FAQ's

At DES, we lead with scientifically researched-backed approaches rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. Our methodologies focus on simplicity, modifying or replacing only ineffective or inefficient strategies.

Aron has perfected a methodology that centers around building confidence and skills by leveraging deep interpersonal relationships with students and clients, building trust one step at a time. This personalized approach is at the heart of our practice.

Aron and his team specialize in communicating and implementing strategies that facilitate brain synapse connections, ensuring that learning and personal growth are both effective, efficient, and enduring.

Yes, we conduct functional academics, meaning that we use the content to teach the skills. We also offer remediation where applicable and enrichment. Many students are assigned summer reading and have thick packets to work through. We help with planning, prioritizing, time management, and content-related support and tailor a specific plan while working within the confines of your camp and vacation schedules.

For adult clients? The work never stops! We continue to provide support and coaching throughout the summer, ensuring that you remain on track with your goals regardless of the season.

Yes! We have content-level tutors in all high school subjects, including all honors and AP-level courses. Our highly trained and talented tutors specialize in higher-level math and science at the college level as well. 

Our coaches have state-issued special education certifications and master's degrees, along with Orton Gillingham, Wilson, and PAF certificates. We are highly trained and qualified to work with kids who require reading, writing, and math remediation. For parents who would like to see their child get ahead, we tailor-make enrichment activities in all subjects while maintaining the integrity of the executive functioning process. 

At DES, we facilitate brain synapse connections through a combination of scientifically backed strategies and personalized coaching techniques. Our approach centers on metacognitive strategies, which involve helping our students and clients become aware of their learning processes and thinking patterns. By encouraging self-reflection and critical thinking, we empower individuals to take control of their learning and development.

Metacognitive Strategies and Their Benefits:

Metacognitive strategies enhance executive functioning (EF) skills by promoting self-awareness and self-regulation. These strategies help individuals plan, monitor, and evaluate their actions and learning processes. Here’s how they work:

1. Self-Monitoring: We teach clients to regularly check their understanding and progress. Monitoring progress is an effective metacognitive strategy that helps identify areas where adjustments might be necessary.

2. Goal Setting: Setting clear, achievable goals is crucial. We guide clients in breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps, making it easier to stay focused and motivated.

3. Strategic Planning: We assist clients in developing practical plans to achieve their goals, including identifying potential obstacles and brainstorming solutions.

4. Self-Reflection: Reflecting on successes and setbacks helps clients learn from their experiences and make informed adjustments to their strategies.

Integrating these metacognitive strategies, we help clients enhance their EF skills, leading to improved learning outcomes and more significant personal growth. Our personalized approach ensures that each individual receives the support they need to build robust and lasting brain synapse connections.

A minimum of one weekly session is required to aid in achieving consistent progress, except during school holidays or summer vacations. Sessions are not scheduled on an ad-hoc basis; they occur on the same day and time each week. We understand that things do come up, so if a session needs to be rescheduled with the appropriate notice given, a make-up session can be scheduled within the same week to avoid any charges. Additional time can be added to sessions, or additional meetings can be scheduled, as long as the weekly minimum is met.

This policy is designed to give the coach the best opportunity to ensure progress. We strive to offer flexible and supportive solutions to meet your or your child's needs.

Parents often ask, "When will I start to see real change in my child?" Adult clients have similar thoughts, wondering when life will get easier. The answer varies depending on the individual. Factors such as age, diagnosis, and other variables play a significant role. Our responsibility is to make the process manageable and ensure tangible progress.

If there is a lack of motivation or buy-in, don't worry! We specialize in building strong interpersonal relationships and laying the foundation for progress. We help our clients understand what is interfering with their progress and find the motivation to achieve their goals. For those with attention or mental health diagnoses, we work within their abilities, knowing when to encourage them to push forward and when to slow down. 

For most, our services represent a long-term venture, although some may need only "fine-tuning." Each individual's progress depends on their unique circumstances and commitment to the process. Our program is designed to identify and address these factors, providing personalized support to foster meaningful and lasting change.

Our goal is to work collaboratively with each student/client to ensure they are on the path to success at a pace that suits their needs.

Our coaches and tutors maintain weekly notes from their sessions, all of which are shared with DES Owner Aron Boxer. At the end of each month, each coach has a monthly check-in with Aron to review progress. Because DES's methodologies are geared towards long-term success, we are careful not to rush the process.

