Academic Transformations

Graduation is success in goal setting!

SAT students testing today!
Go get ‘em! 💪❤️👍

SAT prep becomes fun, social and promotes confidence!

Bring on the college challenge- nothing like feeling ready.

An inspiration for women - a legend in her own time! Thank you for all the lessons.
RIP Jane Goodall

Dr. Jane Goodall, the famed chimpanzee researcher, has died. She was 91.

http://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/nation-world/chimpanzee-researcher-jane-goodall-dies/507-162cb449-cd29-44e1-adf0-4055d0ed8320?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_13News_Now_-_WVEC

Exciting breakthrough in understanding Autism!

Why is it increasing?
Are toxins affecting the rate?
Why is it higher in boys than girls?

Hope that science is getting closer🙏

🧠 Stanford researchers just reversed autism-like symptoms in mice by targeting one overlooked brain region—the reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN).

The RTN acts as a gatekeeper for sensory input. In mice modeling autism, it was found to be hyperactive, driving symptoms such as:

• Hypersensitivity to sounds and touch

• Social withdrawal

• Seizures

• Repetitive behaviors

By reducing this overactivity—using both an experimental seizure drug (Z944) and a brain-modulating technique called DREADD—scientists were able to restore typical behavior patterns. Even more striking: when researchers artificially increased RTN activity in healthy mice, they developed autism-like behaviors, showing how central this brain region may be.

The study also offers new insight into why epilepsy often co-occurs with autism, since both may involve disrupted thalamic circuitry.

⚡ While still in preclinical stages, this breakthrough points to a promising path for future, biology-based autism treatments. If confirmed in humans, it could represent one of the most precise therapeutic targets discovered so far.

📖 Source: Sung-Soo Jang, Fuga Takahashi & John R. Huguenard (2025). Reticular thalamic hyperexcitability drives autism spectrum disorder behaviors in the Cntnap2 model of autism. Science Advances.

Yes, Dr. Becky!

Follow for more expert parenting strategies and guidance! Speaker: Dr. Becky Kennedy Dr. Becky at Good Inside Source: Overcoming Guilt & Building Tenacity in Kids & Adults | Dr. Becky Kennedy | Huberman Lab Andrew Huberman I'm a firm believer in the power of mantras. Our ability to gain perspective and support ourselves through challenging situations is one of the most powerful tools we have, especially as parents. Many of us have triggers stemming from childhood that can surface explosively when our children exhibit certain behaviors, particularly during big emotions or tantrums. Dr. Becky's metaphors are incredibly insightful, and her concept of talking ourselves into feelings of calm and safety is invaluable. While it takes practice, you might be surprised at how effortless it becomes once you start incorporating it into your routine (at least some of the time!) Share this post with another parent who needs it!

College readiness needs to begin in 10th grade, or sooner, ideally.

Supplemental college prep practice - from a qualified Learning Coach, like

Lisa Crosby, M.E.
Math through Calculus
Math specialist with:test anxiety, dysgraphia and other challenges
Literacy Specialist: high school English, AP English
Reading specialist to repair issues including dyslexia.
Physics, Chemistry and Physical Science
- due to her Engineeringring background
College Applications - International
Test prep: SAT, ACT, GRE, & others

Author: The Struggling Student: The Action Plan for Parents to Unlock Academic Potential, 2022

32 years experience educating

www.academictransformations.com

Helping graduates qualify for their dreams, that is what we do! Brenna worked so hard to increase her SAT score and qualified for the Nevada Millennium Presidential Scholarship, worth $8,000 per year towards her college tuition.
,
Brenna is excited to study Mechanical Engineering! Congratulations Brenna!🎓

Sharing an appreciative client text to Lisa Crosby, M.Ed:

Lisa - My son is responding really, REALLY well to your new strategies....It is obvious to us now that he has been practically begging us in a non-verbal way to allow him to grow up. I can tell that he is very proud of himself. We are so grateful to you, and we are full of hope thanks to your first Executive Function training session. Thank you!!

Thanks again. You are amazing!!

*Sometimes our transformation includes illuminating parenting strategies needed to support an academic priority at home and the growth of needed skills and strategies in their student.

Fuel confidence and resilience by believing in your kids.

Helpful parent phrases

Remember to promote a Growth Mindset, compliment the EFFORT not the results or grades!

Effort and perseverance is what to promote- to get them through life’s harsh challenges.👍

Best gift a parent can give!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Bpc1qCA1t/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Where you keep your phone might be one of the most important decisions you make all day. 📱 Research shows that just seeing your phone—even if it’s face down—can lower your test scores and drain your mental energy. Students who leave their phones in another room actually perform better in school. The farther the phone, the higher the GPA. This isn’t about willpower. It’s about what psychologists call situation modification—changing your environment so self-control becomes easier. That’s why I launched Phones in Focus—the first national study researching how school phone policies are impacting student outcomes. 👉 Are you a teacher or school leader? We want to hear from you. Take our 5-minute survey at phonesinfocus.org and help us shape smarter policies for students. #PhonesInFocus #AngelaDuckworth #PsychologyInAction #StudentSuccess #ClassroomFocus #SelfControl #EducationMatters #BehavioralScience