get the right help the first time!

Could I have ADHD or Executive Functioning Issues?

Do you or your child struggle to plan, set goals, or complete tasks? If so, check out this week’s blog to learn what could be causing your struggles and what to do about it.

Managing Student Behavior: 10 Go-To Tips for Teachers

Challenging student behaviors can make it tough for any teacher to focus on doing their jobs. Check out our blog for 10 Teacher Tips on Managing Student Behavior.

Understanding Education Plans: A Parent’s Guide to 504s and IEPs

504s, IEPs, IEEs – AHHH!

When it comes to educational plans, red tape and eligibility guidelines can get overwhelming. Check out this week’s blog where we boil down everything you need to know about 504 plans and IEPs for your kid.

Could My Teen Have an Eating Disorder? 9 Signs Parents Should Look For

Could your teen’s obsession with weight be a sign of an eating disorder? Check out this week’s blog to find out.

“My Kid Won’t Do Their Homework – What Do I Do?”

Are you beside yourself because your kid just won’t do their homework? Check out this week’s blog for 10 tips on getting your kid to buckle down and get their work done!

“My Kid Struggles with Writing – How Can I Help?”

“My kid is so smart and explains ideas so well – she just can’t seem to write them down!”

If writing challenges are holding your child back in school, they may have a learning disorder called dysgraphia. Check out this week’s blog to learn the signs and how you can help.

Count Your Blessings: How to Train a Thankful Brain

Is it really possible to rewire your brain toward positive thinking? We think so! Check out this week’s blog to learn how.

“Why is my kid struggling so much with math?”

Does your child struggle with learning math concepts? If so, they may have a learning disorder called dyscalculia. Check out this week’s blog to learn signs of dyscalculia and how to support your child’s learning.

Secrets of Successful Step-Families: 10 Tips for Blended Family Bliss

From Cinderella to The Parent Trap, movies often portray second marriages in a negative light. In reality, step-parents & siblings often provide a tremendous source of love, support, and mentorship. Check out this week’s blog to learn 10 tips for achieving blended family bliss.

Grandparenting: A Labor of Love 8 Ways Grandparents Impact Families

This Labor Day, we wanted to celebrate the contributions of grandparents and the many ways their efforts improve our lives. Check out this week’s blog and tag a grandparent you love!

Balancing Work and Motherhood: Can Moms Really Have it All?

Are you a working mom? If so, you know how hard it can be to balance being a career driven boss-lady AND a hands-on mother.
Check out this week’s blog on 10 tips for balancing work and motherhood.

“My Kid Has a Chronic Illness – How Do I Prepare Them for School?”

From asthma to diabetes and epilepsy to cancer, 1 in 4 children go to school each year with a chronic illness. If your kid has a chronic illness, check out this week’s blog for 9 tips to ensure their health and success as they go back to school.

“Is My Teen Addicted to Video Games?” How to Know and What to Do About It

Most people can enjoy video games as an occasional hobby, but what happens when the fantasy world starts to become more appealing than reality? Check out this week’s blog to learn how to identify and prevent video game addiction in children and teens.

“How Do I Keep My Kids Entertained All Summer?”

“I just love entertaining my kids for every second of summer!” – Said no parent ever. If you’re a mom or dad trying to figure out how you’ll keep your kid engaged over the summer, check out this week’s blog on 9 Easy Tips for a Stimulating Summer.”

Is Screen Time Really That Bad for My Kid?

We’ve all heard warnings about too much screen time turning your kid’s brain into mush – but is screen time really that bad? Check out this week’s blog to find out!

“Is My Kid Mature Enough to Be Left Home Alone?”

Is your child or teen ready to be left home alone? Check out this week’s blog to find out!

“How do I prepare my child for a new sibling?”

Finding out you’re having a new baby is exciting – but it can also be scary if you have another kid who would rather watch the news than share their parents with another tiny human! Check out our blog on 8 ways to prepare your kid for a new sibling.

“How do I Teach My Teen about Consent in Relationships?”

With the rise of the “Me Too” and “Time’s Up” movements, the topic of consent is more prevalent than ever. Many parents worry about their teens being taken advantaged of or being unfairly accused. Check out our blog to learn how you can support your teen in clearly understanding consent.

10 Ways to Bond with Your Child as a Foster or Adoptive Dad

Happy Father’s Day to all you great dad’s out there! This year we’re dedicating our Dad-Day blog to foster and adoptive dads! Check out our top 10 tips for foster and adoptive dads to strengthen the bond with their children.

“My Kid is a Picky Eater – What do I do?”

“You can’t just eat sweets all day son.” “Then I just won’t eat anything at all!”

Most parents know the struggle of having a picky eater. Check out this week’s blog for 10 tips on what to do about it.

“How Can My Family Master Mindfulness?”

Mindfulness – it’s all the rage among health and wellness experts. But what exactly is it, and how do you practice it? Check out this week’s blog to find out!

10 Tricks for Talking Back and Keeping Safe from Bullies

“Child in critical condition after fight at school,” “Teen dies by suicide as result of cyberbullying” – it seems that week after week, new tragedies occur as a result of bullying. Check out this week’s blog for 10 tricks to teach your kids on talking back and keeping safe from bullies.

“NSSI: Conditions for Further Study,” has been published as a featured article in the National Association of School Psychologist’s May Communiqué issue.

Top 8 Ways for New Moms to Bond with Baby

Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful moms out there! There’s no bond quite like that between a mother and her baby. Check out our Mother’s Day blog on 8 ways for moms to bond with their new babies.

8 Things to Stop Doing for Your Kids Before They Turn 18

In the wake of the college admissions scandal, everyone’s talking about “snowplow,” “lawnmower,” or “drone” parents who prevent their kids from learning from failure. To avoid too much “snowplowing” in your parenting style, check out our blog on 8 things to stop doing for your kids before they turn 10.

“My Kid Might be Held Back a Grade – What Do I Do?!”

While many parents post about their kids’ stellar report cards, others are feeling panicked that their kid may be held back a grade. If your kid is at risk for being retained, check out this week’s blog to find out what to do about it.

Preventing Student Suicide with Just a Few Simple Questions

We’ve all been pained by recent news stories of teens and even young children dying by suicide. This week’s blog delves into how teachers can save lives with 3-6 simple questions.

8 Tips to Calm Your Kid while Keeping Your Cool

Every parent knows what it’s like to try to calm your kid down from a fit, only to end up enraged and screaming yourself. So how can parents calm their kids and keep their cool in the process? Check out this week’s blog to find out.

“How Do I Talk to My Teen about Drugs and Alcohol?

Teens are famous for their eye rolls and one-word-answers, so how can parents get through to them when talking about drugs and alcohol? Check out this week’s blog to find out.

The Teacher’s TCIT Toolkit

Calling all teachers!Do you feel at your wit’s end with disruptive kids?

Are you stressed with trying to support your students’ emotional health while meeting rising academic standards?

Teacher Child Interaction Therapy (TCIT) has been shown to reduce disruptive behaviors in students and improve relationships between kids and educators - all while improving job satisfaction for teachers! To learn 9 tips on bringing TCIT into your classroom, check out this week’s blog.