School is starting and I am receiving many emails about IEP’s versus a 504 plan. Many parents do not know what an IEP is or what a 504 Plan is in regards to a child’s education. Also many parents are not aware of their rights or their child’s educational rights. Anytime I write about IEPs,…
School will be starting soon and many parents will receive reports from their child’s teacher that will cause them to ask, “Does my child have ADHD?” I hear this very often and do many assessments on children to determine if a child has ADHD. Yes ADHD is a really disorder, but too many teachers and…
It is summer time and school is out. Many children are engaged in summer activities such as swimming, water skiing and diving. Others are preparing for next year’s football season and cheerleaders are preparing too. While we use to assume these activities were safe, we now know they can be dangerous. Many parents of high…
The end of the school year is around the corner and it is that time of year again – it’s Finals time. Your teenagers are probably very stressed or getting stressed. There is a lot of things going on right now, Junior Prom, Senior Ball and other end of the year activities. As I stated…
In the past decade, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been receiving great attention among professionals and in the media. While most children with ADHD receive therapy services such as behavioral therapy and art therapy, the majority receives medication. Parents and teachers have become more aware of the positive impacts of behavioral and art therapy for…
According to Statistics Canada, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 3-5% of school-aged children. This means one out of 25-30 student meets the criteria for this diagnosis. According to researchers and child mental health professionals, ADHD leads to poor school performance, conduct disorders, and interpersonal difficulties in family and friendships. While researchers continue studying what…
Schools are starting their annual IEP reviews and many parents may need to decide between an IEP or a 504 plan for their child. Parents here is important information about Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 agreements. Besides ensuring that your child receives a good education, you do not need to pay for items…
School will be starting soon and many parents will receive reports from their child‘s teacher that will cause them to ask, “Does my child have ADHD?” I hear this very often and do many assessments on children to determine if a child has ADHD. Yes ADHD is a really disorder, but too many teachers and…
People may question or wonder how the presence of a pet in a counseling office aids in the therapeutic process. Many animals are currently being used in a multitude of settings but I will speak only of the one I work with, my dog! Prior to introducing my golden retriever as a “therapy-assist” dog, I…
According to the therapists specialized in working with children, 30-40 percent of children with ADHD experience an anxiety disorder as well, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder. The combination of ADHD and anxiety symptoms can only lead to a more stressful life for kids… To read more, please…