“She seems so bright… but something’s holding her back.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The first week of school is behind us and many families are noticing new challenges as children adjust to classroom routines and academic expectations.
In Their Words 💬
Every child expresses struggles differently—through words, behaviors, or moods. Here’s what parents have shared:
- “She seems bright, but it doesn’t seem to be translating to her academic skills. Something is holding her back.”
- “He loves being read to but shows no interest in learning to read. He often guesses words or memorizes them and struggles to decode independently.”
- “It was important to get her diagnosed because her struggles were hurting her confidence. She can shut down if she feels unable to do something.”
- “She’s been doing well, but we’ve noticed inconsistencies this year. We want her to be able to complete homework independently as school gets harder.”
- “Her room is always messy, with piles everywhere that she didn’t organize—she only moved them.”
- “He’s very bright but highly sensitive if he gets anything wrong. He won’t try unless he thinks he can succeed immediately, and he can completely shut down.”
You’re not alone. If some of this sounds familiar, reach out—we can help sort it out.
Signs You Might Be Noticing 👀
Attention & Focus (ADHD) ⚡
- Trouble staying on task, forgetfulness, difficulty following instructions
- Difficulty starting or completing tasks
- Impulsivity, acting before thinking, trouble sitting still
Reading & Spelling (Dyslexia) 📖
- Difficulty sounding out words or reading fluently
- Avoidance of reading aloud; guessing at words
- Strong comprehension when material is read to them, but struggles when reading independently
- Frequent spelling errors; reversing letters or numbers
Anxiety 😟
- Worry about school or social situations
- Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches)
- Difficulty sleeping, irritability, trouble separating from parent
Behavior is a Message 🗝️
- School avoidance, frustration, or meltdowns are rarely “laziness.”
- Ask open-ended questions like “What was hardest today?” and listen without judgment.
- Understanding the “why” behind behavior is the first step to helping your child feel capable and supported.
How We Can Help 🌟
Our comprehensive dyslexia evaluation process can:
- Identify whether challenges stem from ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, or a combination
- Provide tailored strategies to help your child thrive at home, in school, and beyond
- Empower families to understand the root cause and implement effective tools
If you’re noticing struggles or want guidance, reach out to us. Together, we can help your child feel confident, capable, and supported—both in school and beyond.
Warmly,
Dr. Liz Adams, PhD, LP, ABPP
Board Certified Neuropsychologist
Founder and CEO Minnesota Neuropsychology
P.S. Dyslexia Discussion and Simulation Workshop for Parents 📝
Join me Friday, October 24, for an engaging Dyslexia Simulation Workshop designed for parents. Experience what reading feels like for a child with dyslexia and learn practical strategies to support your child at home and in school.
