September 2023 Newsletter
The school year has begun, the sports practices have started and the homework has accumulated. Parents are running in every direction, caught up in the details of carpools, school assignments, activities and school work. This can lead to worry and anxiety about everything we are juggling. In the midst of the logistics, we want to highlight a concern that bothers so many of us everyday, when we see our child forget his homework or she gets distracted at the dinner table. “Does my child have ADHD? What do I do about it?”
At Education Connection Advisors, we are seeing more and more families getting their children evaluated and taking steps to learn more about how their child’s brain works. As one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, ADHD is often a topic of discussion in our meetings with families and there can often be confusion and misunderstanding around this subject. Nearly 1 in 10 children have been diagnosed with ADHD and likely more are undiagnosed. In recent years, we have also seen an increase in adults diagnosed with ADHD.
We’ve found an abundance of books, podcasts, and articles related to the topic, which can be both helpful and overwhelming. Below we have listed some resources we have found helpful in better understanding ADHD, the research behind it, the sometimes controversial topic of medication and how to better support our children following diagnosis.
ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction (Hallowell & Raley): This well researched (and very readable) book uses the latest neuroscience research to provide insight, strategies, and hope regarding ADHD. It highlights the wonderful traits that many people with ADHD have as well as ways to support loved ones with ADHD. According to the authors:
“ADHD is a term that describes a way of being in the world. It is neither entirely a disorder nor entirely an asset. It is an array of traits specific to a unique kind of mind. It can become a distinct advantage or an abiding curse, depending on how a person manages it.”
The Huberman Lab Podcast is another helpful resource for information on ADHD. For those of you who are not familiar with Andrew Huberman, he is a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford’s School of Medicine. While his podcasts can be pretty detailed, we find them to be incredibly informative, particularly when thinking about science, health, medicine and the brain. He has two helpful podcast episodes on ADHD:
ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
Adderall, Stimulants & Modafinil for ADHD: Short & Long Term Affects
The CDC has a very useful website as you start your ADHD journey, with helpful information to think about, including what to look for, when trying to understand better if your child has ADHD and should possibly be tested. We also find the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry’s ADHD Resource Center to offer comprehensive resources on ADHD including Frequently Asked Questions, symptoms, and outlining the various medication options.
We know that when a child gets a diagnosis, it can cause a multitude of reactions: overwhelming, a relief, anxiety provoking, hopeful or all of the above. A diagnosis for one child can also affect the whole family. Raising our children is a journey and we are always learning more about our children, which is a good thing! Rely on people you trust and who care about your family, as well as experts: psychologists, pediatricians, neurologists, family and more.
Please send us any resources that you have found helpful in your journey. We are here to help you!
Upcoming Events:
“Life After Preschool”
Hosts: Education Connection Advisors & Northside Methodist Preschool
When: Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 at 9:15am
Where: Northside Methodist Preschool, 2799 Northside Dr. NW
Please join us for a conversation about school placement, educational planning, and educational concerns. Dr. Michael Bucovetsky, a child psychologist and JATP tester, will also join the webinar. We will be discussing a variety of relevant educational and developmental topics for preschool parents, including researching school choices, making an educational plan for your family, as well as anxiety and resilience of children in these unusual times. Bring your questions, as there will be an opportunity to submit questions electronically for Q&A. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
“A Discussion in Navigating the Private School Process”
Hosts: Education Connection Advisors & Holy Innocents Episcopal School
When: Tuesday, October 17th at 9:30am
We are excited to bring you our annual Education Connection Advisors Admission Panel. Admission directors from Atlanta’s independent schools and your team of advisors will help you learn everything you need to know about the school process in one hour. This year will be in a virtual format, but we are hoping this allows more families to join us.
A big thank you to Holy Innocents and their admission director, Beth-Sarah Wright, for hosting this special panel of educators with us.
Topics Include:
Researching Schools – Timeline – Ravenna – JATP – SSAT – Affordability – Recommendations & Rounding Out Your Application – Mental Health & Anxiety in the Process –
– Keeping Your Own Counsel-
Schools Participating:
Pace Academy – The Galloway School – Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School –
– The Lovett School – Marist School – Trinity School – The Westminster Schools –
– Whitefield Academy- Woodward Academy
We are all in this together learning about our children. Education Connection Advisors is a special team that gives you information and knowledge about education.
You can trust us,
Barbara, Betsy, Fontaine and Margo