School Success

8 08, 2022

IEPs, 504 Plans, and College Accommodations Explained

By Diane Sottile PhD|2022-08-01T15:45:24+00:00August 8th, 2022|

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash For K-12 parents, your child may have been granted an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or a 504 plan. These are two different protocols that both intend to provide the services and resources that best match a student’s specific academic needs and allow them to have access to an appropriate education. If your child is enrolled in college, accommodations may have been granted through the Office of Disability services. Here is a quick overview on all 3 processes. Individualized Education Plan (IEP) The IEP is provided under the Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA). An IEP is [...]

18 07, 2022

BE A MENTOR, NOT A MEANIE: HOW TO POSITIVELY SUPPORT A CHILD WITH ADHD

By Diane Sottile PhD|2022-07-07T19:44:52+00:00July 18th, 2022|

A while back, one of my favorite blogging sites, Grown & Flown, published a heartfelt letter from a mom whose son with ADHD just graduated college. The letter touched me in so many different ways. I shared it on my Facebook page with the heading, “All I can say is ‘wow’. I hope every person who has ever misunderstood a person with ADHD gets to read this”. Here is the crux of the matter: despite the fact that ADHD has been a diagnosable medical condition for over 50 years, the stigma around it still remains. In fact, many [...]

30 09, 2020

Procrastination: A Fault Or A Strategy?

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-09-29T23:55:08+00:00September 30th, 2020|

Let’s admit it. We all procrastinate. Sometimes we put things off because we just don’t want to do them. Other times we have too much to do, so we avoid doing any of it. Procrastination in and of itself is not the problem. In fact, it could be our brains’ way of saying, “Whoa, put the brakes on here. You are doing too much”. But, for individuals with ADHD or executive function challenges, procrastination can become pervasive. In fact, procrastination is extreme for those with ADHD and executive function deficits. This behavior of putting things off is related to our ability to [...]

5 06, 2020

Distance Learning and ADHD During the Pandemic: What Are the Takeaways?

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-09-29T23:57:21+00:00June 5th, 2020|

The pandemic has certainly turned the world upside down. With schools across the nation just completing their first try at distance learning, parents have had to deal with challenges they could never have imagined. Working from home while managing their children's schooling has certainly been overwhelming for some parents. For parents of children with ADHD or executive function challenges, there are added levels of concern. This is especially true if the parents also have ADHD. It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that just about everyone is looking forward to the day when schools can re-open. I think we’re all hoping that [...]

22 02, 2020

25 Facts About ADHD in Students That Parents Should Know

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-28T04:15:47+00:00February 22nd, 2020|

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V), there are three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive type (formerly known as ADD); predominantly hyperactive-inattentive type; combined type In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, very specific criterion must be met. The criteria is listed here. The prevalence of ADHD has increased in recent years: A 2016 study show 6.1 million children in the US have been diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD is not a boy only disorder: 1 in 7 boys are diagnosed and 1 in 11 [...]

2 02, 2020

Does a Student With ADHD Really Need To Use a Planner?

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-06-04T19:27:07+00:00February 2nd, 2020|

In a word, yes. When I meet with students to coach them through their ADHD or executive function challenges, one of the first questions I ask is, “Do you use any type of planner?” In almost every instance, the student says, “No”. Their reasons for not using a planner make complete sense. Many schools, both K-12 and colleges, have some sort of online “blackboard” that lists all of the homework assignments. The student has easy access to the assignments, so why spend valuable time on rewriting their homework assignments into a planner? Here’s why. Homework time is valuable. For many students with ADHD and [...]

30 09, 2016

ADHD: 5 Back to School Tips for Parents

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:47:09+00:00September 30th, 2016|

Every year, when school begins, I write an ADHD blog on how your child should prepare for school. This year, I decided to turn the tables: let’s talk about how YOU can manage the school year. You know those commercials where the parents dance along in the school supply store while the child is looking miserable? I would watch those commercials with a little bit of envy. As a parent of a child with ADHD, I wished I could be excited about the new school year. For parents of children with ADHD, the “back to school” thoughts may look [...]

12 07, 2016

10 Summer Tips for Adolescents/Teens with ADHD

By Diane Sottile|2020-02-25T02:47:59+00:00July 12th, 2016|

It is mid-summer! Where did the time go? It has been a nice break for both of you from homework, getting to school on time, or any other struggles that your child may experience. But, as the school year approaches, you may find yourself worrying that your child is losing valuable time to work on skills. No need to worry. Students with ADHD can continue to work on strategies that can lead to success in the coming school year. Here are 10 tips for summer skill-building: LEARN SOMETHING FUN Think science camp, art camp, or other places where fun and learning are [...]

12 04, 2016

HOMEWORK AND ADD/ADHD: What is the Parent’s Role in Elementary School?

By Diane Sottile|2020-02-25T02:51:49+00:00April 12th, 2016|

Here it is – that awful word! HOMEWORK! So often dreaded by students. If a child has ADD/ADHD, homework can be more than just an annoyance. It can be a source of stress, frustration, and self-esteem issues. When a parent sees their child struggling with homework, the natural inclination is to jump in and help out. But, sometimes, the help turns into more than just assistance. Despite the best of intentions, parents can soon find they doing more than assisting. They may be carrying the heavier burden and they watch helplessly as their child becomes overly reliant on [...]

17 01, 2016

Getting Back Into the School Mindset: Create an ADHD Success List

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:53:14+00:00January 17th, 2016|

Returning from an extended school break can be a drag for students with ADHD. Challenges with organization, prioritization, management, focus, or procrastination make it hard to look forward to going back to school. How can you change this type of thinking? Instead of looking at the return to school with foreboding, try changing your mindset and look at it as a fresh start. There is still plenty of time in the school year to make changes and take the first steps toward managing your ADHD. An effective method for dealing with ADHD in school is to establish routines and habits that will eventually [...]

2 11, 2015

3 Signs Your High School Student Needs an ADHD Coach

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:56:00+00:00November 2nd, 2015|

I am often asked, “How do I know if my high schooler needs an ADHD coach?” The short answer is – if you are at the point where you are asking if your child needs an ADHD coach, then you have answered your own question – YES!”. ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with ADHD have an on-going pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with daily life. ADHD may also result in difficulties with executive functions (the cognitive processes used for planning and execution). There are three types of ADHD: inattentive (often referred to as ADD); hyperactive-impulsive; and combined inattentive & hyperactive-impulsive.[1] [...]

20 10, 2015

The IEP or 504 is in place. Now what?

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T03:01:09+00:00October 20th, 2015|

This article addresses the educational accommodations and modifications provided to P-12 students. If you are interested in college accommodations, see my article “College Accommodations: How to Make the Most of Them” The IEP is in place. The 504 plan is complete. Is your child off to a good start? When I meet with parents this time of year, I always ask, “ Do you understand your child’s modifications and accommodations?” In answering this question, parents almost always assure me that they have a firm understanding of their child’s plan. After all, they spent numerous hours attending child study team meetings, or speaking with the [...]