These are ‘hot’ topics of interest

From Overwhelmed to On It: A Parenting Expo

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From Overwhelmed to On It: A Parenting Expo.  Parenting a child who learns differently can be both rewarding and overwhelming. You might find yourself asking questions like: How can I help my child stay organized? What do these test results really mean? How do I prepare my teen for college? If you’ve ever felt unsure of where to turn for guidance, my parenting expo focused on learning differences is the perfect place to start.

My expo brings together Forgan Educational experts and educators to offer you real-world strategies and support for your child ranging from third to twelfth grade. From managing executive functioning challenges to decoding neuropsychological testing, the five sessions are designed to turn confusion into clarity. The five sessions you can choose from are:

Session 1: Routines, Regulation, Results: Executive Functioning at Home and School (Chase Burkart, Ed. S.)

Session 2: The Advocacy Advantage: From Confusion to Clarity in Special Education (Megan Weiss, Ed.S.)

Session 3: How High Schoolers with Learning Differences can Prepare for College (Peggy Forgan, M. Ed.)

Session 4: From Diagnosis to Action: Turning Neuropsychological Test Results into Real World Support (Kathryn Morton, Ed.S.)

Session 5: Unlocking Strengths: Strategies for Raising Children with ADHD Through a Positive Lens (Jim Forgan, Ph.D.)

One of the biggest advantages of attending? Connection. You’ll meet other parents who share similar challenges and triumphs. Knowing you’re not alone can be incredibly powerful. Plus, networking with professionals and fellow parents often leads to resources you didn’t even know existed.

The expo sessions are tailored to meet you where you are. For example, if you’re navigating the special education system, you’ll gain practical advocacy tips to make your voice heard. If you have a high schooler with learning differences, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to help them transition to college with confidence.

Another key focus is strength-based parenting and learning to see ADHD and other learning differences not just as challenges, but as opportunities to unlock your child’s unique gifts. Sessions like “Unlocking Strengths” help reframe your perspective and offer tools for positive parenting.

In just one day, you’ll gather information it might take months to research on your own. Whether you’re new to the journey or deep in the trenches, this expo is designed to equip, empower, and encourage. Investing a few hours in this event could transform the way you support your child for years to come.

Join us on Saturday, October 11th in Jupiter. The cost is $10 of which all proceeds benefit the Carter Viss Foundation for boating safety.  Learn more about the expo at JimForgan.com/expo or call or text to register (561) 831-9496 or to discuss your child and your concerns for possible learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety.

New School Year, Same Learning Challenges

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New School Year, Same Learning Challenges? As your student returns for another school year, there’s a familiar feeling in the air: a mix of excitement, hope, and, for many, quiet frustration. While a new academic year often brings fresh supplies, new teachers, and a clean slate, it doesn’t always erase the persistent learning or social challenges your child faced in the past. One mom wrote, “I wish this year would be different and that he could understand social issues so he could respond appropriately as sometimes I think people take advantage of him.”

From difficulty grasping math or reading, to managing time, navigating social interactions, or focusing throughout a taxing school day, many students have the same obstacles year after year. While teachers work hard to support students, their class load is high and the root causes of your child’s struggles often go deeper than a lack of effort. It’s not about ‘trying harder’ or ‘just apply yourself.’

Learning differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or social anxiety, can remain undiagnosed or unsupported, leaving students, and you, feeling stuck. Others may continue to struggle which create a gap that widens with each passing year. In some cases, students just manage to get by on their end of year assessments to get promoted. We test students in high school who are identified for the first time. They are smart and hard working so they have compensated for their differences.  It’s been a silent struggle so don’t worry; it’s never too late to test. We even test adults for LSAT accommodations, MCAT accommodations, and licensing board accommodations.

If you are ready for change, a first step is recognizing that repeated learning challenges are a signal that something isn’t working for your child.  My school neuropsychological testing can identify the specific struggles and help you respond with targeted support. That could mean an Individualized Education Plan, accommodation plan, specialized tutoring, counseling, or more.

The new school year may come with the same learning challenges, but it also brings another chance to work with us to give you fresh perspective and better tools. Change doesn’t always come in a big leap. Sometimes, it begins by recognizing the challenge and deciding to face it differently this time.

Call (561) 625 4125 if you would like to discuss your child and your concerns for possible learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety.

ADHD Looks Different in Girls

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ADHD looks different in girls as compared to boys. Savannah explained, “My 13-year-old daughter’s a wreck at home. She is disorganized, argumentative and has trouble accomplishing day to day tasks on her own and following a routine.  However, at school and sports she is very driven and motivated, is very personable, and has strong verbal skills. Help me understand her!”  My school neuropsychological testing revealed Savannah’s daughter had ADHD.

ADHD Looks Different in Girls: Three Differences

Three key differences are that ADHD in girls is often under diagnosed or misdiagnosed because they are more likely to have inattention symptoms rather than hyperactivity. In elementary years boys are diagnosed at a 4 boys to 1 girl ratio but by adulthood, that evens out to a 1:1 ratio as more girls self-refer for testing.  Second, girls show more internalized symptoms like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, which can be mistaken for other conditions. Third, girls are really good at masking or hiding their symptoms which makes ADHD harder to recognize.

Savannah’s daughter had significant emotional dysregulation which came out in her mood swings.  She experienced frequent emotional ups and downs and struggled with frustration which made her irritable and sensitive. This led to arguments if things were not going her way.  My testing also revealed she had difficulty with friendships.  Her emotional dysregulation struggles affected her ability to maintain stable friendships. She had teammates but no one really close friend.

