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Rich Gallini, Ph.D.
North Star Psychological Services
Litchfield, Connecticut
All Posts


Navigating IEP and 504 Plans for Student Success
Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in school. For some, this means receiving tailored support to meet their unique learning needs. Educational support plans are designed to provide this assistance, ensuring students can access the curriculum and succeed academically and socially. Understanding these plans, how they work, and how to navigate them can make a significant difference in a student's educational journey. Understanding Educational Support Plans: IEP and
Richard Gallini
Dec 14 min read


Empowering Parents of Children with ADHD and Executive Function Challenges
Parenting a child or adolescent with ADHD and executive function difficulties can feel overwhelming. These challenges affect attention, organization, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Parents often face daily struggles helping their children succeed at school, home, and social settings. This post offers practical guidance to support parents in understanding and managing these challenges with confidence and care. Organized study space for a child with ADHD Understandi
Richard Gallini
Nov 253 min read


Understanding the Importance of Neuropsychological Evaluations
What Makes Neuropsychologists Different Neuropsychologists complete extensive education and training focused on the relationship between the brain and behavior. This includes: A doctoral degree in psychology with a focus on neuropsychology Specialized clinical training in brain-behavior relationships Experience with a wide range of neurological, psychiatric, and developmental conditions This background equips neuropsychologists to evaluate how brain function impacts memory, a
Richard Gallini
Nov 193 min read


Unlocking Your Child's Potential: The Importance of Executive Functions in Development
Every parent wants their child to succeed, but success depends on more than just intelligence or talent. One key factor that shapes how children learn, behave, and solve problems is their executive functions. These mental skills help children manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions, laying the foundation for lifelong growth. Understanding executive functions can give parents practical tools to support their child's development and unlock their full potential. Child pract
Richard Gallini
Nov 113 min read


Boosting Productivity with Executive Function Coaching
In today’s fast-paced world, staying productive can be a challenge. Many people struggle with managing their time, staying organized, and maintaining focus. These difficulties often stem from challenges in executive functioning - the mental skills that help us plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks. Fortunately, cognitive skill coaching offers practical strategies to improve these abilities and boost productivity. Understanding Cognitive Skill
Richard Gallini
Nov 114 min read


Enhancing Learning Outcomes with Educational Intervention Strategies
Improving student learning outcomes is a priority for educators worldwide. To achieve this, schools and teachers must adopt methods that...
Richard Gallini
Oct 94 min read
Malcolm Gladwell's Unique Perspectives on Happiness
Malcolm Gladwell is a renowned author and thinker known for his ability to uncover hidden patterns in human behavior. His unique...
Richard Gallini
Sep 294 min read


Essential Tips for a Successful School Year for Children with Special Needs
Establish a Routine Creating a consistent daily routine provides children with a sense of security. Research shows that children thrive on structure, which helps reduce anxiety. Try setting specific times for morning wake-ups, meals, homework, and bedtime. For example, if your child wakes up at 7:00 AM, consider having breakfast by 7:30 AM and starting homework at 4:00 PM. Encourage your child to contribute to this routine, as their input makes them feel more in control. Post
Richard Gallini
Sep 84 min read


Navigating Reading Challenges: Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact on Childhood Literacy
Reading is a fundamental skill that opens doors to knowledge and understanding for children. However, for many kids, it can be a significant challenge. Parents often feel confused and worried when their child struggles with reading. Understanding various reading and learning challenges that children experience, especially dyslexia, is essential for supporting children’s literacy development. This post aims to provide clarification on what dyslexia is, explore its impact on ch
Richard Gallini
Jul 154 min read
Understanding ADHD: More Than Just Hyperactivity
The Hidden Side of ADHD Emotional Dysregulation Do you feel emotions more intensely than others? Maybe it takes hours—or even days—to calm down after a disagreement. Many people with ADHD describe their emotions as a “rollercoaster,” often reacting with greater intensity than seems appropriate. Time Blindness Have you ever planned to do something “in 5 minutes” only to find that two hours have passed? People with ADHD often struggle with something called time blindness —a dis
Richard Gallini
Jul 112 min read


Creating Effective Individualized Educational Plans for Student Success
In today's education system, it's essential to recognize that every student is unique. Some children who experience challenges may need...
Richard Gallini
Jul 84 min read
Why a Neuropsychological Assessment? Unlocking Your Child’s Potential Through Expert Insight
Why a Neuropsychological Assessment? Unlocking Your Child’s Potential Through Expert Insight As a parent, you know your child better than...
Richard Gallini
Jun 243 min read
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