Always great to continue reducing the stigma of mental health and advocating for what youth need. Thanks to CBS News for the opportunity.
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/wall-township-high-school-homecoming-dance-canceled/
“What’s the best planner for a student with ADHD?”
Unfortunately, there isn’t a single right answer. The truth is, the best planner is the one your student will actually use, and one that fits within the systems they already rely on. A beautifully designed planner doesn’t do much good if it sits unopened at the bottom of a backpack!
Start with the Ecosystem
Before buying anything new, look at what the college or school already has in place. Many universities now use online learning management systems (like Canvas or Blackboard) that include calendars, task lists, and notification features. Building out from those existing tools, rather than trying to create a completely separate system, helps reduce friction and increases the odds that your student will stick with it.
Structure Over Stationery
Even more important than the planner itself is the structure and routine around how it’s used. For example:
Set a weekly planning time: Every Sunday night, review upcoming assignments, exams, and commitments, and map out the week ahead.
Create a start-of-semester ritual: When new classes begin, add all major due dates and exam days into the planner or app.
Check in regularly: Early on, it can help to have frequent check-ins — either with a parent, coach, or counselor — to make sure systems are working. Over time, these can fade as the student gains independence and confidence.
Without these habits, even the most perfect planner won’t make much difference.
Don’t Forget Campus Resources
If your student doesn’t already have academic supports in place, reach out to the disability services office (sometimes called accessibility services or student support services). They can offer accommodations, coaching, and tools that make organization and time management more manageable.
Bottom Line
The best planner for an ADHD student isn’t a product; it’s a process. Find something that integrates with their existing tools, build consistent routines, and reinforce those habits until they stick. That’s where real progress happens.
Understanding Your Child's Plans and Reports: Free Services!
Navigating IEPs, 504s, and Other Supports: What You Need to Know!
Navigating IEPs, 504s, and Other School Supports: Free Workshop
📅 Tuesday, October 7, 2025
⏰ 6:30 – 8:30 PM
📍Beacon United Methodist Church: 96 3rd Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
💲 Cost: Free
🌟REGISTER NOW🌟
✨ Learn. Advocate. Connect.
Families of children with special needs often feel confused and unsupported when navigating school systems. This workshop will give you the tools to understand your child’s rights and advocate effectively.
📘 Topics Covered
Understanding 504 Plans & IEPs
Evaluations & eligibility criteria
Parent rights in special education
Practical advocacy strategies
💬 Additional Future Opportunities
🔹 Individual Consultations
30-minute, one-on-one sessions with psychologists, BCBAs, or special educators
Review evaluations, IEPs, 504 plans, or other documents
Receive customized, actionable guidance
🔹 Peer Networking
Connect with caregivers facing similar challenges
Build support before and after sessions
🎤 Presenter
Dr. Matthew Strobel, Licensed Psychologist & Advocate
With over 10 years of experience in schools and private practice, Dr. Strobel helps families bridge the gap between school-based services and community supports.
✅ FREE Community Event – All are welcome!
📩 Space is limited. Register early to reserve your spot! In person and virtual
🤝 Partnership Acknowledgment
This workshop is presented as a partnership between Navesink Psychological Services and Friends Grow Friends Foundation, as part of the Center for Youth Social Emotional Wellness Summit Grant in collaboration with Rutgers University.
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCDzxA5eNHrY3t4ArjOloOldZfNlfRw-pOci7yNzwnEsNbAQ/viewform
Wilson Reading!!
Wilson Reading
School Year Start Up Tip
The start of the school year often brings mixed emotions of excitement and anxiety. One way to think about this comes from Florence Williams: “Anxiety is just excitement without breath.”
Take a few minutes to take a breath while supply shopping, figuring out schedules, and checking in with friends about what classes they are in. Doing so can result in more excitement and less anxiety as we transition into the school year.