Early Support is Key

Early recognition and appropriate support can help girls learn to manage these challenges effectively. Consider getting yourself or your child tested if you are concerned about ADHD or struggle with difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, zoning out, trouble with organizing, impulsive decision making, or emotional dysregulation.

A great self-help resource is “Raising Girls with ADHD” by Mary Anne Richey.  We test students from age two through college for ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, depression autism, and more. Call us at (561) 625 4125 to discuss your needs.

Autism Testing Palm Beach

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The rates of autism have increased in recent years and we offer autism testing in Palm Beach and Jupiter for ages 2 through 25.  The autism numbers continue to increase due to better awareness and a broader diagnostic criteria. According to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States:

  • 1 in 36 children are identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2023.
  • Autism is about 4 times more common in boys than in girls, though girls tend to be diagnosed later and often present with different symptoms.

Prevalence rates vary by country, but overall, research shows that the rate of autism diagnoses has been increasing worldwide. The way autism is diagnosed and identified has evolved over time, which contributes to this increase in reported cases.  Factors that influence the prevalence of autism include:

  • Increased awareness and recognition of autism by parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals.
  • Expanded diagnostic criteria that allow for a broader range of behaviors to be classified under the autism spectrum.
  • Better access to diagnostic services.

Why is Autism Testing Important?

Autism testing is important for several reasons, as it helps with early identification, support, and understanding.

  1. Early Diagnosis: The earlier autism is identified, the sooner appropriate interventions can begin. Early interventions, such as applied behavioral therapies, can significantly improve developmental outcomes, social skills, and communication abilities in children.
  2. Understanding Individual Needs: Autism is a spectrum, meaning it manifests differently in each person. Testing helps to understand an individual’s unique strengths and challenges, enabling tailored support and strategies that best suit their needs.
  3. Access to Resources and Services: A formal diagnosis can open doors to specialized resources, therapies, and educational services that may not be available without it. These services can play a crucial role in promoting a person’s development and well-being.
  4. Reducing Misunderstandings: Early testing can help reduce misconceptions and social stigma. Understanding autism allows people to be more empathetic, accommodating, and supportive of those with the condition.
  5. Support for Families: For families, knowing that their child has autism can provide clarity, helping them seek out the right support systems. It can also help in managing expectations and understanding the child’s behavior.
  6. Advocacy: With an official diagnosis, individuals and their families can advocate for their needs more effectively, whether in schools, workplaces, or social settings.

Overall, autism testing helps to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism by ensuring they get the right diagnosis, resources, and support at the right time.

Autism Testing Palm Beach

Dr. Jim Forgan and associates provide autism testing for children and young adults. We offer autism testing for ages 2 through 25.  Autism testing for a 2-year-old is quite different from autism testing for a 25 year old.  If you need autism testing, call us to discuss the differences.  However, one similarity is that all autism testing uses the industry’s gold standard assessment called the ADOS which stands for the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (second edition) and measures an individual’s social understanding.  We do not accept insurance but we do direct billing for Step Up for Students Unique Abilities.  If you don’t already have Step Up, our autism testing can qualify your child for this yearly scholarship from the state of Florida.

Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Autism

Dr. Jim Forgan co-authored the go to book for when you find out your child has autism.  The Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Autism contains research based interventions and treatments that work for children with autism.  Time is too valuable to waste so you want to provide the treatments which will make the most improvement in the shortest amount of time.

We look forward to hearing from you so call us at (561) 625 4125.

Smart but Scattered Adolescent Workshop

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A parent described her son to me, “Sam is struggling with school and his grades. This year in 6th grade he is struggling with the workload, executive functioning, and expectations of the grade. The demands are more. I constantly have to stay on top of him or he’d be failing.”  This mom was describing her son’s executive functioning weaknesses. He was smart but scattered. Executive functioning skills are crucial for success in school, social settings, and everyday life.

One Day Executive Functioning Skills Workshop for Grades 6-9

On Saturday, March 22, my team and I are offering an in-person one day executive functioning course for students in grades 6 through 9.  Your student can join us fun, interactive activities to learn executive functioning skills related to Organization, Planning, Time Management, Memory, and Attention. The group size is limited to 12 students.  We use classroom instruction combined with games, scenarios, and videos to illustrate points and practice skills. Students receive written handouts to keep which summarize the new skills.

How to Develop Executive Functioning Skills

Developing executive functioning skills is an ongoing process in adolescence, and teens often need instruction to improve these areas. Weak executive functioning skills can impact academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being, so interventions like workshops and coaching can be helpful if your teen struggles in these areas.

Adolescents face academic pressures, social dynamics, and life changes. Teens with strong executive functioning skills can handle uncertainty and stressful situations with more resilience. By understanding and supporting the development of these skills, your student can improve their ability to navigate the complexities of adolescence and prepare for greater independence as they grow into adulthood. Join us so your student can learn these important skills for success.

Students from our last workshop completed a course evaluation and commented they enjoyed, “The engaging activities.” “The skills it taught me.” “The coaches.” “How interactive it was.” “It helped me understand more about how to approach challenging things.”

Contact Us to Sign Up for the Executive Functioning Skills Workshop

Call (561) 625 4125 if you would like to sign up or if you need school neuropsychological testing for dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or to give you understanding and answers about your child.  Check out the book I wrote on executive functioning and available on Amazon.