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For many families, August marks the beginning of a new school year. New teachers, new routines, new expectations, and often a mixture of excitement and uncertainty fill these last weeks of summer. As parents of children with disabilities, we naturally wonder what the coming year will bring. Will my child be understood? Will the supports be enough? How can I help make this year successful? One thing I have learned over the years is that knowledge brings confidence. The more we understand our children's strengths, needs, and learning styles, the more effectively we can partner with educators and advocate with purpose. This month, I am honored to share an article written by one of our recent guests on the Voices of Empowered Parents Podcast. Annette Rothman brings more than twenty five years of experience in child psychiatry and offers practical insights into Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD. Her article reminds us that while ADHD presents real challenges, it also comes with remarkable strengths that deserve to be recognized and celebrated. As another school year begins, I hope this newsletter encourages you to continue learning, asking questions, and recognizing the incredible potential within your child. My best, Julie M. Lane, Ed.D.
Founder and Consultant
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Each month, Empowering Parents Network features an article written by a recent guest of the Voices of Empowered Parents Podcast. These articles offer practical wisdom and encouragement from parents, professionals, and advocates who are dedicated to supporting children and families. What to Know About ADHD By Annette Rothman, APRN After practicing in child psychiatry as a nurse practitioner for over 25 years, I continue to hear much confusion about the ADHD diagnosis, despite how common it is. In every classroom of approximately thirty students across the nation, there are probably three children who are challenged with this. Expensive neuropsychological testing is not needed to make the diagnosis. The gold standard for making the diagnosis is a thorough clinical interview and observation. The three core symptoms include poor attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It is a heterogeneous diagnosis, meaning it presents differently in each individual. There is a strong genetic link for ADHD, and it is an interest based disorder. In fact, hyperfocus can be evident with things that are of interest to these children. In my book, ADHD Pearls: Condensed Wisdom for Parents, additional clarifying information is discussed about ADHD, its treatment, educational support, and advice for parents caring for children with ADHD. I stress the importance of self care measures including a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and limited screen time. The importance of these self care actions is often minimized. Unfortunately, there remain many taboos about medication treatment. Medication should not be considered a last resort. The medications available for children are well researched and have demonstrated both excellent safety and effectiveness. In fact, treatment is powerfully protective for youth. Without treatment, substance use increases two to three fold, automobile accidents increase twofold, and sexually transmitted diseases are doubled. Additionally, school dropout rates are higher, criminal behavior increases, the risk of suicide rises, and struggles with friendships, employment, home life, and school often follow. I am convinced that children with ADHD have many strengths that are often overlooked. They are frequently intelligent, artistic, athletic, musically talented, funny, creative, and entrepreneurial. They should not simply be viewed through the lens of disability. Instead, they possess mighty abilities. Unfortunately, much of their day can be filled with redirection, discipline, correction, or isolation. This creates an environment where children may begin to feel inadequate. Over time, repeated frustration and failure can contribute to poor self esteem. Depression and anxiety commonly occur alongside ADHD. For children, school is their workplace. Most of us feel good about ourselves when we are successful in our own workplace. Children with ADHD often struggle to demonstrate their true abilities in school. Appropriate treatment, coaching, and educational accommodations can help these students achieve their academic best. My advice for parents is to create an organized and predictable environment for your child, locate an expert in ADHD diagnosis and treatment, recruit an educational coach, and build positive relationships with school personnel through regular communication. Most importantly, celebrate and acknowledge your child's unique strengths. I welcome your questions and would be honored if my book proves helpful to you and your family. Annette Rothman, APRN
Email: arothman.aprn@gmail.com
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Preparing for a Successful School Year As school begins, consider taking a few moments to reflect on these questions. Understanding Your Child What are my child's greatest strengths? What strategies have been most successful at home? Working With the School Does the teacher understand how my child learns best? Have I shared information that will help the school support my child? Building Confidence What is one success I hope my child experiences this month? How can I encourage effort, persistence, and confidence at home? Small conversations throughout the year often lead to stronger partnerships and better outcomes for children.
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Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as CHADD, is one of the nation's most respected organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with ADHD and their families. Families can find practical information about understanding ADHD, navigating school accommodations, treatment options, parenting strategies, and connecting with local support groups. Whether your child has recently been diagnosed or you have been navigating ADHD for years, CHADD offers reliable information grounded in research and practical experience.
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Exciting things continue to happen at Empowering Parents Network. This fall, the EPN Collective will relaunch as a free community for all parents. Our vision is to create a welcoming place where families can learn, connect, ask questions, and encourage one another while navigating disability and educational systems. We are also continuing to expand the Voices of Empowered Parents Podcast. Each new episode introduces parents to professionals and advocates who generously share their knowledge and experiences in support of families across the country. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates in the coming months.
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As your child begins another school year, what strengths do you hope their teachers notice first? Sometimes our children need someone to recognize what they can do before focusing on what they find difficult.
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Each month we highlight recent blog posts that encourage, educate, and support families navigating disability and education.
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Sun, Jul 5
Hope is an interesting word. Sometimes we think of hope as waiting for something big to happen. We hope for answers, progress, new opportunities, successful school years, meaningful friendships, effec |
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Sun, Jul 12
Every school year begins with meetings, evaluations, progress reports, and plans for the months ahead. For special education professionals, these conversations are part of the work they faithfully do |
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Sun, Jul 19
One of the greatest privileges of leading Empowering Parents Network is having the opportunity to dream alongside the families we serve. |
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Sun, Jul 26
Parents of children with disabilities often become experts at caring for others. Why? Parents learn to navigate medical appointments, therapy schedules, school meetings, paperwork, phone calls, insura |
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We invite you to read, reflect, and join the conversation. Your experiences encourage other families and strengthen our growing community.
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One of the most effective ways parents can engage in special education is by asking clear, informed questions. Instead of trying to understand everything at once, focus on a few key areas: What does this data tell us about my child’s needs? How will this support be implemented in the classroom? How will progress be measured and shared?
Asking focused questions helps shift conversations from overwhelming to productive and ensures that decisions remain centered on your child’s learning and growth.
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