The Learning Advocate

04/23/2026

Nice!

04/20/2026

Last week's parent workshop was awesome! I loved hearing the parents's stories, finding our shared experiences, and learning together to be our best selves for our families. It was a full house as we defined and named the family roles we play at stressful times. Thank you for hosting Northern Virginia Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, P.C.

Next up: Digging deeper into these roles to break out of them and respond differently.

Join us! www.thelearningadvocate.com/events

04/08/2026

The event is FULL! I can't wait to share about ADHD and Family Dynamics!

What about ADHD would you like to learn more about?

I am planning additional workshops, and what you need to know is what I want to share.

03/25/2026

This was so much fun! I’m looking forward to sharing even more strategies to help parents and kids with ADHD! On April 14th from 7-8, I will discuss “ADHD and Family Dynamics” with Dr. Mary Ellen Gallagher in North Arlington. The discussion is FREE. We hope you can join us. Please RSVP at www.thelearningadvocate.com/events to save your seat.

03/23/2026

I had SO much fun at Fox5 DC talking about ADHD. Of course, that was after the kindest security guard patiently waited for me to show a copy of my ID I had on the computer! ADHDers always have back ups!

03/22/2026

Well, this is exciting! I’ll be going live on at 4:00pm this afternoon (Sunday, 3/22) to talk about ADHD and my work as an ADHD Coach at The Learning Advocate. I hope you’ll tune into the live stream: https://www.fox5dc.com/live

If you can’t join us live, recorded programs will be uploaded to the Fox5 DC YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/fox5dc
https://www.thelearningadvocate.com
Julie Donaldson

03/15/2026

This is a great article to start learning about Executive Functions (EF), and the times in young people's lives where a bit of coaching can go a long way. If you think your middle and/or high schooler could use some coaching, reach out, and I can help.

Middle school is hell for many kids. Aside from social struggles, many begin to miss deadlines, lose assignments, and drop balls as executive function deficits come to light. Earty detection and intervention, though, can make a huge difference.

02/05/2026

My ADHD makes me agitated a lot. It has to do with the internalization of hyperactivity that happens as you mature with impulsivity. I'm one of the lucky ADHDers that is combined type: both inattentive and impulsive! Emotional regulation is something I deal with all day long...

I've been experimenting with an app to support my emotional regulation. I will admit, I'm usually quite suspicious of these things (these things being anything that keeps someone looking at their device). However, with this app I track my ups and downs throughout the day. It has tools too, and I am slowly starting to use them. Now, that's a thing for a ADHDer. This is something I'm using CONSISTENTLY- the holy grail of ADHD behavior!

Also, and important, it has lots of feeling words, with definitions, that help someone specify how they are feeling. Lots of young people don't have words for feelings beyond happy and sad.

Good for middle school and up.

01/26/2026

Talking with our kids and loved ones doesn't have to feel so hard. Just remember to speak from the heart.

11/22/2025

11/09/2025

Hey Alexandria and Arlington Parents and Friends! Any parents out there still confused about Canvas and how to navigate it ? Or maybe need help organizing Canvas for your child? If there's interest I'm going to have a (free) support session! IM me if you would like to join. :)