March Newsletter
Mental health, well-being, neurodivergence, education, and policy shifts that will affect most US citizens.
Greetings!
Another month… and two months in for the new U.S. administration (although it might feel like at least a year). Hopefully, you are finding tools for managing stress, as well as productive outlets where you can express your opinions without feeling overwhelmed. My recent favorite newsletter is Chop Wood, Carry Water, given its simple, actionable steps and optimistic outlook.
I hope the photo above is a reminder that the cherry blossoms in Washington still bloom (!), regardless of what is going on in the government.
I also want to thank those of you who participated in the online gifted parenting survey that Dr. Kali Fedor and I initiated in January. We received hundreds of responses and are now analyzing the data. We are so grateful to all who participated, and will share the results once we have submitted them to a research journal publication.
First, a few of my recent articles:
In honor of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, this article explores the suspected convergence of these two conditions. Read it on Medium or here: Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders: Are They Related?
Giftedness may seem like a cakewalk to some. However, parents of gifted or twice-exceptional children know that it is not easy… and often struggle with enormous challenges. Welcome to Gifted Parenting: A Checklist of Emotions.
A personal story: How a local fire served as a reminder that we are all interconnected, regardless of borders and boundary lines. As the Crow Flies: Borders are Often Arbitrary
It’s National Women’s History Month. Yet, there is still much to do to overcome the pervasive barriers to success, equity, and wellbeing. What Women Want.
This recent article was added to the Davidson Institute’s archives, with strategies for parents when considering what resources to use. Buyer Beware: How to Navigate the Maze of Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Resources.
The following are some great articles I have stumbled across this month:
Finding your assertive and defiant voice… needed now, more than ever. Read or listen here: How to Say No: The Power of Defiance. (APA)
A quick overview of the essential importance of attachment and nurturing young children. “Like a gardener nurturing a young sapling, adults shape the development of young children.” Read more here: How Early Relationships Fuel Brain Development and Learning. (The 74)
Most parents are understandably reluctant to consider ADHD medications for their child. But years of research and clinical experience have demonstrated their utility if carefully prescribed. See this excellent overview: Dear Mr. Kennedy. (ADDitude)
While chatbots may seem like harmless companions, this article explores their danger and dark side: Human Therapists Prepare for Battle Against A.I. Pretenders. (New York Times)
Blaming ADHD on trauma has been an assumption among some social media influencers. But the truth is much more complicated than that. See this interesting article: Don’t Blame it All on Trauma. (Medium)
Insight from an epidemiologist that addresses what we know and don’t know yet about autism: Vaccines Don’t Cause Autism. So What Does? (Substack)
New York City is the poster child for mishandling gifted education. This article suggests that special education might be an alternative means of support for gifted students: To Make Sure Gifted Kids Get an Appropriate Education, Put Them in Special Ed. (The 74)
It is not surprising that wellness and learning readiness are essential to academic performance. Read more here: More Than Marks: How Wellbeing Shapes Academic Success. (Science Daily).
Wishing you safe travels through these complicated and difficult times!
Please share with others, hit the “like” button, and let me know your thoughts, opinions, or ideas in the comments section below!