Dr. Sara Schiff's Blog

Parent-teacher conferences are notoriously short. When you already have concerns about how your child is doing at school, it can be difficult to know which questions will actually give you useful information. Grades are one piece of the picture, but they do not always show how much effort a child is using to keep up, whether they can work independently, or what happens when something becomes difficult. A teacher sees your child in an environment you do not, where they are fol

The beginning of a new school year can be difficult for parents and children alike, even for kids who usually enjoy school. New teachers and buildings, changing routines and expectations, heavier workloads and social dynamics... it takes time to settle into. for everyone. A few difficult mornings or an emotional first week do not necessarily mean something is wrong. But sometimes, the transition does not get easier with time, and it's common for parents to start wondering "Is

Parents often arrive at an evaluation feeling like they are carrying more questions about themselves than their child. Should I have noticed this sooner? Did I wait too long? Should I have pushed harder, asked more questions, or done more? These thoughts are extremely common after a child receives a diagnosis of ADHD, autism, a learning difference, or another neurodevelopmental condition. They are also usually much easier to answer in hindsight. Why Diagnoses Get Missed No pa

Halloween is supposed to be fun. But for many neurodivergent kids (and their parents!) it can also be overwhelming. The costumes, crowds, flashing lights, loud music, and constant social interaction can all add up to sensory overload. What’s meant to be playful can quickly turn into stress and meltdowns. None of that means your child doesn’t enjoy the holiday, it just means they experience it differently. As a neuropsychologist, I’ve seen how a few small adjustments can make

Families often arrive in my office with years of questions. Some bring reports that never felt complete. Others have been told their...

It’s hard to know when to schedule an evaluation. Many of my client hope that time will resolve a concern, particularly given the expense...