Children's Wellness and Development Center

04/17/2026

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we talk about kids and screens lately.

Because if I’m honest…
a lot of the expectations we place on kids don’t even match adult behavior.

I can fully understand the pull to check my phone, scroll for a few minutes that turns into 20, read one more article, or fall into a comparison loop—and I have a fully developed brain.

So what are we expecting from kids whose brains are still under construction?

From a neuroscience perspective, this matters.

The developing brain is especially sensitive to reward, novelty, and social feedback. And digital platforms are incredibly good at activating those systems. In kids and teens, the “go” systems are strong, while the “pause and reflect” systems are still developing.

That doesn’t mean screens are inherently bad. It means context matters.

In our home, we do have some structure around screens. But the more important piece isn’t restriction—it’s how they’re used.

Watching something together and talking about it engages language and critical thinking. Playing a game together builds problem-solving and emotional regulation. Interaction changes the experience—and the brain.

And then there’s something we don’t talk about enough:

Boredom.

Unstructured, device-free time gives kids space to imagine, create, and make sense of their world.

Yesterday, I saw that play out in real time.

A group of kids (ages 4–10) spent hours outside creating an elaborate imaginary game—complete with storytelling, negotiation, conflict, and resolution. It was messy, creative, and completely self-directed.

No app could have replicated that.

We don’t all need the same rules when it comes to screens. But we can be more intentional about what we’re supporting:

More connection
More conversation
More space for boredom

Because kids don’t just need limits.
They need environments that support how their brains are designed to grow.

And if we’re being honest… a lot of us could probably benefit from that too.

https://childrenswellnessri.com/if-adults-struggle-with-screens-what-are-we-expecting-from-kids/

04/10/2026

Autism Awareness Month: Understanding the Nuance Behind the Diagnosis

“If you know one child with autism, you know one child with autism.”

April is Autism Awareness Month, and one of the most important messages for families is this: autism is highly variable—and not always easy to recognize.

Clinical research highlights that autism does not always present in obvious or stereotypical ways. While some children show more recognizable developmental differences early on, others may have subtler profiles, where strengths in language, cognition, or social imitation can make differences less immediately apparent.

This is why clinicians sometimes talk about:
• “Red flags” – more clearly recognized developmental differences
• “Pink flags” – more subtle signs that may still reflect underlying social, communication, or behavioral differences

For example, a child may:
• Appear socially interested, but struggle with reciprocity or deeper social understanding
• Have strong language skills, but difficulty with pragmatic (social) communication
• Show intense interests or rigidity that may be mistaken for personality or temperament
• Present with overlapping features of ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences

Research emphasizes that autism is not a single pathway—it is a neurodevelopmental profile shaped by multiple factors, and it often co-occurs with other developmental or emotional differences. Because of this, some children are misidentified, diagnosed later, or not fully understood early on.

From a neuroaffirming perspective, these differences are not deficits to “fix,” but differences in how a child experiences, processes, and interacts with the world. The goal of evaluation is not to label, but to understand a child’s unique profile—their strengths, their challenges, and how best to support them.

Why this matters for parents:
If something feels different about your child’s development—even if it doesn’t match the “typical” signs—it’s worth exploring. Subtle differences are still meaningful.

Next steps:
• Under age 3: In Rhode Island, Early Intervention (EI) services can provide developmental evaluation and supports.
• Age 3 and older: Speak with your child’s pediatrician or consider a comprehensive evaluation.

At Children’s Wellness & Development Center, we take a whole-child, neuroaffirming approach to neuropsychological evaluation—because understanding how your child thinks and learns is the first step toward meaningful support.

Early understanding doesn’t change who your child is—it helps us better support who they already are.

03/02/2026

The Most Common Disorder You’ve Never Heard Of:
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

By Kendal Martes, M.A., CCC-SLP

If your child…

• Struggles to follow directions
• Has trouble explaining their ideas
• Can read words but doesn’t understand what they read
• Seems “distracted” or “unmotivated”

…but no one has been able to clearly explain why — you are not alone.

There is a condition that affects 1 in 14 children that many families (and even educators) have never heard of:

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

What is DLD?

Developmental Language Disorder is a neurobiological difference that affects how a child understands and uses language.

It is not caused by:

Low intelligence

Laziness

Poor parenting

Hearing loss

Autism

Being bilingual

Children with DLD are often bright and capable — but their brains process language less efficiently.

Because language is the foundation for reading, writing, learning, and friendships, DLD can impact:

• Reading comprehension
• Written expression
• Following classroom instruction
• Social communication

It’s often called a “hidden disorder” because there are no obvious physical signs. Many children mask their difficulties — until academic demands increase.

