Parent Resources for Exceptional Children

For ADHD

Boys represent the vast majority of ADHD diagnosis, behaviour problems and failing in school.  To counter these trends, a recommended resource that parents may find helpful is the website and book Mentoring Boys by author Barry McDonald.

As a parent of two boys, his premise that we should get past "boys will be boys" to an understanding of how teachers and parents can mentor them for school success resonates.  Parent resources can be found here and 12 tips for parents here.

Another boy-centric resource that parents may find interesting is Boys Adrift, by Dr. Leonard Sax, also the author of Why Gender Matters.  In this resource, he discusses the 5 factors contributing to "the decline of boys" including video games, endocrine disruptors and prescription drugs.  He covers his research and suggests remedies.

Like all "pop culture" resources, viewers need to consider all the opinions and views critically.  To view video of Dr. Sax on NBC's Today Show, click below.

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For Learning Disabilities
The All kinds of Minds Parent Toolkit covers learning attention, math, reading, writing and provides extensive resources.  All Kinds of Minds is a not-for-profit organization that translates the latest research from neuroscience and other disciplines on how children learn — and vary in their learning — into a powerful framework for educators and parents.


For Social Skills
Michelle Garcia Winner has developed some very impressive resources based on her concept of Social Thinking including You are a Social Detective and SuperFlex.   Her premises include that in order for children to act social they need to think social.  


While her work has focused on Aspergers Syndrome, ASD and other barriers to social skills, the concepts are easily translated to other children.  In fact, reinforcement of social behaviours in the general classroom setting can be most effective for those with disabilities.  


Highly recommended.  Visit here for more on Social Thinking.