Many parents notice patterns in their child’s learning that feel confusing or frustrating. A child may clearly understand concepts but struggle to finish homework, forget instructions soon after hearing them, or need extra time to respond to questions. These challenges are often mistaken for lack of effort or motivation. In reality, they are frequently connected to differences in working memory  or processing speed , two important brain-based skills that influence how childre

In the swirl of modern family life — early alarms, lunch boxes, work deadlines, driving to activities, and bedtime routines — it’s easy for parents to feel stretched thin. Many parents tell us they wish they could spend “more quality time” with their kids but don’t know where to find it. The reassuring truth is this: connection isn’t built in big, picture-perfect moments — it’s built in the small, consistent interactions we share every day. At Devonshire Pediatric Neuropsycho

Parents often come to us at Devonshire Pediatric Neuropsychology  with a very real, very understandable question:   “My child can’t focus. Is this ADHD…or anxiety?”   The confusing part is that ADHD and anxiety can look very similar on the surface . Both can cause trouble paying attention, forgetfulness, and “zoning out” in school. But underneath, the reasons can be very different—and so are the supports that help.   What Is ADHD in Children? Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity D

When a child is born prematurely or experiences medical complications around birth, families are often focused on the immediate concerns — breathing, feeding, growth, and early survival. For many children, early medical challenges resolve beautifully. For others, subtle effects may not become noticeable until later in development, when expectations for learning, attention, or emotional regulation increase. This post is meant to help families understand possible long-term deve

The holidays are often described as magical, but for many children they can also feel overwhelming. Bright lights, loud gatherings, disrupted routines, sugary treats, excitement, anticipation, and last-minute transitions all place extra demands on a child’s nervous system. Even joyful events can be exhausting for kids, especially those who are more sensitive, anxious, neurodivergent, or easily overstimulated. If your child becomes more emotional, energetic, clingy, or “out of

Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation Worth the Cost? A Parent-Friendly Cost–Benefit Guide for Chicago Families When your child is struggling in school, it’s natural to wonder where to start — tutoring? More meetings with the teacher? Extra practice at home? For many Chicago families, the path to answers feels long, confusing, and stressful. For many families, a neuropsychological evaluation becomes the turning point that transforms frustration into clarity and progress. Here’s

Holiday concerts, assemblies, and classroom performances are often joyful traditions—but for many children, being asked to perform in front of others can be overwhelming rather than exciting. Loud spaces, unpredictable schedules, bright lights, social expectations, and performance pressure can push some children beyond their capacity to stay regulated. Supporting children through holiday performances doesn’t mean lowering expectations or removing opportunities—it means honori

Board games extend learning beyond the classroom and build attention and regulation skills! In today’s busy world, finding simple, meaningful ways to build your child’s skills can feel like a challenge. But what if one of the most effective tools for learning and growth is already sitting in your closet? Enter: the humble board game. Not only are board games fun and screen-free, they’re also powerful learning tools that can support your child’s development in countless ways.

Dear Parent,   If you're reading this, it likely means you're standing at the beginning of a journey you didn’t expect — one filled with questions, hopes, and probably some worries too. You might be wondering if something more is going on beneath your child’s struggles with school, behavior, attention, or learning. Maybe you’ve been hearing phrases like “executive functioning” or “processing speed” for the first time. Maybe you’ve been told your child is “bright but inconsist

Girls with ADHD often fly under the radar, but their challenges are real. With the right understanding and support, they can unlock their strengths and reach their full potential. When most people think of ADHD, they picture a child who can’t sit still, interrupts constantly, or blurts out answers in class. But for many girls with ADHD, the picture looks very different. Their symptoms can be quieter, more internalized, and easier to overlook — even by caring parents and teach

Parent–teacher conferences are a wonderful opportunity to hear how your child is doing at school, both academically and socially. Beyond reviewing grades, these conversations can give you important clues about your child’s learning style, attention skills, and emotional well-being. Asking the right questions can help you better understand your child’s strengths and identify potential challenges. Be sure to talk to your child after the conversation to celebrate successes and m

Getting out the door in the morning. Turning off the iPad for homework. Leaving the playground. For many families, these everyday moments can become some of the toughest parts of the day. If your child resists transitions — sometimes with tears, yelling, or total shutdown — you’re not alone. These challenges are common, especially among children with ADHD, autism, learning differences, or executive functioning difficulties. It is important to understand it’s not  about stubbo

Imagine this: A fourth-grade class sits down to write a short story. The teacher gives the prompt: “Write a story about a character who...

Many parents of children with ADHD notice a daily pattern: things go fairly well at school, but as soon as their child comes home, the meltdowns begin. This “after school crash” is common and can be exhausting for families. Understanding why it happens—and having strategies to ease the transition—can make afternoons calmer and more positive for everyone. Why Do Afterschool Meltdowns Happen? Children with ADHD often spend the school day working extra hard to focus, follow dire

Starting preschool is supposed to be exciting—a backpack that’s almost too big, new friends, circle time songs. But for many parents of young children with developmental or behavioral challenges, this milestone is filled with worry and uncertainty—especially when there’s no diagnosis yet. The Weight of “Something’s Not Right” Parents often notice early signs: trouble sitting still, delays in speech, difficulty playing with peers, or big emotions that are hard to calm. Without

Writing can be challenging for many children, but for some, it goes beyond messy handwriting or a dislike of schoolwork. Dysgraphia  is a learning difference that specifically affects a child’s ability to write. Understanding what it looks like and how to support children who struggle with it can make a big difference at home and in school. What is Dysgraphia? Dysgraphia is a neurological learning difference that impacts fine motor skills and the brain processes involved in w

When parents hear the word dyslexia , they often think of letter reversals or difficulties with reading. While reading challenges are a hallmark feature, dyslexia is much more than that . It’s a brain-based difference in how a person processes language, and it can impact many areas of learning—not just reading. How Dyslexia Impacts a Child Children with dyslexia may: Struggle to sound out words or read fluently Have difficulty with spelling and writing Need more time to compl

As parents, you often hear about the importance of “executive functioning skills,” but what does that actually mean? Executive functioning refers to the brain’s ability to manage and organize thoughts, actions, and emotions. These skills help children stay focused, follow directions, manage time, control impulses, and work toward goals. Think of executive functioning as your child’s internal “air traffic control system”—it keeps everything running smoothly. When Executive Fun

By Devonshire Pediatric Neuropsychology Every child is different. Some learn quickly, ask big questions, or show a strong interest in learning new things. If your child seems to understand things faster than other kids their age, you might wonder: Is my child gifted? And would testing help?   Here’s how gifted testing works—and why it can be a powerful tool for helping your child thrive. What is Gifted Testing? Gifted testing is a way to better understand how your child learn

As a parent, few things matter more than understanding and supporting your child’s learning and development. If your child is struggling academically, behaviorally, or emotionally, getting an evaluation can be a key step in figuring out what’s going on and how to help. But you might be wondering: Should I go through the school for an evaluation, or seek a private neuropsychological evaluation? Here is some information about why parents may choose a private evaluation through