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parenting neurodiverse children

Insights Into Parenting Neurodiverse Children

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Parenting neurodiverse children brings moments of joy, discovery, and questions that do not always have easy answers. You might think, “Am I providing the right support? How can I help without doing too much? What does my grandchild need from me?” Fortunately, you do not need every answer today. Sometimes, you simply need guidance as you make or consider your next step.

That is why I created what I call “The Parenting Compass: Helping You Navigate the Neurodiverse Journey,” a monthly lecture series for families seeking practical guidance and encouragement.

Guidance for Everyday Decisions

I invite you to join me and guest presenters as we explore topics that support families parenting neurodiverse children across generations. Upcoming lectures address holiday gifts for neurodiverse children, successful grandparenting, deciding whether to homeschool, understanding IEP and 504 supports, and teaching emotional regulation to young children.

Each topic offers an opportunity to pause, consider your child’s needs, and explore a more intentional approach. My goal is to help you leave with useful ideas you can bring into everyday family life.

A Shared Direction for Parents and Grandparents

Parents often carry the responsibility of explaining their child’s needs to others. Attending a lecture together can give family members a starting point for more productive conversations. Instead of wondering why a child struggles with a transition or needs a different approach, you can begin discussing what support might help.

Grandparents bring love, experience, and a valuable perspective. Learning more about a grandchild’s unique needs can open new possibilities for connection. For parents, having another caring adult who understands can feel reassuring.

Learning That Fits Your Life

Our lectures meet live on Zoom starting at 7 p.m. You may keep your camera off, and registered participants receive a replay link if they cannot attend live. Each lecture requires separate registration.

You’re invited to review the topics and register for any session that speaks to your family’s current season in parenting neurodiverse children. You do not have to change everything at once. One helpful idea, one shared conversation, or one adjustment in your response can be a meaningful place to begin.

Let’s keep learning how to support the special children we love.

We offer testing for neurodivergent areas including autism, dyslexia, learning disabilities, ADHD, and more. Call us to discuss your child (561) 625 4125.

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.

Mr. Funny Guy –A Poem About ADHD

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An ADHD Poem.

Oh Mr. Funny Guy how you love to joke,

Make a silly face or give a little poke.

Try to make us laugh, distract us from our work,

We find you funny with that twisted smirk.

Call out, stand up, squirm around,

The teacher doesn’t like it when you fall on the ground.

Make a body noise or lean back in your chair,

You tell that girl she has ugly looking hair.

Your name goes on the board or she moves your seat,

So many classroom rules for you to try and meet.

Try try try but you’re in trouble does she say,

It looks like another no recess day.

Hold it all in and pretend that you don’t care,

But deep down it starts to hurts in there.

Oh Mr. Funny Guy when will you ever learn,

School is not made for boys that need to squirm.

Sit still. Don’t talk. Read your assigned book,

Stop it. Give him back that pencil that you took.

On Mr. Funny Guy you find school so lame,

Your body’s here but your mind is on that video game.

Concentrate. Focus. Not another D.

Turn yourself around. It’s a choice you see.

We know you can do it and that you’re smart,

Come on boy and start to do your part!

IEP or 504,

The things we give you to make school less a chore.

The time is now and we’ve got your back,

We will do what it takes to try keep you on track.

Tutor. Counselor. The doctor too,

Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with you.

Oh Mr. Funny Guy you are so fun,

Just learn to manage it and you’ll be the successful one.

© 2013 by Jim Forgan

Permission granted to reprint with the citation “By Dr. Jim Forgan,  www.jimforgan.com.”