🌈 You Made It! Wrapping Up the School Year
Dear Parents,
As another school year winds down, we want to take a moment to celebrate you — the dedicated, resilient, and endlessly resourceful parents guiding neurodiverse kids through the maze of homework, projects, meetings, therapies, and emotional ups and downs.
Whether your child faced challenges with reading, focus, social interactions, or anxiety this year, know that progress doesn’t always look linear — and every small win counts. Did your child advocate for themselves? Did they learn new strategies, or survive a tough period? That’s growth. And for you, the late-night planning, the patient conversations, and the persistent advocacy have been invaluable.
So take a breath. You made it.
☀️ Summer: A Chance to Recharge
Summer can sometimes feel like a stressful gap: “How do I keep up their skills?” or “What can I do so they don’t fall behind?” But summer doesn’t have to mirror the school-year pace. Here are some reminders and tips:
✅ Focus on strengths — whether it’s art, music, building, or movement, summer is a perfect time to nurture the things your child loves and feels good at.
✅ Micro-boosts over marathons — a few minutes a day reading together, doing a simple math game, or practicing mindfulness can keep skills active without overloading.
✅ Prioritize rest — downtime helps the brain consolidate learning. Give your child (and yourself) opportunities to rest.
✅ Plan transitions early — if your child struggles with shifting into summer routines, use a visual calendar, countdown charts, or social stories to help them understand what’s coming.
🧠 Parent Corner: What About You?
Summer is also your time to recharge.
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Could you schedule one small “me-time” activity each week?
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Can you connect with another parent in the neurodiverse community to share stories and tips?
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Is there a book, podcast, or webinar you’ve been wanting to explore to deepen your understanding or inspire you?
Remember, supporting your child starts with refilling your own cup.
📚 Recommended Resources
Here are a few summer-friendly ideas:
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Books:
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“The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan” by Ben Foss
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“Smart but Scattered” by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare
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“Twelve Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD” by Russell Barkley
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Podcasts:
🌟 A Summer Wish for You
We wish you a summer filled with small joys, unexpected wins, gentle growth, and moments of deep connection.
You are doing incredible work, even when it feels messy or uncertain. Thank you for being the anchor, the cheerleader, and the safe harbor for your child.
With appreciation,
The Minnesota Neuropsychology Team