Some students struggle in ways that affect their grades, making it easier to verify progress through improved academic performance. However, that's not always the case. Often, grades are not the issue. Some of our students maintain high GPAs, but how they achieve those top grades is not sustainable emotionally. We want our students to be successful, but not at the expense of strained relationships with their parents or "white-knuckling" their way through the semester.

The intangible benefits of our process are often the greatest indicators of progress. Imagine your child coming home from school without needing reminders to do their work. How great would life be if those missing assignment messages stopped being a daily occurrence? Rather than being the homework police, picture a life where you can be a mom or dad without engaging in daily power struggles about school—no more circular arguments filled with false logic.

For fifteen years, DES has been enhancing the lives of its students and their families. If you adhere to our process and timeline, there is no limit to the progress your child can achieve.

We have a wealth of experience helping our students achieve admission to private or boarding schools throughout the region. We have highly qualified ISEE and SSAT tutors to get your child ready. Additionally, we have insight into many of the local private schools in New England and the NYC metro area. That is why we also assist in the interview preparation department, ensuring your child not only jumps off the application page but makes an impression during their interview.

The college process starts earlier than ever, even during the first or second year of high school. While we don't prioritize the process in those early years, it's never too early to start the conversation. By the time your child is a junior in high school, we can start the common application essay and refine it over time. By the fall of their senior year, they should have a solid idea of whether applying ED (early decision: binding), EA (early action: nonbinding), or regular decision is in the cards. When making that decision, there is a high likelihood that supplemental essays will be necessary, and we have the experience and knowledge to assist.

Our Executive Functioning Program offers personalized, one-on-one coaching sessions, each 60 minutes in duration, tailored to meet your individual needs. We provide flexible options to suit your preferences and convenience, whether you prefer in-person, remote, or sessions at our home office. Below are the different options:

• In-Person Sessions (in Your Home)
  • Experience the comfort and convenience of personalized one-on-one sessions conducted in the familiar surroundings of your own home.
• Remote/Virtual/Online Coaching
  • Enjoy the flexibility and control of convenient one-on-one sessions conducted via videoconferencing, which allow you to learn from anywhere.
• At Aron Boxer's Home Office
  • One-on-one sessions are held at Aron's dedicated home office, located in a quiet, woodsy section of mid-country Cos Cob. He is assisted by his two loving emotional support dogs, Brody (Cockapoo) and Lola (Cavapoo).

Pricing and availability: Please contact us for specific rates and availability. To learn more about our program and get a detailed quote based on your specific needs, please call 203-550-3222. 

At DES, our coaches do not diagnose but are skilled clinicians who treat individuals with various disorders, including:

• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD—Inattentive, Hyperactive, or Combined Type)
• Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Depressive Disorders (MDD, DD)
• Other DSM and IDEA impairments

It's important to note that not every DES student/client has a diagnosis. A diagnosis is not a prerequisite for our services. However, if a neuropsychological or educational report is available, we will carefully consider its findings and collaborate closely with the psychologist who conducted the testing.

If you are seeking a referral to a neuropsychologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker, DES Founder Aron Boxer has longstanding relationships with these professionals throughout the metro area and can provide them upon request.

Although we would love to accept insurance, Executive Functioning (EF) coaching is not deemed medically necessary. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not provide insurance codes for EF coaching at this time.

An alternative option for financing EF coaching and tutoring sessions is via 529 plan college accounts. Please consult your 529 plan administrator for more information on how to utilize these funds for our services.

Absolutely! Executive functioning skills are essential at every stage of life and can be taught to everyone. We recognize that some adults face challenges in setting, maintaining, and achieving personal and professional goals. Our program is tailored to meet the needs of individuals from all walks of life, including professionals and entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, we specialize in assisting adults in the post-college "purgatory," a period often marked by uncertainty and the need to navigate the next steps in personal and professional life. 

Additionally, some of our clients have ADHD, high-functioning autism, learning impairments, and mental health disorders that require career coaching. We focus on the entire job-attainment journey, assisting with the interviewing process, presentation skills, and EF skills necessary to maintain the desired role one seeks.

Some of our adult clients also require coaching on how to live successfully away from home. Areas of focus include but are not limited to creating daily checklists, budget management, sleep and diet hygiene, maintaining weekly appointments, and much more.