Blog
5 Tips to Hone Social Skills at Home
We are officially halfway through summer and, even though you planned an ideal summer for your child, full of camps and vacations, social skills seem to have taken a backseat. Or, maybe your child is having a great time in our Extended School Year program or another...
4 Ways to Support a Neurodiverse Child in the Home Environment
Happy summer! Time for a slower pace, a lot more free time, and more family adventures. However, for those with children with autism, ADHD, or anxiety, summer can feel like a major disruption to a well-oiled machine. With so much predictability out the window, and...
5 Ways To Maintain Routine for Your Child Over the Summer
Those summer months are on the horizon, and for those children not attending school over the summer, it is a break from hectic mornings, endless homework assignments, and packed schedules. At the same time, all children, and especially unique learners such as...
Neurodiversity: What Does It Mean and Why It’s Important
“Neurodiversity” and “neurodivergent” are quickly becoming widely used terms in both education and society. Though they once were terms used to describe specific conditions, now many people are self-proclaiming their neurodiversity, focusing on the idea that brains...
ADHD vs. Autism: Similarities and Differences
At West Hills, we pride ourselves on delivering truly individualized instruction, and getting to know the in’s and out’s of each unique learner that comes into our classrooms. A label is never the primary decision maker of a student’s curriculum or education plan. ...
5 Huge Benefits of Play Therapy for ADHD and Autism
Children’s work is through play. They work on building social skills, developing their imaginations, and practicing relationships. It’s how they explore and become familiar with the world around them. Play therapy takes that idea and utilizes it to help children process trauma, cope with stress or anxiety, and manage emotions. Play therapists are also now starting to see additional benefits for children on the autism spectrum and with ADHD.
6 Ways to Help An Anxious Child at Home
Anxiety, even as a child, is perfectly normal, and in fact beneficial, to experience at times. It alerts us of potential danger and motivates us to do the things we are supposed to be doing. There are times, however, where a child’s anxiety can become more of a...
What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?
When you have a child that potentially qualifies for special education services, it is essential to have knowledge about your legal rights, specifically under IDEA. IDEA, the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, was unprecedented in the rights it bestowed on...
What is FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)?
Under federal law, your child is guaranteed the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This includes if your child has a disability or a learning difference. Free Appropriate Public Education is an essential legal right that ensures your child has...
What is an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)?
What is an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)? If your child has been struggling in school due to a behavioral, emotional, or learning challenge, you have likely considered seeking an IEP. An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan for children between ages 3 and...
