Rewriting Smart

 
 
Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

Are We There Yet?

November is the time of year for traveling.  Whether by plane, train or automobile, this can pose a challenge when you add ADHD to the mix.  It’s more than just being antsy while forced to sit for an extended period of time.  Those with Executive Dysfunction also have difficulty keeping track of time (an hour can seem like forever, or like 15 minutes), and preparing in advance for unfamiliar experiences.  Here are some ways you can help to manage expectations…

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Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

The Cruelest Month

We’re educators – of course there will be the odd literary reference in our blogs!  But just in case it doesn’t spring directly to mind, it was T.S. Eliot who started his epic poem The Wasteland with the observation that April is the cruelest month.  We beg to differ.  In fact, it is October.

August and September typically mark the beginning of a new school year.  And for parents, especially parents of neurodivergent students, these months are also typically filled with hope.  This year, things will be different.  This year, my child will get off to a good start, keep up good habits, and meet academic expectations.  Then comes October – and interim reports....

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Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

Developing a Better Understanding of Executive Function

Most people living with ADHD, whether it be their own diagnosis or that of a family member or partner, are familiar with the term “Executive Function.”

 

You might even already be able to list what some of those executive functions are: planning, prioritizing, time management, note-taking, working memory, and emotional control.

 

But naming these executive functions and...

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Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

Top 5 Executive Function Aids to Pack for College

You’ve probably seen listicles all over the place about what to pack for college.  From linens to microwaves, specialty stores, big box stores and even the colleges themselves have you covered.  But what’s on your packing list for Executive Function skills support?  We’ve got some ideas to share:

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Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

Healthy (Non-Academic) Habits for Summer

If you follow our blog posts regularly, then you already know that one of our favorite topics to discuss is how to maintain healthy habits. We talked about strategies for developing more productive routines through stacking habits in our January blog, and we discussed re-evaluating study habits to set up for a strong finish in our March blog. What these discussions had in common was that they centered around study skills. With school out for the summer, it’s time we turn our attention to non-academic healthy habits…

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Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

Wrapping up Loose Ends

It’s finally here!  Summer, the end of school, the beginning of the next great adventure.  In past blogs, we’ve explored the importance of balancing work and play during the summer months.  But there’s one more critical step left to take before leaving the school year behind – wrapping up loose ends.

No, we’re not talking about finally getting to those late assignments that…

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Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

Private Educational Testing vs. Public School Based

This month’s EEG Facebook Discussion is all about neuropsychological and psychoeducational testing.  So we thought it fitting to devote our monthly blog to a deeper discussion of whether it is better to pay for a private psychoeducational evaluation or request a free evaluation through your public school district.  Spoiler alert: there are pros and cons…

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Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

Prioritizing for Every Grade

Learning to prioritize tasks is an Executive Function, and one that is relevant no matter what stage of school or life you happen to be in.  As April flowers bloom, it’s all too easy to get caught up in spring fever or “senioritis.”  Here are some tips on things to take into account…

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Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

Setting Up for a Strong Finish

Spring hasn’t quite yet sprung, but is beginning to, well, spring.  And that means we are swiftly coming up on midterm exams and heading into the second half of the school year.  What better time, then, to re-evaluate study habits and tweak strategies that aren’t working?

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Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

Hard Doesn’t Have to Mean Heartbreak

February is traditionally associated with Valentine’s Day and affairs of the heart.  From the perspective of ADHD and Executive Function, heartbreak doesn’t pertain only to romantic relationships.  Dr. William Dodson explains…

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Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

Three Steps to Developing and Maintaining Healthy Habits

A new year often means a spate of new resolutions, typically involving better habits. But resolutions can quickly fall by the wayside. Patterns, after all, can be hard to change, especially for people with executive function challenges. Fortunately, there is also a body of literature and advice geared towards both developing and maintaining healthy habits. We’ve sorted through…

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Kathryn Essig Kathryn Essig

The Gift of Time

Let’s face it, we all stress out around the holidays.  Whether it’s worrying over holiday plans, cooking the perfect meal, finishing up end of the year school-related tasks, or even buying the perfect gift, the holiday season brings…

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