My Child Is Struggling in School – What Should I Do?
Written by Dr. Amy Rollo, PhD
Owner, Heights Family Counseling
My Child Is Struggling in School – What Should I Do?
As a parent, watching your child struggle in school can be frustrating, confusing, and heartbreaking. You may wonder, Is this just a phase? Do they need tutoring? Is it a learning disorder? Is the school the right fit? When academic challenges persist, it can be difficult to know the next steps to take.
The good news is that you don’t have to guess. A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation can provide clear answers, practical recommendations, and a roadmap for your child’s success.
Why Is My Child Struggling?
Academic struggles can have many underlying causes, and without fully understanding what’s happening, it’s easy to try solutions that don’t work. Common reasons a child may have difficulty in school include:
✔ A Mismatch Between Learning Style and Teaching Style – Not all schools and classrooms cater to every learning style. A child who thrives with hands-on learning may struggle in a setting that relies on rote memorization or fast-paced instruction.
✔ A Need for Additional Academic Support – Sometimes, a child simply needs extra reinforcement to fully grasp concepts. Tutoring, small-group instruction, or targeted academic interventions may be the missing piece.
✔ Executive Functioning Challenges – Struggles with organization, focus, task initiation, and time management can impact a child’s ability to complete assignments and follow through on responsibilities.
✔ An Undiagnosed Learning Disorder – Conditions such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, or processing disorders can make certain subjects significantly more challenging. Without intervention, a child may work twice as hard as their peers but continue to fall behind.
✔ Attention or Emotional Factors – ADHD, anxiety, or mood-related concerns can make it difficult to focus, retain information, and stay engaged in learning. Some children are bright and capable but struggle with self-regulation, making schoolwork frustrating or overwhelming.
✔ Gaps in Instruction or Lack of Challenge – Some students miss critical foundational skills along the way, leading to difficulty keeping up with new material. Others may be gifted but unchallenged, resulting in boredom, disengagement, or underperformance.
If your child’s frustration with schoolwork is ongoing and impacting their confidence, it’s important to identify the root cause—and that’s where a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation comes in.
What Is a Psychoeducational Evaluation?
A psychoeducational evaluation is an in-depth assessment that examines how a child thinks, learns, processes information, and regulates emotions. It helps answer essential questions such as:
Does my child have a learning disability?
Do they struggle with attention, executive functioning, or memory?
Are they gifted or in need of advanced coursework?
Is their school the right fit, or would a different learning environment better support their needs?
What accommodations or interventions would help them thrive?
A comprehensive evaluation provides clarity on what’s working, what’s not, and what next steps to take.
What Does a Psychoeducational Evaluation Assess?
At Heights Family Counseling, our psychoeducational evaluations are tailored to each child’s unique needs and may include:
🧠 Cognitive & IQ Testing – Measures intellectual potential and identifies learning strengths and weaknesses.
📖 Academic Achievement Testing – Evaluates reading, writing, math, and other subject-specific skills to determine grade-level performance.
🔎 Executive Functioning & Attention Assessments – Assesses focus, organization, time management, and impulse control, helping to clarify if ADHD or executive dysfunction is a factor.
🔤 Language & Processing Skills – Examines verbal comprehension, auditory processing, and the ability to retain and manipulate information.
🎭 Emotional & Behavioral Screening – Identifies if anxiety, frustration, or emotional regulation challenges are interfering with learning.
🎓 School & Learning Environment Fit – Helps determine if the child’s current school placement, curriculum, or instructional approach aligns with their needs.
This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a child’s learning and development are considered.
How an Evaluation Provides a Roadmap for Success
A psychoeducational evaluation doesn’t just identify challenges—it provides actionable solutions. After completing the assessment, parents receive:
✅ A Clear Diagnosis (If Applicable) – Whether it’s a learning disability, ADHD, or executive functioning difficulties, having a diagnosis allows for proper interventions and support.
✅ Tailored School Recommendations – Insight into whether accommodations, tutoring, or a different educational setting would better serve the child.
✅ Individualized Learning Strategies – Guidance on how to support the child’s learning style at home and in the classroom.
✅ A Plan for Interventions & Support Services – Specific recommendations for tutoring, occupational therapy, executive functioning coaching, or behavioral support.
✅ Accommodations for Standardized Testing – If needed, documentation to apply for extended time or other testing accommodations for exams like the SAT, ACT, or AP tests.
This roadmap allows parents, teachers, and specialists to work together to ensure the child has the tools needed to succeed and thrive.
Taking the Next Steps
If your child is struggling in school, you don’t have to guess or wait for things to improve on their own. A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation can provide the answers, recommendations, and support your child needs to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
At Heights Family Counseling, we specialize in helping children and families gain clarity, access resources, and create a path for success. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
Your child deserves to thrive, feel confident, and love learning again—and we’re here to help make that happen.
Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward a deeper understanding of ADHD and how to navigate it successfully.