As parents, we intuitively know that school teaches children how to read, write, and solve math problems. But did you know that going to school may also help their brains develop in fundamental ways that go beyond academics? Recent research suggests that the structured environment of formal schooling actually boosts cognitive skills—collectively called executive functions—in ways that go beyond just getting older.

When children struggle with learning, routines, or follow-through, adults are often given a cluster of terms: attention, working memory, processing speed, or an overlap. These terms are frequently used interchangeably, even though they refer to different brain-based functions. For parents, this can feel confusing and overwhelming. If everything looks the same on the surface—unfinished work, missed instructions, slow output—how are you supposed to know what is actually going o

Processing speed is one of the most misunderstood cognitive skills. It is frequently confused with intelligence, motivation, attention, or even working memory. In reality, processing speed is about how efficiently the brain takes in information, makes sense of it, and produces a response.

Winter is a unique season for families. The colder temperatures, shorter days, disrupted routines, and long stretches indoors all shape the rhythms of daily life. For many neurodiverse children—those with ADHD, autism, learning differences, language delays, sensory processing needs, or executive functioning challenges—winter brings both new opportunities and new obstacles. One area where this shift is especially noticeable is working memory.

If you have ever watched your child forget instructions moments after hearing them, lose track of what they were doing mid-task, or struggle to hold information in mind long enough to use it, you may have been told, “It’s a working memory issue.” For many parents, that phrase can feel vague, confusing, or even alarming. What exactly is working memory?

A new study from Aarhus University in Denmark led by Mikkel Wallentin looked at the connection between our inner speech (that silent voice in our head) and a fairly concrete physiological marker: heart rate.

Rejection and exclusion are among the most painful social experiences for children—and for parents, witnessing that pain can feel unbearable. Whether it shows up as tears after school, anger at home, school refusal, or quiet withdrawal, rejection can activate intense emotional responses that seem to come out of nowhere and linger far longer than adults expect.

Friendship is one of the most emotionally charged topics in parenting. Many parents carry vivid memories of their own childhood friendships—the joy of belonging, the pain of exclusion, the confusion of social missteps. When our children’s social experiences look different from what we expected or remember, it can trigger worry, grief, or a strong urge to “fix” things quickly.

Winter can be a season of joy, adventure, and activity—but it can also present challenges for families of neurodiverse children. From snow-filled days to icy sidewalks, cold weather, and shortened daylight, parents often face a critical question: When should we encourage children to engage in winter activities, and when is it better to pause? For neurodiverse children, this push vs. pause decision can be even more nuanced.

Some children experience the world at a higher volume. Sounds feel louder, emotions feel stronger, changes feel bigger, and social experiences leave deeper imprints. These children are often described as “too sensitive,” “overreactive,” or “easily overwhelmed,” yet these labels miss what is really happening. Highly sensitive children are not broken, weak, or immature. They are wired to process information deeply and respond intensely.

All children struggle emotionally at times. Big feelings, emotional outbursts, moodiness, worry, and withdrawal are part of growing up in a complex world. For parents, one of the hardest questions is not whether children will struggle emotionally, but when those struggles signal the need for additional support beyond what families can provide on their own.

For many parents, returning from a break—whether it’s summer vacation, winter holidays, or even a long weekend—can be unexpectedly challenging. Children who were previously attending school without major difficulty suddenly resist getting out of bed, avoiding classrooms, or complaining of stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue. In reality, increased school refusal after breaks is a common experience for children of all ages and can have many underlying causes.

Depression can be difficult for parents to identify, especially when symptoms can mirror other changes. This table can be used as a reference chart to help identify common emotional, behavioral, and physical signs of depression

Depression is often thought of as an adult mental health condition, but it can affect children and adolescents too. For parents, recognizing depression in their children can be challenging, especially because young people may express their emotions differently than adults. Understanding the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and ways to support a child struggling with depression is essential for early intervention and effective care.

Winter can be a magical season: twinkling lights, cozy evenings, family traditions, and hot cocoa. But for many children—and especially neurodiverse children—this time of year can also bring emotional challenges. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and changes in routine can influence mood, energy, and overall well-being. For parents, it can be hard to distinguish between a normal “winter slump” and something more concerning winter blues.

As 2025 draws to a close, we wanted to pause and offer a simple but deeply felt message: thank you. Whether you’ve been following our blog from the very beginning or you just discovered us recently, we’re incredibly grateful you’re here. Our mission has always been to create a space where parents and caregivers of neurodiverse children feel informed, supported, and seen. Parenting differently-wired kids brings profound joy, fierce advocacy, and—let’s be honest—plenty of comp

Winter brings many joys—snowy landscapes, cozy evenings, and festive activities—but it also brings unpredictability and opportunities for flexibility. Snow days, icy roads, school closures, and unexpected cancellations can disrupt even the most well-planned routines. For neurodiverse children, who often thrive on predictability and structure, these disruptions can be particularly challenging.

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Commercials show glowing families around dinner tables, social media feeds filled with matching pajamas, and conversations at school or work often center on plans for travel and festivities. But for many families, the holidays are not only complicated—they can be painful.

Winter can be a magical season—snowflakes, cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, family gatherings, and holiday lights. But for many families, especially those raising neurodiverse children, it’s also a season of added chaos. Suddenly, there are boots, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants, extra socks, and jackets cluttering entryways. The laundry seems endless. School bags get lost under piles of holiday gifts.

This boredom toolkit is designed to give parents ideas to support healthy, productive boredom. The key is not to prescribe exactly what the child must do, but to provide options and materials that encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving.