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PsychEducational

Helping Every Learner Thrive


A Guide to Autism Spectrum Assessments
When you start noticing signs that your child or loved one might be facing developmental challenges, it can feel overwhelming. You want clear answers and practical steps to help them thrive. That’s where autism spectrum assessments come in. These assessments provide a structured way to understand behaviors, strengths, and needs. They open the door to support and resources that can make a real difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key autism evaluation technique

Dara Pfeiffer
4 min read
Why School Leaders Aren’t Prepared for Special Education — And Why It Matters
Two recent studies—one on rural principals, one on principal preparation—point to the same core problem: school leaders aren’t being trained to handle special education or implement FAPE with confidence. That gap shows up every day in how schools serve (or fail to serve) students with intellectual disabilities. The Real Issue Principal prep programs barely skim special education. Rural schools then compound the problem with limited staffing, tight budgets, and leaders who wea

Dara Pfeiffer
2 min read


🧠 Working Memory and Learning: Why It’s the Hidden Key to Academic Success
🔍 What Is Working Memory? Working memory is the brain’s temporary workspace where information is held, processed, and connected to long-term memory. It’s what allows a child to remember directions, solve a math problem, or follow the plot of a story. The concept dates back to Baddeley and Hitch (1974) , who proposed three core systems: Central Executive – manages attention and coordinates information Phonological Loop – stores sounds and language Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad

Dara Pfeiffer
2 min read


Relationships Matter
Connection Is Our Superpower: How I Met Dr. Julie Barta Dr. Bruce Perry teaches us that relationships and connections are our superpower. We’re not the fastest, strongest, or biggest creatures on the planet. We are, as he says, “meat on feet.” But together, in community, we can accomplish incredible things. Dr. Perry’s research through the Neurosequential Network shows that the strongest predictor of our current mental health is the quality of our connection to others. Not

Dara Pfeiffer
2 min read


Tools That Actually Help With Executive Functioning
If your kid is bright, curious, and capable—but can’t seem to get their backpack zipped, turn in homework, or start a task without a full dramatic monologue—you’re not alone. These are executive functioning challenges: the skills that help us plan, organize, manage time, and get stuff done. At PsychEducational, I work with plenty of students who are disorganized . The goal isn’t to “fix” them—it’s to build tools and habits that support the way their brains actually work. Belo

Dara Pfeiffer
2 min read


Signs Your Child May Have Dyslexia and Steps to Take for Support
Struggling in school can be frustrating for both children and parents. When a child has difficulty reading, writing, or processing information, it raises a common question: could this be a specific learning disability like dyslexia? Understanding the signs of dyslexia and knowing how to find out if your child has it can help you provide the right support early on. What Is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects how the brain processes written and spoken langu

Dara Pfeiffer
3 min read


Need More Resources? These can Help!
1. National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD): A non-profit organization that provides information, resources, and support for...

Dara Pfeiffer
1 min read


How frequently do you evaluate your own learning?
Whether it be in a formal educational context or during the course of our daily lives, as people we are always engaged in the process of...

Dara Pfeiffer
2 min read


5 Research Backed Strategies for Improving Student Motivation in the Classroom
1. Give students the chance to be autonomous: Giving students a sense of control over their education can boost motivation and...

Dara Pfeiffer
1 min read


Thinking about your learning skills
How frequently do you create clear, attainable objectives for yourself when you're studying or doing a task? When working on a task or...

Dara Pfeiffer
1 min read
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no additional cost to you. I only recommend books and resources I genuinely find valuable for educators, clinicians, and families.
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