Dr. Michael Koffman

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Montclair, NJ
Dr. Michael Koffman

Dr. Koffman performs Educational and Neuropsychological evaluations with children, adolescents and adults. I am performing socially distanced evaluations.

These are people who struggle in school, emotionally, socially and, often, all of the above. In-person testing has resumed: With your safety as my foremost concern, I have re-opened. I am maintaining strict adherence to state and CDC guidelines to keep your child safe. I am happy to talk through my policy details to ensure that you are comfortable with the setup.

06/10/2022

“Well developed Executive Functions can be the dividing line between being in control of schoolwork or feeling overwhelmed by it.” — Dr. Michael Koffman

The most common complaint I hear from parents is how disorganized and scattered their children are in school.

These are challenges in the area of Executive Functioning!

Executive functioning (EF) is a general term used to describe a series of skills that includes planning, organization, time management, and self-awareness (or metacognition).

Unfortunately, executive functioning capacities is something that is rarely (if ever) taught in school.

Students are expected to ‘pick up’ these skills on their own. Some do, but a high percentage do not, and at a significant cost.

How can you help your child improve these skills?

◊ Talk with the teacher

I recommend having an open and honest discussion with your child’s teacher about how much they’re struggling with remaining organized and getting their work done. There may be ways to create a system that allows for improved structure and oversight from the teachers.

◊ Work with your child’s executive functioning directly

Another way you can help improve your child’s executive functioning is to work with a professional coach. This is someone who works closely with the student, to help build an individualized system, improves study habits and techniques, and ensure that assignments are being completed, to the best of the student's ability, and submitted in a timely fashion.

◊Educational and Neuropsychological Testing

There are certain cases in which problems with executive functioning represent only one of several parts of a larger problem. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, for instance, often goes hand in hand with gaps in EF.

Whichever option you are considering, I invite you to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have about your child’s school performance.

Contact me at welcome@drkoffman.com to see how I can help you and your child with neurological testing!

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06/08/2022

Does your child have any phobias?

Anxious Toddlers is sharing their tips and tricks on helping your kids through their phobias.

Check it out at the link below!

https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/kids-with-phobias/ #.YmH2jvPMLUI

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06/06/2022

What causes ADHD in children?

Despite years of rigorous study, researchers have yet to determine the exact causes of ADHD.

Scientists have, however, discovered a strong genetic link and we do know that ADHD can run in families.

Other factors in the environment may increase the likelihood of having ADHD, including:
◊ exposure to lead or pesticides in early childhood
◊ premature birth or low birth weight
◊ brain injury

Scientists continue to study the exact relationship of ADHD to environmental factors, but point out that there is no single cause that explains all cases of ADHD and that many factors may play a part.

The following factors are NOT known causes, but can make ADHD symptoms worse for some children:
◊ Watching too much television
◊ Eating sugar
◊ Family stress (poverty, family conflict)
◊ Traumatic experiences

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06/02/2022

With school and work and after-school activities, it can be difficult to set aside time to bond with your child.

This blog post gives some excellent suggestions to parents looking to spend more time with their children!

https://www.psy-ed.com/wpblog/tips-for-bonding-with-child/

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05/30/2022

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders in children, but many of these symptoms are overlooked or simply deemed as misbehavior.

Which is understandable. From the parent’s perspective, their children might be pushing boundaries and everyone has bad days where they can’t sit still and stay focused.

Children with ADHD are constantly facing these obstacles which can impact their life in many ways. Their grades might suffer and they might struggle with making friends.

How can you tell if your child has ADHD?

In this post, I’ll show you the most common signs of ADHD in children so you can tell if your child needs an evaluation!

https://www.drkoffman.com/blog/signs-that-your-child-may-have-adhd

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05/27/2022

What is the best way to help children with ADHD?

Positivity and encouragement!

Check out this blog post by Additude Mag to learn how to help your ADHD child through praise and positive triggers!

https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-praise-positive-parenting/

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05/25/2022

Over the years, I’ve seen many parents come into my office, frustrated that their children are unmotivated and “lazy.”

Their children are bright and full of potential. Why won’t they just quit being lazy and try harder?

Believe it or not, children are not naturally lazy.

More often than not, something is getting in the way of your child meeting their full potential.

This could be a learning disability, weak organizational skills, or compromised attention.

Each of these challenges impacts a child’s performance and causes them to lose confidence over time.

As things progress, they get frustrated and feel like their efforts are pointless.

And if they’re constantly being told by their parents and/or teachers that they “should” be doing better, they feel even less confident in their abilities and can cause them to pull back even more.

The situation can then take on a life of its own, as the child acts out or internalizes the distress. This can devolve quickly or unfold slowly over months and years.

The key to restoring your child’s motivation is to figure out what is getting in the way of their success. The first critical step is to have them tested.

If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment to have your child tested, email me at welcome@drkoffman.com

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05/23/2022

It's difficult to tell why kids with ADHD have such trouble focusing when you don't struggle with the disorder yourself.

Can't they just will themselves to listen?!

In fact, they can't. And this video will tell you why.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMCstIP0dao

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05/21/2022

Being a student is difficult, but being a student with ADHD is even harder. ADHD has a tremendous impact on students of all ages because it can lead to short study sessions, daydreaming, and getting sidetracked by all of the distractions surrounding them.

