Autism, Neurodiversity Rebecca MurrayMetzger Psy.D Autism, Neurodiversity Rebecca MurrayMetzger Psy.D

Sensory Processing in Autism: Understanding and Supporting Your Child

When four-year-old Marcus covers his ears and melts down in the grocery store, it's not a behavioral problem. When his sister Emma seeks out tight hugs and crashes into furniture throughout the day, she's not being destructive. Both children are autistic, and their behaviors reflect the profound ways that sensory processing differences affect how they experience and navigate the world.

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ADHD, Neurodiversity Rebecca MurrayMetzger Psy.D ADHD, Neurodiversity Rebecca MurrayMetzger Psy.D

Hyperfocus vs. Distraction: The Paradox of ADHD

Many parents of children with ADHD find themselves puzzled by a common contradiction: their child can't sit still for homework or follow simple instructions, yet they'll spend hours completely absorbed in building elaborate Lego creations, playing video games, or researching their latest obsession. This isn't defiance or selective listening. It's one of the most misunderstood aspects of ADHD: the paradox of hyperfocus versus distraction.

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Educational Psychology, Neurodiversity Rebecca MurrayMetzger Psy.D Educational Psychology, Neurodiversity Rebecca MurrayMetzger Psy.D

Learning Differences vs Learning Disabilities: Why This Language Shift Matters for Your Child

When one mother first heard the school psychologist say her eight-year-old son had a "learning disability," her heart sank. But when a private evaluator later described her son as having "learning differences" and spoke about his unique cognitive profile with both challenges and remarkable strengths, everything shifted. Same child, same academic struggles, but suddenly there was hope and possibility.

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Assessments/Testing, School Advocacy Rebecca MurrayMetzger Psy.D Assessments/Testing, School Advocacy Rebecca MurrayMetzger Psy.D

School District vs Private Assessments: Which Path is Right for Your Child?

When your child is struggling in school, the question of whether to pursue a school district assessment or seek a private evaluation can feel overwhelming. As parents, we want to do what's best for our children, but the differences between these two options aren't always clear.

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Educational Advocacy, Parent Guidance Rebecca MurrayMetzger Psy.D Educational Advocacy, Parent Guidance Rebecca MurrayMetzger Psy.D

Requesting Accommodations and Support for Your Child

As a parent, few things are more challenging than watching your child struggle in school when you know they're capable of so much more. Whether your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or simply needs some extra support to thrive in the classroom, understanding how to request appropriate accommodations can make the difference between academic frustration and success.

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