Borderline Intellectual Functioning: A Parent’s Guide to Cognitive and Academic Support

A Practical, Compassionate Guide for Parents Navigating Borderline Intellectual Functioning

Borderline Intellectual Functioning: A Parent’s Guide to Cognitive and Academic Support by Dr. Mark Bowers is a clear, supportive roadmap for parents who want to understand their child’s learning profile and help them thrive. The book explains what Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) looks like day to day and why children often struggle with schoolwork, transitions, multi-step directions, and emotional regulation.

Through real case examples, parent-child dialogues, and straightforward strategies, Dr. Bowers gives you the tools to make learning more accessible without lowering expectations.

What This Guide Helps You Understand

This guide breaks down the key cognitive systems involved in BIF:

• Processing Speed  Why your child needs more time and how pacing transforms success.

• Working Memory  Why steps get lost and what you can do to strengthen recall.

• Executive Function  How to build planning and organization through simple routines.

• Emotional Regulation  Why frustration hits fast and how co-regulation resets the system.

Every concept is explained in practical, non-technical language so parents can understand what’s happening in the brain and how to respond.

What You’ll Learn to Do at Home

This guide is packed with immediate, usable strategies:

Make tasks easier to understand

Reduce cognitive load using short instructions, concrete language, and one-step-at-a-time teaching.

Support learning in reading, math, and writing

Step-by-step methods help your child navigate comprehension, multi-step math, and writing assignments without overwhelm.

Strengthen emotional stability during homework

Learn how to spot early frustration, use supportive language, and guide your child through resets before they shut down.

Collaborate confidently with schools

Chapters 8 and 9 teach you how to speak with teachers, request supports, and understand the difference between school-based tiers of help.

Handle rough days without losing progress

A dedicated chapter explains why skills come and go and gives you a Rough Day Plan to keep things steady.

Why Parents Love This Guide

Parents often say that this book finally explains their child’s struggles in a way that makes sense. It connects the dots between behavior, learning, emotions, and everyday routines. It validates the challenges while offering clear solutions that work in the real world.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Bowers is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. He specializes in neurodevelopmental conditions and is known for teaching practical, accessible strategies that empower parents.

Who This Guide Is For

This book is ideal for parents who want to:
• Understand BIF without clinical jargon
• Support learning at home
• Reduce homework stress
• Help their child feel more confident
• Build routines that work for their child’s brain
• Advocate effectively at school

It is also useful for tutors, educators, and clinicians seeking a parent-friendly resource.

Create a Home Environment Where Your Child Can Thrive

This guide helps you build that environment step by step so your child feels supported, capable, and understood.  64 Pages Total.