Every September, educators witness a stark divide. Some students seamlessly return to the classroom while others experience what experts call the "summer slide"—not just in academics, but in executive function, social skills, and emotional regulation. 

As a pediatrician or primary care physician, you identify mental health concerns, provide referral information, and expect families to follow through. But some don't. Research reveals the scope of the problem: Only 18% of children complete mental health visits within 180 days of primary care referral. It's no surprise, the practices with high follow-through rates help parents understand why specialized care matters and, how they can access that care. Clear communication is crucial when discussing referrals. When doctors frame concerns as solvable problems and address parental fears directly, families are far more likely to take action.

As an educator and advocate for neurodivergent children, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible potential within students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These students often possess unique strengths such as creativity, hyperfocus on subjects of interest, and a high degree of energy that, when channeled effectively, can lead to remarkable achievements.

As an educator, you've developed an intuition about the students in your classroom. When something feels significant, it usually is. But knowing how to talk to parents about autism concerns is a different skillset altogether. You might worry about how they’ll receive your observations, or feel uncertain about your role in this process. This guide will help you prepare to have a productive conversation with parents and support your student’s development and learning.

After working in educational and clinical psychology for over 30 years, the topic of behavioral challenges in the classroom is near and dear to my heart. Experience has taught me that no simple formula—when a child does X, the teacher should do Y—will address the underlying causes of a child’s behavior in this setting. Instead, I recommend more substantive, thoughtful solutions that can only come from equanimity, regulation, resources, and direct communication. Here are some insights and strategies that I've gathered over the years, specifically for educators.

As pediatricians managing an increasing volume of ADHD cases, staying current with the updates in ADHD testing and treatment is essential. 

If you're reading this, you've likely noticed something is off with your child—maybe their grades are slipping, they're withdrawing from activities they once loved, or their behavior at school has become a concern. Perhaps your pediatrician suggested you seek specialized support, or you simply sense as a parent that your child needs more than you can provide alone.