Barranco Educational Assessment Svcs., PLLC

10/07/2025

🧠 Is ADHD Hereditary? The Answer Isn’t Simple

According to research, ADHD does run in families — genetics account for a large portion of the risk.  But heredity doesn’t tell the whole story — many other factors influence whether someone develops ADHD.

Here’s a quick breakdown:
• Genetic risk accounts for a significant share (studies suggest ~75-80 %) of the variation in ADHD traits. 
• But environment, brain development, prenatal influences, and other nonshared factors also matter. 
• Having a parent or sibling with ADHD raises the likelihood, but it doesn’t guarantee it. 
• Hereditary does not mean destiny — many people with genetic predispositions never develop full-blown ADHD, and others without a family history do.

For a deeper dive, check out the full article from ADDitude: “Is ADHD Hereditary? Yes — and No.”

10/02/2025

Teachers & Parents — Let’s Talk Writing Struggles!

We know that for many kids with ADHD, writing can feel like climbing a mountain. The good news? There are strategies that can make the process easier and less stressful — for both kids and the adults supporting them.

The article below shares great tips like:
-Break big assignments into smaller, clear steps
-Encourage kids to talk out their ideas before writing
-Use graphic organizers or visual maps to spark structure
-Focus on progress, not perfection, in early drafts

Teachers and/or parents: What strategies have helped your students/children with ADHD succeed in writing? Drop your thoughts in the comments — your tip might be exactly what another parent or teacher needs!

Read the full article here:

Half of all kids with ADHD struggle with writing, which can make every assignment — from straightforward worksheets to full-length essays — feel like torture. Boost your child's skills with these 18 strategies for school and home.

09/30/2025

Bullying affects more kids than we think — and we all have a role to play.
As parents, caregivers, educators, and community members, we can take steps to notice, prevent, and respond to bullying — both in real life and online.

Want to support your child better? Check out “Bullying: Tips for Parents” from Mental Health America for guidance 👉🏼 https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BACK-TO-SCHOOL-2014-Bullying-Tips-for-Parents.pdf?fbclid=IwVERDUANHu4FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHulhY3C68jBx6HKFfbc1MBytCm2dsNilTagQKz_FtdFSCnNSWMrn_1oHUx4m_aem_Hrtmx6V3zV9mbyOa76HSJg

09/25/2025

What’s the best strategy you’ve used to support learners with dyslexia?
Share your ideas below ⬇️ and attend the Region 4 Dyslexia Conference on Dec. 4, 2025 (in Houston or online) to explore more evidence-based practices and tools!

Attend in person or virtually from anywhere, including on-demand access to sessions after the conference. Connect with leading researchers, experienced practitioners, and peers dedicated to advancing dyslexia education.

09/22/2025

🧠 Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 students receive mental health support at school? 🏫 But many schools say they can’t fully meet all the mental health needs of their students.

Why it matters: Early access to mental health services in schools can improve wellbeing, reduce absenteeism, and help students thrive both emotionally and academically. But gaps remain — especially in staffing and resources.

Read the full article 👉🏼:

This issue brief explores the landscape of mental health services, including services offered, utilization, barriers, and funding, and how recent federal actions may affect school-based mental health care. The analysis draws upon survey data collected directly from public school administrators.

09/18/2025

📝 What if handwriting could reveal early learning differences?

New research shows that AI-powered handwriting analysis may help spot signs of dyslexia and dysgraphia in children.

The AI doesn’t just check spelling — it looks at how kids write:
✍️ Speed & pressure
✍️ Letter size and spacing
✍️ Reversed letters & organization

Why it matters: early detection means kids can get the help they need sooner — and it could make screening more accessible for families and schools.

Read more here ⬇️

A new University at Buffalo-led study outlines how artificial intelligence-powered handwriting analysis may serve as an early detection tool for dyslexia and dysgraphia among young children.

09/15/2025

What’s the hardest executive skill for your teen: planning, remembering, starting tasks — or is it something else?
Check out this article for strategies to help: https://www.additudemag.com/executive-skills-teens-with-adhd/?src=webinar

If there’s something not listed in the article that has worked well for you or your teen, please share in the comments! Let’s build a toolkit together. 🙌

09/13/2025

Parents, did you know? The Texas Education Agency (TEA)provides families with helpful guides on the ARD process, procedural safeguards, and special education rights. You can explore these resources here: https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/sped-family-resources-0

Sometimes parents need more than information — they need clarity. That’s where a private educational evaluation can help. At Barranco Educational Assessment Services, we help families navigate evaluations and understand their child’s unique learning profile. Check us out at: www.barrancoconsulting.com

09/10/2025

Dyslexia is common—but with the right support, it can unlock incredible strengths.

If you’re a parent, educator, or individual navigating dyslexia, this resource hub from the University of Michigan is full of tools, strategies, and support networks:
👉 https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/answers/resources/

This list is designed to help dyslexics, parents, and professionals find the resources they need, from scholarly articles and reviewed books to online forums and support groups. National Organizations and Websites American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) ASHA's website is for professional...

09/09/2025

Sensory challenges are part of the ADHD journey—and understanding them can transform how we support our kids. Which sensory profile best matches your child—or maybe yourself? Share one small tip you’ve found helpful!

Sensory processing disorder can impact the brain’s ability to receive, organize, or respond to sensory input via any of the eight senses. In children, SPD can impact behavior, learning, and everyday happiness. If your child experiences sensory issues, create a sensory profile to match their needs ...

09/04/2025

“September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month. 💜💙
Together, we can raise awareness, end stigma, and share hope.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Call or text 988 anytime, day or night.”

09/03/2025

Struggling with classroom behavior?
These 4 strategies can transform the day—especially for students with ADHD!
1. Keep routines structured and predictable.
2. Use visuals for expectations, not just verbal rules.
3. Let movement and breaks help reset the mind.
4. Catch students doing something right—with instant praise.

✨ Small changes, big impact. Helping every student feel seen, supported, and set up for success! 🎓❤

👉 Read more tips here: ADDitude Magazine