Caring for Cognition: 8 Steps for Middle & High School Students to Prioritize Healthy Thinking in the New School Year
Every student wants to bring their A-game when they start a new school year, but back-to-school stressors can sometimes impair our ability to think clearly, logically, and critically. Check out this month’s blog to learn 8 steps students can take to care for their cognition as they head back to class.
My Kid is Struggling in School – Should I Get Them Tested?
Having your kid tested for learning differences may seem overwhelming, but testing is often a student's launchpad to receiving a truly equitable and enriching learning experience. Read this week’s blog to find answers to some of the most pressing questions about diagnostic testing.
Adaptive Functioning: What Is It, and How Does It Affect Learning?
Brushing your teeth, asking questions, getting to school on time: do you know what adaptive functioning skills are, and how they impact student success? Check out this month’s blog to discover the importance of adaptive functioning for students, and learn what you can do if your student struggles with adaptive behaviors.
Is Residential Placement the Best Option for my Child or Teen?
The idea of residential schools can be scary to parents, but these specialized programs can offer life-changing benefits for students whose needs cannot be met through standard schooling. Read this week’s blog to learn when residential placement is often appropriate, and how Variations can help parents considering this path for their child’s education.
Does My Child Have Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder? 7 Ways to Identify DMDD
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) inhibits a child’s ability to control their emotions, resulting in various challenges in their social and academic lives. Read this month’s blog to learn how a parent can identify DMDD in their kid, and how our diagnosticians can help.
Does My Kid Qualify for an IEP Under “Other Health Impairment (OHI)”?
Unlike most of IDEA’s 13 categories, the “Other Health Impairment” category covers a broad range of conditions, from ADHD to depression. Check out this month’s blog to learn more about this important category and whether your child might qualify for an IEP under its umbrella.
Specific Learning Disabilities & Special Education: 6 Facts for Parents
The Specific Learning Disability category is one of 13 categories under IDEA that can qualify a student for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Read this month’s blog to learn about the impact of SLDs, how students can qualify for an IEP under this category, and how our diagnosticians can help.
My Kid Has an Emotional Disability – Can They Qualify For an IEP?
The Emotional Disturbance category is one of the 13 categories under IDEA that can qualify a student for an Independent Education Program (IEP). Check out this month’s blog to learn how students can qualify for special education under this category, and how our team can help your child receive the necessary support.
The 13 Categories of IDEA: What Conditions Can Qualify My Student for Special Education?
The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) defines 13 categories of conditions that can quality students for special education. Check out this month’s blog to learn what these categories are, and how our team can help your student receive appropriate support.
Understanding Supports, Services, Accommodations, Modifications & Placements
Academic accommodations, services, modifications, and placements: do you know the differences?
Check out this week’s blog to brush up on your education program lingo and discover how each type of intervention can help your child reach their academic potential.
9 Facts About Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
Did you know?...
When schools provide internal evaluations, they see results before the parents and those results are added to the student’s academic record. Since school evaluators are employed by the district, their results are at risk of being biased. An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) can provide a more thorough, objective, and private testing experience. Check out this week’s blog on the benefits of IEEs and how Variations can help.
My Relatives Don’t Think My Kid Has a Diagnosis – What Do I Do?
Do your family members roll their eyes and invalidate your child’s learning difference, emotional disorder, or other diagnosis? It can be painful when our loved ones’ views don’t align with today’s understanding of these conditions. If your child’s diagnosis or treatment has been a source of tension in your family, check out this week’s blog for 8 tips that can help.
The 1-2-3’s of FBAs & BIPs: A Parent’s Guide to Student Behavioral Plans
Does your kid have a behavioral problem that gets in the way of their education? If so, a Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan could provide them with the support they need to manage their behaviors and reach their potential. Check out this week’s blog to learn the scoop on FBAs and BIPs.
“My Kid Refuses to Go to School – What Could be the Cause?”
Does your kid beg to stay home from school? Are they a “regular” in the nurse’s office with excuses to leave class? If it feels like an act of congress to get your kid to tolerate a school day, this week’s blog is for you. Click to uncover 10 common causes behind school anxiety, and learn how we can help.
Healing at Home: How Can I Help My Child Overcome Trauma?
Has your child been through a traumatic experience? 45% of American kids have survived at least 1 adverse childhood experience (ACE). No matter how severe the trauma, there are ways to help kids heal and feel safe again. Check out this week’s blog to learn 10 tips for building resiliency and recovering from childhood trauma.