All of these challenges make studying difficult for kids. Students with ADHD aren’t living up to their full potential if they haven’t found ways to cope with these challenges.

So how do we make studying easier for children with ADHD? In this blog post, I’m sharing 5 tips that will help set your student up for success.

https://www.drkoffman.com/blog/top-5-study-tips-for-your-student

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05/17/2022

You’ve probably heard about ADHD, but do you have a good understanding about what it is and how to spot the signs?

Everyone has moments where they can’t sit still, pay attention, or control impulsive behavior.

It is simply not possible for anyone to be fully locked in 100 percent of the time.

Our brains aren’t ‘wired’ that way!

For some people, however, the problems are so pervasive and persistent that they interfere with every aspect of their life: home, academics, social, and work.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 11 percent of school-age children.

ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity.

Despite the challenges they face, people with ADHD can be very successful in life!

However, without identification and proper treatment, ADHD may have serious consequences, including school failure, family stress and disruption, depression, problems with relationships, substance abuse, delinquency, accidental injuries, and job failure.

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05/13/2022

ADHD has three classifications — the predominantly inattentive type, the hyperactive-impulsive type, and the combined type.

Some of the primary symptoms of each are presented as follows:

ADHD Predominantly Inattentive type
◊ Difficulty sustaining attention
◊ Easily distracted
◊ Does not appear to listen
◊ Struggles to follow through with instructions
◊ Needs lots of things repeated
◊ Easily “bored”
◊ Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort, unless interested
◊ Forgetful in daily activities

ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
◊ Has difficulty remaining seated
◊ Fidgety/excessively restless/overly excitable
◊ Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
◊ Acts as if driven by a motor
◊ Talking excessively
◊ Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
◊ Difficulty waiting or taking turns
◊ Interrupts or intrudes upon others

ADHD Combined Type
◊ The individual meets the criteria for both the Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive types

Symptoms can change over time, so children may demonstrate different presentations as they get older.

Are you noticing these symptoms in your children?

Email me at welcome@drkoffman.com to schedule an appointment!

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04/29/2022

ADHD and anxiety are two of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in children, but oftentimes the symptoms overlap! This makes it difficult to tell whether your child has ADHD or Anxiety.

These two mental disorders are very different yet similar in several ways.

As a parent who’s trying to help their child be successful, it can be difficult to tell what type of treatment will help your child perform to the best of their abilities.

Does your child have ADHD or anxiety? What’s the difference between the two?

Click on the link below to find out!

https://www.drkoffman.com/blog/does-your-child-have-adhd-or-anxiety-it-can-be-so-hard-to-tell

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04/27/2022

How can you help your child meet their potential?

When a child is repeatedly not meeting their potential something is getting in the way.

This may include compromised attention and/or weak organizational skills, or there may be undetected learning disabilities.

Each of these, alone or in combination, impacts a child’s performance and, over time, causes them to lose confidence.

As things progress, they become frustrated and feel like their efforts are fruitless. They lose their sense of control.

Children can learn to manage their emotions, but they need help

The key to restoring the child’s motivation is to figure out what is getting in the way of their success.

The first critical step is to have them tested.

This allows for an objective analysis of their intellect, academic skill levels, and thinking abilities.

It also helps determine what motivates them and the details of their emotional landscape.

At the completion of the process, a much clearer picture emerges and, along with it, a specific plan.

When put in place, the plan helps the student emerge and excel to the heights of their potential.

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04/25/2022

Have you ever heard of hyperfocus?

Hyperfocus is a symptom of ADHD which leads people to experience a deep and intense concentration on a task.

Someone who can't complete homework could have an intense focus on a book they enjoy!

Read more about hyperfocus and how it affects people with ADHD at the link below!

https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adhd-symptoms-hyperfocus #:~:text=A%20common%20symptom%20of%20ADHD,activity%2C%20assignment%2C%20or%20chore.

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04/22/2022

Over the years, I'm sure you've seen your child struggle with following directions.

Unfortunately, this is a common problem with ADHD kids.

You can set your child up for success by giving them instructions that are detailed, clear, and easy to understand.

When applicable, try using images and graphs to help your visual learners understand the task at hand!

I highly recommend giving your child directions out loud and in writing.

Have them repeat the instructions back to you to ensure they understood the assignment!

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04/20/2022

If you're an entrepreneur, you need to watch this amazing Ted Talk!

John Torrens talks all about how ADHD has affected his business and how he reached success!

Check it out at the link below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdT4DIiX7Nk

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04/18/2022

Is boredom a sign of ADHD in children?

One of the most common buzzwords I hear from parents with whom I work, in talking about their child, is ‘boredom.’ Their child often uses this word, including in school, though also in dealing with homework and for tasks they don’t want to do.

Whenever I hear this, my first consideration is the possibility of ADHD.

Boredom is a sign of inattention in kids!

Click on the link below to learn more about boredom and ADHD.

https://www.drkoffman.com/blog/is-boredom-a-sign-of-adhd

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04/15/2022

As someone with ADHD, it can be difficult to be productive.

Little Miss Lionheart shows us how to organize the ADHD mind so you can be more productive!

Click on the link below to check it out!

https://littlemisslionheart.com/how-to-organize-your-adhd-mind-to-be-productive/

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Address

460 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite 400
Montclair, NJ
07042

Telephone

+19739084860

Website

https://www.drkoffman.com/

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