Dr. Nicole Michaeli, 2001 S. Barrington Avenue, Suite/121, Los Angeles, CA (2025)

03/28/2024

ADHD MEDICATION: RISKS VS BENEFITS 🧠💊
Worried about your child taking ADHD medication? Let's break it down:

💊 Stimulants are the most commonly used medications for treating ADHD, and they are considered to be both safe and effective. However, like all medications, there are risks:
💊 Side effects like appetite changes can happen, which can impact physical growth. However, effects are usually minor and temporary.
💊 Other side effects can include sleep problems and mood changes.
💊 For some, the benefits can wear off over time, but this can be managed through drug holidays and medication/dosage adjustments
💊 Research on long term effects is still ongoing, but suggests that medications can have lasting and positive effects on the brain 🧠
💊 Considering the risks of not medicating: Kids who are medicated tend to do better academically, have better social skills, less anxiety, and increased self-esteem. 🧒

Every brain is different, but for many, the benefits outweigh the risks.

🔗 mychildassessment.com

03/27/2024

Here are five things I would never do as a pediatric psychologist and mom of three:

1️⃣ Never Underestimate the Power of Play: 🎨🧩 Play is vital for creativity, problem-solving, independence, and brain development.
2️⃣ Never Allow Riding Without Helmets: 🚴‍♂️🛴 Safety is non-negotiable. Helmets reduce the risks of brain injuries, which could have long term effects on concentration, memory, learning, and social-emotional functioning.
3️⃣ Never Overlook Downtime: 🌿⏸️ In today's busy world, downtime is essential. Mindfulness and meditation help kids slow down, self-reflect, and recharge.
4️⃣Never Permit Unmonitored Screen Time: 📱💻 This helps to avoid low quality, inappropriate, and potentially harmful content. Monitor programming, set limits, and ensure screen time is age-appropriate and beneficial.
5️⃣ Never Ignore Your Intuition: 🤔👩‍👧‍👦 Trust your instincts. Those around you will not always share your concerns. Remember, you know your child best, so when something doesn’t seem right, go with what you’re feeling inside.

🔗 mychildassessment.com

03/18/2024

5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING AN EVALUATION
Watch the video to find out the Top 5 things to look for when getting your child an evaluation.

🔗 mychildassessment.com

03/15/2024

Kids face serious risks on social media. Likes and comments activate their brains' reward centers, while rejection triggers negative emotions. Unlike adults, kids' sense of self is still developing, making them more vulnerable to feedback. Understanding these effects is crucial to protect our kids' well-being.

🔗 mychildassessment.com

02/01/2024

Thank you Kate Brownfield for having me on the ADHD Kids Can Thrive podcast to talk about ADHD and the assessment process. I had so much fun discussing all things ADHD- including signs and symptoms, when to consider an assessment, and how to support children with ADHD in school. Tune in to listen!

Link: http://tinyurl.com/3h7ra98b

🔗mychildassessment.com

01/22/2024

🧠What factors contribute to IQ in kids?🌱
When it comes to IQ, there's a common misconception that children are born with fixed, unchangeable abilities. While genetics do play a big role in cognitive development, it's important to understand that IQ is a multi-faceted construct influenced by a variety of factors that have to do with both nature and nurture.
🧬 Genetics and neurobiology: Genetic factors can shape cognitive abilities, and children inherit cognitive traits from their parents. Differences in brain structure and function also contribute to variations in thinking processes.
🌍 Environment Matters: Beyond genetics, environmental factors have an impact on IQ. Stimulating environments that foster exploration and play, particularly during early childhood development, are critical. Encouraging opportunities for critical thinking and problem-solving through activities such as games, puzzles, and hands-on learning experiences can shape cognitive growth.
📚 The Power of Education: Quality education can play an important role. A stimulating curriculum, effective teaching methods, and access to resources like technology all contribute to cognitive development.
🗣️Language Development: Children raised in language-rich environments, where they are constantly spoken to, read to, and encouraged to share their experiences, tend to develop stronger language skills. This includes verbal reasoning and comprehension abilities.
🤝 Attachment and the Parent-Child Bond: Research demonstrates that children who form secure attachments with their caregivers often exhibit higher IQ levels. A strong parent-child bond can provide a supportive foundation for exploration and growth.
In essence, IQ is a multifaceted construct influenced by a blend of nature and nurture. Understanding these various factors can empower parents and educators to create environments that foster cognitive development and help children reach their full potential. 🧒🌱

01/19/2024

We are human! We have emotions, triggers, and our own limitations as parents, (which our children often bring out in us). We are inevitably going to make mistakes when parenting and react emotionally or impulsively when our children misbehave. What is important is how we respond when a moment of disconnection happens. Making repairs can have a huge impact in fostering a connection with your child. 👦

What is a repair?
✨ A repair in parenting is going back to that moment where a disconnection or "rupture" happened, taking responsibility for our actions, and reflecting on how this could have impacted your child. By making a repair, you are taking accountability, you're modeling how to solve conflict, how to regulate emotions, and strengthening the bond between you and your child. Over time, kids who have opportunities to experience repairs in their caregiver relationships can internalize concepts like empathy, accountability, and integrity in their relationships with others.

01/17/2024

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Supporting Your Kids' Sleep🌙

In my previous video, I delved into the importance of sleep and the consequences of sleep deprivation. Today, I'm sharing how parents can ensure their children get the restful sleep they need.

