BrainPower Neurodevelopmental Center

01/11/2026

Simple tasks can take hours with ADHD due to issues with executive function, like poor working memory and time blindness, plus the brain's need for dopamine, leading to task paralysis, overthinking, or getting lost in hyperfocus, making boring activities incredibly difficult to start or finish. Strategies like breaking tasks down, using timers (like Pomodoro), and body doubling can help manage this by creating structure and motivation.

Image Coaching With Brooke ❤️

01/10/2026

Always wonderful information from Executive Functioning Toolbox!

01/10/2026

❤️

01/09/2026

Coaching With Brooke ❤️

01/08/2026

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are mental illnesses associated with dramatic mood swings. They share common features and are often confused with one another.

The main difference between bipolar disorder and BPD is that bipolar is a mood disorder, and BPD is a personality disorder.

Bipolar, previously known as manic-depressive disorder, features extreme highs and lows that can last for weeks or months. With BPD, however, moods fluctuate more rapidly, cycling through emotional states in a matter of hours or days.

The differences in BPD vs. bipolar symptoms can help steer a diagnosis. The two are also treated differently, so it's crucial to get an accurate diagnosis.

Verywell❤️

01/07/2026

If you know an individual who can talk freely at home but freezes up in public settings or who seems excessively shy, you may know someone with selective (situational) mutism. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by a person’s inability to speak in certain social settings such as at school, work, or in the community. People with SM are typically able to speak comfortably and communicate well in other settings, such as at home with family.

For more information visit https://www.selectivemutism.org/what-is-sm/

01/06/2026

Exploring the Spectrum of Twice Exceptionality

The term ‘twice exceptional’ might appear puzzling at first glance. These unique individuals embody a spectrum where intellectual or creative gifts coexist with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or other developmental disabilities, including a learning disability.

Understanding the journey of a twice exceptional learner involves grasping the concept of asynchrony; it is where their cognitive, social, emotional, or physical development diverges, creating an intricate mosaic of advanced abilities and areas in need of support.

Twice exceptional children frequently pose a perplexing situation, displaying a blend of exceptional strengths and deficits that can manifest in unpredictable academic performance and behavioral or social-emotional issues.

These intellectually gifted children, also known as gifted students, might demonstrate remarkable abilities in non-academic domains such as the arts, demonstrating superior range in creativity or leadership, which may extend beyond the confines of a traditional classroom setting. Nevertheless, it can be challenging to recognize these gifts, as they are not solely defined by high intelligence but also by the presence of a distinct area of giftedness.

Some common characteristics of twice exceptional children include:

High intelligence combined with learning disabilities or attention issues
Advanced problem-solving skills paired with social or emotional challenges
Exceptional creativity alongside difficulties with organization or executive functioning
Intense focus and passion for specific subjects or hobbies, but struggles with traditional academic tasks
Identifying and supporting twice exceptional children requires a comprehensive understanding of their unique strengths and challenges. By providing appropriate accommodations and individualized support, these children can thrive and reach their full potential.

, Calm Brain/Happy Family ❤️

01/05/2026

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition typically diagnosed in childhood. But some people, specifically people assigned female at birth , may go undiagnosed until adulthood.

Traditional estimates find that boys are four times as likely as girls to receive an autism diagnosis. But experts are realizing that almost as many females as males may have autism — recent research shows that nearly 80% of autistic females are undiagnosed as of age 18.

An autism diagnosis can be a relief for many adults. It may explain symptoms they’ve always had but have never been able to explain.

01/04/2026

Always great information and tips from WholeHearted School Counseling! ❤️

Just write BRAIN for the link.

If you’re tired of guessing what’s going on inside a stressed child’s brain…this resource explains it for you.

Clear visuals.
Kid-friendly language.
Tools they remember.

Comment BRAIN and I’ll DM you the link.

01/04/2026

01/03/2026

Developmental trauma refers to the psychological and physiological impact of chronic or repeated adverse experiences during a child’s early years—especially those that occur within relationships that are supposed to provide safety and care (e.g., with parents or caregivers).

Key Features of Developmental Trauma:
Occurs during critical developmental stages: Typically in infancy, early childhood, or adolescence, when the brain and emotional regulation systems are still forming.

Relational in nature: Often stems from abuse, neglect, abandonment, or inconsistent caregiving by primary attachment figures.

Chronic and cumulative: Unlike single-incident trauma (like a car accident), developmental trauma tends to be ongoing and multi-layered.

Impact:
Neurological: Alters brain development, especially in areas related to stress response, attachment, and emotion regulation.

Psychological: Increases risk of anxiety, depression, PTSD, personality disorders, and difficulties with identity and self-worth.

Behavioral and relational: Can result in attachment disorders, aggression, dissociation, or problems with trust and intimacy.

Developmental trauma is often described in contrast to shock trauma, which is caused by a specific overwhelming event, and it may not always meet the criteria for PTSD despite having deep and lasting effects.

Image@HairyPhish ❤️

01/02/2026

A recent study has revealed that some people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) cope best during periods of high stress.

Maggie Sibley, a clinical psychologist and psychiatry professor at the University of Washington and the study’s lead author, initially set out to learn whether it is possible for adults to recover from ADHD. In an earlier study, published in 2022, she investigated a National Institute of Mental Health data set that tracked 600 patients with ADHD over 16 years, starting from childhood.

“What we found was this pattern of fluctuating ADHD, and most of the people that were getting better, they would then get back to ADHD again,” she said.

Sibley thought that ADHD patients would experience the most relief during periods of low stress. What she found was more counterintuitive. For more information, please visit https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/26/adhd-symptoms-high-stress

Image Coaching With Brooke ❤️