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

Every child learns in their own way. Some pick up reading quickly, while others need more time. Some excel in math, while others struggle to grasp basic concepts. These differences are part of what makes each child unique. But when a child is consistently having difficulty keeping up with their peers, despite support at home and school, it may be a sign of an underlying learning disorder. If you’ve started to wonder whether your child’s academic challenges go beyond typical u

As parents and educators, we all want to see children thrive—socially, emotionally, and academically. But when a child struggles to focus, stay organized, or manage their impulses, it can be difficult to know what’s going on beneath the surface. Is it typical behavior for their age? A sign of stress? Or could it be Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? This is where a comprehensive ADHD evaluation can make a meaningful difference. Understanding the Whole Child An A