🕰️ Establish a Consistent Routine: Start by creating a daily schedule that includes a set bedtime. Consistency is key, so make sure your routine is the same every day. This could involve activities like dinner, bath time, tooth brushing, reading stories, and tucking in. Predictable routines signal to kids that it's time for bed.

🏃‍♂️ Encourage Physical Activity: Ensure your children engage in regular physical exercise throughout the day. Physical activity aids in falling asleep more easily. However, avoid strenuous exercise close to bedtime, as it can hinder winding down.

📵 Implement a Screen Curfew: About an hour before bedtime, turn off all screens. The blue light emitted by screens can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Keep screens out of the bedroom to prevent temptation- invest in a physical alarm clock if needed.

🌒 Create the Ideal Sleep Environment: Ensure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool, as these conditions promote the production of melatonin. If your child experiences bedtime anxiety, consider a warm bath and calming scents like lavender. Journaling, meditation, and breathing exercises can also help with relaxation.

😴 Pay Attention to Sleep Needs: Even as your kids grow older, it's crucial to monitor their sleep patterns and look out for signs of sleep deprivation. Don't underestimate the importance of adequate sleep for older children and teenagers. If necessary, intervene to ensure they're getting the sleep they require.

Remember, quality sleep is essential for your child's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By following these tips, you can help them establish healthy sleep habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. 💤👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

12/21/2023

🎁 Holiday Gift Guide: Unwrap the Joy of Learning 🌟

Searching for the perfect holiday gifts that ignite curiosity and learning? Look no further! 🎄✨

🤖 STEM Enthusiasts: Make their eyes light up with the Makeblock mBot Robotic Kit. It's an interactive way for kids (ages 6+) to explore robotics, programming, and electronics.
🎵 All-Round Development: Nurture their talents with a musical instrument and lessons. Studies show it boosts brain development and builds confidence. Find the perfect instrument to harmonize their skills!
🔬 Science Lovers: Unleash their inner scientist with the National Geographic Mega Science Lab. Ages 8+ can dive into captivating experiments like erupting volcanoes and growing crystals. Amazon Exclusive!
🧠 For Neurodivergent Minds: Puro Sound Labs' Noise-Canceling Headphones (ages 3+) create a calm, focused space. Perfect for sensitive ears during activities like movies, games, or music.
📝 Young Wordsmiths: Elevate their writing and drawing with the Wacom Intuos S Digital Writing Tablet (ages 6+). A versatile tool for creativity and productivity.
🎮 Teen Gamers: Settlers of Catan (ages 10+) is a strategic board game that promotes problem-solving and collaboration. An ideal choice for game nights!
🍰 Budget-Friendly Fun: Bond over Baketivity Cooking Kits (ages 4+). Learn to make delightful cake pops together. It's a treat for both skill and taste buds!
📱 Best App: Monument Valley (ages 7+) is a mesmerizing puzzle adventure game, perfect for sharpening problem-solving skills. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Find joy in learning this holiday season! 🎁✨

12/20/2023

🤔 TO TEST OR NOT TO TEST? 📊
The College Admissions Landscape is Evolving! 🎓

In recent years, the world of college admissions has seen a significant shift. 🌍 Standardized testing, once a cornerstone of the process, is no longer a requirement at many colleges and universities. 📚 But why this shift, you ask?

🎯 Accuracy Matters:
One reason is the recognition that standardized tests don't always paint an accurate picture of a student's true academic abilities. 🎯

🤝 Equity & Inclusion:
Another factor is equity: Requiring scores in a certain range can hinder diversity and inclusion efforts at universities. 🌟

🤓 Test Blind vs. Test Optional:
Now, let's break down these terms:
✅ Test Blind: Your scores won't even be considered if you send them.
✅ Test Optional: You have the choice to submit scores, but it's not required. No disadvantage if you opt out.

📝 The Dilemma:
So, what does this mean for students? It's a tough call. On one hand, test scores are on the rise as students only submit their best ones to stand out. More pressure, but an opportunity for a competitive edge. 📈 On the other hand, if testing has always been a struggle, or you're a diverse learner, skipping the test can relieve the application pressure and allow focus on other areas. 🙌

💡 No Right or Wrong:
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Take your time, consult with your family and professionals, and do what feels best for you. 🤗 Testing accommodations are still available if needed. ✨

🔗 Join the conversation on and remember, the path to higher education is as unique as you are! 🌟🎓📊

12/14/2023

STITCH INCOMING! Signs of Neurodivergence 🧠📚

A common challenge shared among many neurodiverse individuals is executive functioning difficulties. These challenges can be experienced by people with various conditions including ADHD, autism 🧩 , dyslexia, anxiety, and depression.

Here are some common challenges that people experience:

✏️ Organization Struggles:
Imagine constantly misplacing your essentials – water bottles, backpacks, jackets, and school papers. That's the daily reality for those grappling with executive functioning challenges. 🤔 Keeping personal spaces like rooms and desks organized can feel like a daunting task. ✅

🧩 Planning Puzzles:
Planning is another hurdle, especially with bigger projects or assignments. Breaking them down into manageable chunks, setting deadlines 🗓️ , and following through can be overwhelming. Contrary to what some believe, it's not about being "irresponsible" or "lazy," executive functioning challenges are based on differences in brain structure and function.

Dr. Nicole Michaeli

03/28/2024

03/27/2024

03/18/2024

03/15/2024

02/01/2024

01/22/2024

01/19/2024

01/17/2024

12/21/2023

12/20/2023

12/14/2023

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