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What Parents Need to Know About the President’s New Autism Announcement

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What Parents Need to Know About the President’s New Autism Announcement

President Trump recently gave a major speech on autism, and many parents are wondering what it really means for their families. Government announcements often come wrapped in technical language, so here’s a clear breakdown of the key points and what parents should take away.

A New Treatment Option for Some Children

One of the biggest announcements from the speech on autism was a new pathway for using leucovorin, a medication that may help certain children with autism who also have a condition called cerebral folate deficiency (CFD).

CFD happens when a child’s brain doesn’t get enough folate, an important B vitamin, even though blood levels of folate look normal. Some studies show that when children with autism and CFD are treated with leucovorin, parents and therapists see improvements in speech, social skills, and learning.

The FDA will now recognize leucovorin as an approved option in these cases, and Medicaid will cover the treatment for eligible children. This is not a treatment for all children with autism, but for a specific group that doctors can test for using a blood test.

Pregnancy, Acetaminophen, and Autism Risk

The President also addressed growing concerns about acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy. Some research suggests a possible link between frequent acetaminophen use in pregnancy and a higher risk of autism or ADHD in children. However, experts emphasize that the evidence is not conclusive. Other studies have not found the same connection, and scientists do not yet agree that acetaminophen causes autism.

For now, the official advice is that pregnant women can still use acetaminophen when needed, but should:

  • Use the lowest effective dose
  • Take it for the shortest time necessary
  • Only use it when truly needed

It’s important to remember that untreated fever or pain during pregnancy can also be harmful, so this is about balance and careful use. Pregnant parents should talk with their doctor before making any changes to how they manage symptoms.

A Big Investment in Research

Another important piece of news is that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be investing over $50 million into new autism research. Thirteen projects will be launched under the new “Autism Data Science Initiative.” These studies will look at possible causes of autism—ranging from genetics and environmental factors to medical conditions—and will work to connect this information with real-life family experiences.

This kind of large-scale research is critical. It may not bring immediate answers, but it helps build the knowledge needed for better tools, therapies, and understanding in the years ahead.

Autism Rates Are Rising

The President also noted that autism diagnoses have been increasing. Current estimates suggest that about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism, up from 1 in 36 just a few years ago. This highlights how important it is for schools, healthcare systems, and communities to keep expanding services and supports. We provide autism testing using the ADOS, one of the gold standard tools for evaluating children.

What This Means for You Today

For most families, these announcements won’t change day-to-day life right away. The new treatment applies only to children with cerebral folate deficiency, and the acetaminophen guidance is simply a reminder to use medications carefully during pregnancy. The most immediate takeaway is that the federal government is paying closer attention to autism and putting significant money into finding answers.

You should continue to use ABA therapy as a primary intervention.  Follow your pediatrician’s advice, ask questions about testing and treatments, and stay informed as new research unfolds. While uncertainty remains, these announcements show that progress is being made toward better understanding autism and supporting children and families.

We use a comprehensive approach to testing your child for autism starting with an in-depth parent interview.  Then we spend 4 hours over a couple of days testing your child using the ADOS and other autism assessments.  We’ll also gain insights from your child’s teacher or therapist.  We do this to make sure we obtain the big picture of what you see, what others see, all the work from your child, and our clinical observations and testing. Check out my book, Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Autism, if your child was recently diagnosed. It gives you a road map of the best evidenced based practices and steps to take to help your child right away.

Call us to schedule autism testing for your child (561) 625 4125.

Hey Local Parents—Here’s Why You’ll Love the Forgan Parent Expo

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Here’s Four Reasons Why You’ll Love the Forgan Parent Expo.

If you’re like most parents, you want the very best for your child but when your child learns differently, the path isn’t always clear. Maybe homework turns into battles, maybe organization is a daily struggle, or maybe you’re already thinking about how your child will manage in college. It can feel overwhelming at times.

That’s exactly why we created the Forgan Parent Expo: From Overwhelmed to On It—Helping Kids Succeed in School and College. And the best part? It’s happening right here in Jupiter on Saturday, October 11.

Here’s why you should join us:

You’ll Get Practical Help (Not Just Theory)

This isn’t about more things to “add to your plate.” You’ll walk away with real strategies you can start using right away like simple routines that make mornings smoother, tips for advocating at school, and ideas for preparing your teen for what’s ahead.

You’ll Hear From Local Experts Who Get It

Our speakers work with kids just like yours every day in Palm Beach and Martin County. They understand our schools, our community, and the challenges families face here. Their advice isn’t cookie-cutter it’s going to be personal and practical.

You’ll Be in a Small, Supportive Group

Each session is limited to just 15 parents. That means plenty of time to ask your questions, share your experiences, and learn from other parents walking the same road.

You’ll Meet Other Parents Like You

One of the best parts of the expo? The connections you’ll make. Sometimes the most powerful thing is realizing you’re not alone and that other parents “get it” too.

And the cherry on top? Tickets are only $10, and every dollar goes to support the Carter Viss Foundation for boating safety.

So grab a friend, mark your calendar, and join us for a morning that will leave you feeling encouraged, empowered, and ready to help your child succeed.

Learn more about the sessions and schedule here: www.jimforgan.com/expo

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.