Melissa B. Singer, Ph.D.

04/30/2025

Mental flexibility is the ability to effectively utilize feedback from the environment to assess the effectiveness of your actions and behaviors, devise alternate hypotheses and strategies when appropriate and try them out systematically. Want to work on these skills with your child? This article has some good suggestions:

Cognitive flexibility and problem solving are essential executive functioning skills that allow children to adapt to changing situations, consider mul...

02/20/2025

No one can succeed at everything, but building resilience can help a child regroup after a setback and use the experience to learn and grow.

Resilience helps kids cope with challenges. Being resilient isn’t just about bouncing back. Here are tips and activities to help kids build resilience.

10/30/2024

Sharing this opportunity for all interested students!
The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who have done amazing things, making a lasting impact on their schools and communities.

2025 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards Each year, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite or because of their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the outstanding accom...

09/27/2024

And to follow up on yesterday's post - here are some common myths about 504 plans.

There are a lot of myths about 504 plans. Here are six common misconceptions about 504 plans, and the facts to bust them.

09/25/2024

I support many families through the process of obtaining a 504 or an IEP and often find that they have received minimal information from their school district about what this entails. This article demystifies 5 common misconceptions about IEPs.

There are so many myths about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Here we debunk them and set the record straight.

08/01/2024

I just evaluated a child with nonverbal learning disability (NVLD), a condition that is unfamiliar to many parents. While NVLD is not an official diagnosis or learning disorder, it describes a constellation of weaknesses such as difficulties with visual-spatial abilities, motor coordination and social skills. Children with NVLD may exhibit poor physical coordination, difficulties with organization, trouble comprehending social cues and emotional dysregulation.

Nonverbal learning disabilities refers to challenges with motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. NVLD isn’t a learning disability, but it can impact learning.

05/22/2024

As I am mere months away from becoming an empty nester, this article resonated with me! Teaching my own kids how to be independent and self-sufficient has always been a priority for me, and this article gives some terrific suggestions for how to help kids gain a sense of self-efficacy as they move towards adulthood.

Teaching life skills is crucial to helping teens with ADHD and learning differences become responsible and self-sufficient individuals. Following are

01/11/2024

Don't miss the chance to nominate your student for the 2024 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award, recognizing the strengths and accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD. The deadline is Saturday, January 16th. The $1,000 Award and $500 Special Recognition Award will be given to students 19 or younger who have demonstrated initiative, talent and determination resulting in notable accomplishments in any field including art, music, science, math, athletics or community service. Honorable Mentions will also be awarded.

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities 2024 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Application Submit by January 16, 2024 NomineeNominee Name(Required) Name Nominee Age(Required) Parent/Guardian Name(Required) Name Parent/Guardian Email(Required) Parent/Guardian Mobile Phone(Required)Nominee Address...

01/09/2024

I frequently get asked about the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP. This is a concise explanation of both IEPs and 504 plans with a clear explanation of what they entail and how they differ.

Welcome to our educational exploration! In a previous post, we discussed some of the ins and outs relating to SLDs, IEPs, and IDEA, and many of you wondered about the often-overlooked hero: Section 504 and its trusty sidekick, “504 plans.” This piece breaks down the similarities and differences ...

01/05/2024

Starting a new year is always a time of reflection, and updating my profile photo for the first time since I made this page made me realize just how long I've been in practice - 17 years! Perhaps I should be updating much more frequently - the "model" in my cover photo (my older daughter) is now 20 years old! I feel very lucky to have had so many families put their trust in me to help them better understand their children's strengths and weaknesses and find the help they need. I'm also very thankful for the many colleagues with whom I've collaborated and consulted over the years. Happy New Year to all!

09/26/2023

A helpful glossary of terms that are often used within an IEP or 504 Plan.

There are lots of terms and acronyms used in the IEP and special education process. Explore this list of IEP and special education terms and definitions.