Typically caregivers are thrust into this new Special Education world abruptly, carrying with them worries about their child on their shoulders. Special Education is difficult enough to navigate on its own, let alone when the well-being of someone they care about is at stake.

August means back-to-school season for many of us! Shopping for school supplies, new clothes, new shoes, and backpacks can all feel very exciting, and this season may also be filled with lots of complicated, challenging emotions. While parents may be excited for a return to more structure, routine, and possibly even the occasional peace and quiet, many kiddos (and maybe parents too) can experience a very different response.

If you are a parent staring down the barrel of the decision on whether or not to medicate your child for ADHD, it is very likely that you are feeling overwhelmed. I have found that many of the articles and studies we research do not include what families can really expect when they embark on that journey, or what they can expect if they don’t. Many studies and statistics that state medication treatment in addition to therapy for ADHD is very beneficial. I, too, am a believer in this idea, but that was not always the case, and of course every child, family, and situation is different; this is really important to keep in mind as you read this post. I want to share with you some information about ADHD and treatment thereof, as well as my personal journey of growing up while trying to figure out how to manage my diagnosis.

Choosing the “right” school for your child is a daunting task for parents. We want our children to feel safe, seen, and supported in their academic environments, but it becomes overwhelming when there are often too many options available and not any clear guidance on how to evaluate if each program will align with your child’s individual needs. This is where we come in to save the day! We hope to take a load off your shoulders by giving you a how-to guide on identifying your child’s needs (or preferences) while demystifying the educational lingo you’ll encounter when visiting a potential campus.