DLD vs. Dyslexia vs. ADHD

They are not the same — but they often overlap.

• Dyslexia → difficulty with word reading and spelling
• DLD → difficulty understanding and using spoken language
• ADHD → difficulty with attention and impulse control

Sometimes what looks like inattention is actually language processing delay.

When Should You Consider an Evaluation?

If your child:

Leaves off word endings (“Yesterday he walk.”)

Uses vague words (“that thing,” “stuff”)

Needs extra time to answer questions

Struggles to retell stories clearly

Can read words but can’t explain meaning

…it may be worth exploring a speech and language evaluation.

The Good News

Language skills can grow with the right support.

Early identification matters.

Awareness matters.

And children with DLD can absolutely thrive.

If you have concerns about your child’s language, reading comprehension, or academic struggles, we’re happy to help guide you toward next steps.

📞 Contact Children’s Wellness & Development Center

401-315-9181
https://childrenswellnessri.com/childrens-community-resources/

02/07/2026

If you have a child aged 3-5. Please consider completing this brief survey! You will be entered into a raffle to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!
https://forms.office.com/r/KLdpD3n2Xy

12/05/2025

https://childrenswellnessri.com/developing-girls-confidence-evidence-based-strategies-parents-can-use-on-and-off-the-field/

Developing Girls’ Confidence: Evidence-Based Strategies Parents Can Use On and Off the Field / Confidence, Development, Girls / By Jennifer Frechette Confidence is not something girls “just have” — it is something they develop through experience, encouragement, and the meaning they make of s...

11/26/2025

https://childrenswellnessri.com/supporting-your-neurodiverse-child-during-the-holidays-even-when-relatives-dont-quite-get-it/

Supporting Your Neurodiverse Child During the Holidays—Even When Relatives Don’t Quite Get It / Self Regulation / By Jennifer Frechette As we enter the holiday season, many parents feel pressure from relatives who may not fully understand their child’s needs—especially when a child is neurod...

05/13/2025

Why Individualized, Evidence-Based Tutoring Matters

Every child learns differently, which is why one-size-fits-all approaches often fall short. Our summer tutoring program offers personalized instruction in reading, writing, and math that meets each learner where they are. We use evidence-based methods proven to build skills and confidence—because effective support means real progress. Instruction is delivered by experienced educators, including an Orton-Gillingham certified instructor, specially trained to support students with reading challenges such as dyslexia.

05/09/2025

04/10/2025

If your child is facing emotional challenges, learning difficulties, attention issues, or behavioral concerns, we're here to help you understand what's going on —and guide you on what to do next.

Neuropsychological Testing is one way to gain a better understanding of your child’s needs. It can offer insights into things like:

🌱Why they might be having trouble with schoolwork, attention, or emotional regulation
🌱 How they see and experience the world in a way that’s unique to them
🌱 What support can make the biggest difference in helping them thrive
🌱 Identifying learning difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, and more
🌱Help understand your child’s unique strengths and areas for growth
🌱Provide a clear path forward with actionable insights and recommendations
🌱Support their emotional well-being and social development

In conjunction with Nuropsychological Testing we also perform Educational Testing. This testing offers invaluable information which includes:

🌱Providing educators and parents with a better understanding of their child’s learning profile.
🌱 Incorporates assessments of language processing skills, reading, writing, and mathematics.
🌱 Identify specific learning disabilities that may be impacting the child’s learning in school.
🌱 Recommendations for school-based services (if deemed necessary) are offered

We also offer specialized tutoring and parental support. We see kids from 4 through college age. Contact us if you’d like to learn more or schedule a free 15 minute consultation with our Intake Coordinator.

Providing a supportive community to help your child and family thrive Learn More Who We See We help children, adolescents, and young adults. Learn More Services We provide comprehensive neuropsychological and educational evaluations, as well as therapy and tutoring. Learn More Get in Touch Contact u...

02/03/2025

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/american-psychological-association_optimism-can-help-you-save-for-a-rainy-day-activity-7291948754968952832-9krZ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Being optimistic about the future may help people save more money, and the effect appears strongest among those with lower incomes, according to research…

12/26/2024

Please join us in plunging for a cause at Mackerel Cove. Donations to benefit the Autism Project of RI and Jamestown Educational Foundation

09/04/2024

As the school year approaches, many parents are looking for ways to help their children transition smoothly back to the classroom. Summertime is generally more relaxed and parents have additional time to engage with their children.