Neurodivergent children, such as kids who have ADHD, autism, or learning disorders, may have a harder time thriving in the classroom setting than neurotypical kids. It can sometimes be hard for teachers to automatically cater to a neurodiverse classroom, and make sure that the neurodivergent kids are getting the proper supports both academically and socially. Neurodivergent kids do have unique strengths, and unique ways of learning, that can sometimes get overlooked or underutilized by their schools.
If your child has either been diagnosed, or you suspect that they may be neurodivergent, here are some tips to bring up with their school to make sure they are getting the help they may require.
Evaluate
If your child is showing signs of being on the spectrum, attention or hyperactivity issues, or falling behind in reading/writing/math benchmarks, evaluating early is key
Evaluation can help you, as a parent, understand your child’s way of thinking and processing information
Assessing for disorders can be just for rule-out purposes, and not necessarily only if you are “sure”
Official diagnosis (if there is one present) is important when talking about school supports
Your child’s teachers, counselors, and other staff would all know and try to set them up for success
Some parents are hesitant about wanting official diagnosis, which is understandable, but a diagnosed child who is thriving with the best support possible is a more ideal scenario than an undiagnosed child who is struggling
Learning support
Your child’s diagnosis may result in a 504 plan, IEP, or 1:1, depending on what they are diagnosed with, what their needs are, and the severity of it
Different schools attack learning support differently, and it would be important to have frequent meetings with teachers/ school staff to make sure the plan in place is the correct one for your child
Each child has different needs and struggle with different areas, so learning support plans are more individualized
The correct plan can ensure your child’s ability to thrive in school
Executive function support
Executive functions include planning and organizational skills
Some neurodivergent kids struggle immensely with executive functions
Educators can provide extra help to neurodivergent kids by helping them practice organizational strategies and manage tasks
Examples of this would include visual aids, schedules, checklists, timers, different (/color coded) binders/folders/notebooks,
Educators can also be sure to nudge them in the right direction and do check-ins to see how their executive functioning is going
If teachers know this is a challenge for them, they will be sure to provide more positive feedback when organization is achieved, and also possibly be more understanding when your kid struggles more than others with it
Behavioral support
Some kids who are neurodivergent may get overwhelmed more easily and, in turn, become overstimulated
Overstimulation may lead to poor focus, meltdowns, frustration, shutting down, and more, depending on the kid, diagnosis, and severity
Teachers can help by providing tools in school that encourage a child to calm down, such as stress balls, stuffies, squishies, fidgets, and fluffy objects
Educators and school staff who know that your child needs behavioral support will be on the lookout and have more patience with your child when they need it
Neurodivergent kids may need extra help learning how to manage their emotions
Some kids may need to take movement breaks and be allowed to go stretch their legs, others may need relaxation techniques
Social support
Some neurodivergent kids have trouble when it comes to making friends and socializing
Educators and school staff can help kids build social connections with one another, especially neurodivergent kids
Schools can provide mentoring programs, structured lunch groups, and positive feedback for neurotypical kids who help and/or include neurodivergent kids in social interactions
It can be extremely beneficial to at the very least have information about what your child could potentially need if they are neurodivergent. The first step is assessment, and the next is education. Once it is established, teachers and school staff will be ready and willing to provide needed support to help your child thrive. If your child could use help outside of the home and school setting, or you could use some parent training yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to Amel Counseling & Consulting and schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation to see which of our therapists would be best suited for you and your family!