January 2026
A New Year, A New Way of Understanding Autism
In January 2025, researchers at the University of Cambridge has revealed groundbreaking new research on the timing of autism's emergence, challenging the idea of autism diagnoses being given earlier than six years.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis is a childhood spectrum in neurodevelopmental disorders. The new discovery states that autism emerges from a developmental pathway that actually diverges later in life. This discovery reveals that, at a more granular level, many families and educators have long asked about the many autism diversity within autism populations.
This study reinforces what North Star Academics has long believed: every child's path unfolds differently—and so should their support.
New Year 2026: One Support Today
A daily series of short, practical executive functioning tips for neurodivergent individuals and the adults who support them. Each day highlights one skill and one simple strategy that families, educators, and clinicians can use right away.
What's New: Executive Functioning Skills Guide for Parents
Building executive functioning (EF) skills isn't about fixing behavior—it's about helping students understand how their brain works best. Our Executive Functioning Skills Guide breaks down the nine EF skills every student needs and offers practical strategies families can start using at home.
Get your copy and start strengthening your child's Executive Functioning Skills foundation.
See Your Executive Functioning Skills Score
It takes just 5 minutes to complete, and it's completely free. Discover the strengths and blind spots that may be affecting your child's learning, focus, and independence, and apply personalized insights right away!
The North Star Academics Framework
Our four-step framework helps families and schools create a clear and personalized roadmap for every learner:
4 - ACADEMIC OUTCOMES Track progress with weekly check-ins and data-driven adjustments.
3 - ACCOMMODATIONS Identify essential supports and milestone goals.
2 - PLAN Collaborate to create a tailored Academic Success Plan.
1 - BACKGROUND Understand your child's learning history, goals, and needs.
Whether your child needs early intervention, a reset, or a transition plan, our process ensures growth at every stage.
In Case You Missed It
WATCH THE REPLAY – ChildNexus: High Expectations, Hidden Struggles
In this webinar, Ashley Harding and Dr. Karen Wilson shared actionable strategies for parents, educators, and clinicians to help students thrive, supporting both academic success and their mental health, identity, and sense of self.
Upcoming Events
February 26 & May 7, 2026: Virtual
CATDC: Neurodiversity x Co-Regulation
Curious how co-regulation becomes something you can actually use day to day? Learn alongside Ashley Harding as she breaks down neuroscience, equity, and real strategies you can apply immediately.
School Partnership Training Designed for Schools and Families
This training brings school teams and parents together to deepen understanding of neurodiversity and build executive functioning skills that work in classrooms and homes.
On March 4, this learning experience will be delivered at Turning Point School through private community sessions for parents and educators.
Interested in bringing this talk to your school or community?
