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Understanding ADHD: A Guide for Parents
ADHD Awareness Month Understanding ADHD: A Guide for Parents For many parents, hearing that their child may have ADHD can bring a mix of emotions - questions, concerns, and sometimes relief at finally having an explanation for challenges their child has been experiencing. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions affecting children. According to the CDC, about 11% of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with it. Understanding ADHD can help parents ident
Dawn Torpey
Oct 64 min read


5 Reasons Why "Extra Time" on Tests and Assignments May Be an Important Accommodation for Students
5 Reasons Why “Extra Time” on Tests and Assignments May Be an Important Accommodation for Students For some students, knowing the material is not the only factor that determines how well they perform on a test or assignment. A student may understand the concepts, participate successfully in class, and demonstrate strong knowledge verbally, but still struggle to complete work within the same amount of time as their peers. That is where extra time on tests and assignments can b
Dawn Torpey
Sep 184 min read


What Happens During a Psychological and Educational Evaluation? A Parent's Guide to What to Expect
For many parents, deciding to schedule a psychological or educational evaluation is a big step. It's natural to have questions like: What will my child have to do? Will they be nervous? How long does it take? What information will we receive? At Psychological & Educational Testing Specialists, we understand that seeking an evaluation often comes after months—or even years—of wondering why learning seems more difficult than it should. Our goal is to make the process comfortabl
Dawn Torpey
Sep 103 min read
5 Signs It May Be Time
5 Signs Your Child Might Benefit from an Evaluation As parents, we want our children to feel confident, successful, and happy at school. But sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts, a child continues to struggle. You may hear comments like, "They'll grow out of it," or "Let's just wait and see." While that approach is appropriate in some situations, persistent challenges deserve a closer look. A comprehensive educational and psychological evaluation can provide valuable an
Dawn Torpey
Aug 313 min read


The Cost of Waiting
"Let's Wait and See..." Why It May Cost Your Child Valuable Time As the new school year approaches, many parents find themselves asking the same question: "Should we wait another year and see if things improve?" Perhaps your child struggled last year with reading, writing, attention, organization, or completing homework. Maybe the teacher reassured you that your child would "catch up" or "mature." Sometimes that happens. But sometimes waiting simply allows the gap between yo
Dawn Torpey
Aug 252 min read


Understanding Dyslexia: A Guide for Parents
What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a common learning difference that makes it hard to learn to read, spell, and write. It isn’t about how smart a child is - in fact, many children with dyslexia are very bright. It simply means that their brains process language differently. While it can make school challenging, with the right instruction and support, children with dyslexia can become confident readers and successful learners. The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) defines dy
Dawn Torpey
Aug 93 min read


Is Your Child Dreading Going Back to School? It May Be More Than Just Back-To-School Jitters
As summer comes to an end, families begin preparing for the excitement of a new school year. New teachers, fresh school supplies, and reconnecting with friends often bring a mix of anticipation and nervousness. A little anxiety about returning to school is completely normal. But for some children—and their parents—the thought of going back to school brings something much deeper than the typical "end of summer blues." What if your child's anxiety seems much bigger than that?
Dawn Torpey
Jul 272 min read


Welcome to Psychological & Educational Testing Specialists: Understanding Strengths, Unlocking Potential
Every person learns differently. Some students seem to breeze through
school, while others work twice as hard to achieve the same results.
Dawn Torpey
Jul 182 min read
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