Neurodivergent children encompass a wide range of conditions, from ADHD and autism to anxiety, depression, and more, all of which influence how they learn and engage with the educational system. They usually encounter distinct challenges in achieving academic success as their unique cognitive and emotional profiles require a different approach.
This episode highlights the innovative strategies and support systems that can unlock the potential of neurodivergent children, and acknowledge the crucial roles parents, educators, and other allies play in enabling these children to thrive and excel. Whether your child faces challenges like ADHD, autism, mental health issues, anxiety, depression, or OCD, these strategies can be a game-changer.
Individualized learning plans for neurodivergent students.
Structured routines play a pivotal role in the academic success of neurodivergent children. Individualized Learning Plans (IEPs) are crucial, distinct from 504 Accommodation Plans, as they focus on what interventions and direct instructions a child needs to enhance their learning experience.
Special education, building plans, and 504 plans are geared toward determining necessary accommodations for these learners. While some parents worry about labeling their child, these labels can be empowering, opening doors to tailored support for conditions like autism or ADHD.
One particularly effective brain hack for learning is the implementation of multi-sensory teaching techniques. Neurodivergent children often thrive when they are taught in a way that aligns with their individual learning styles, which can differ from their parents or caregivers. These approaches encompass kinesthetic, visual, and auditory elements, with most neurodivergent learners benefiting significantly from kinesthetic activities that involve movement. Experimenting with these techniques at home, such as incorporating movement and various sensory inputs, can help neurodivergent children absorb information more effectively and find success in their academics.
Dyslexia, movement breaks, and explicit teaching strategies.
Multi-sensory techniques are essential for children with dyslexia and similar challenges in reading programs, aligning with their preferred learning methods. Despite occasional resistance from well-intentioned adults, regular movement breaks play a crucial role in oxygenating the brain and enhancing attention, especially during the transition from school to homework.
Optimal movement breaks, including moderate to vigorous exercise, are recommended every 15 to 20 minutes during learning sessions. Moreover, sensory tools like seat wedges can stimulate engagement but should be varied to maintain their effectiveness. These strategies extend their benefits beyond children and are beneficial for adults as well.
Explicit teaching is another vital aspect of supporting neurodivergent learners. Parents sometimes encounter frustration when they overlook providing clear, explicit instructions. It's important to recognize that an individual's IQ is merely a number, and specific deficits may require explicit instruction, not only in academics but also in areas like social and attention. Making the implicit explicit is crucial for understanding expectations, whether in academic tasks or daily routines.
Clear, well-defined guidelines, and rubrics are invaluable tools that offer benefits not confined to children but also extend their assistance to adults, contributing to the establishment of structured and dependable routines. These explicit directives provide a sense of predictability and organization in everyday existence. For children, these guidelines lay out a precise path for their tasks and obligations, nurturing a feeling of responsibility and aiding them in navigating the intricacies of their academic and personal duties.
Adults can also derive substantial advantages from the transparency provided by these guidelines. In the often chaotic and demanding realm of adulthood, having a set of clearly outlined rules and expectations aids in streamlining decision-making and prioritizing tasks. These guidelines empower adults to efficiently manage their time, nurturing a sense of mastery over their obligations and commitments.
Social-emotional learning and its importance in education.
Supporting social-emotional learning is often underestimated but crucial, particularly within academic settings. While academics like reading, writing, and math are fundamental, fostering social skills is equally significant. Schools may provide some support, but parents need to contribute as well. Social-emotional learning is essential not only for the future but also for the present. Building friendships and feeling accepted are crucial at any age, and it's never too late to invest time and resources in this area.
Even when neurodevelopmental challenges hinder progress, investing time and resources in this area remains invaluable, as strong social connections not only impact academic achievement but also future relationships and career prospects. Moreover, collaborative team approaches are indispensable. Open communication with teachers serves as the initial step, and sharing information about your child's learning style, strengths, and areas requiring support can be immensely advantageous. Effective collaboration minimizes adversarial situations, ensuring everyone collaborates for the child's well-being.
Academic success strategies for children and adults.
In my experience, I've found that starting the day with natural light exposure can be incredibly beneficial for a child's brain and their circadian rhythm. It's a simple but effective step. Additionally, it's crucial to remember that physical activity doesn't need to be a long, grueling session – even just 10 minutes of stretching or other activities can have numerous benefits, from detoxification to oxygenating the frontal lobes and enhancing alertness.
You can also incorporate creative solutions into your routine, like conducting meetings while walking on the treadmill, which has personally been a game-changer for me. However, it’s important for us to keep in mind that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving academic success. Whatever path you choose, consistency is key.
I'm excited to share that we're launching the “NeuroTastic Multi-Mag Brain Formula” designed specifically for the brain. This magnesium supplement, which has been beta-tested on neurodivergent kids, is a groundbreaking solution that enhances attention, reduces impulsivity, improves cognitive function, and promotes better sleep.
For more information about academic success and neurodiversity, you can read the following blog posts:
● Back to School Success for ADHD Kids
● 11 Ways Children and Teens Can Embrace Their Neurodiversity
Related Podcasts:
● Episode 93: Coping Skills for Kids with ADHD, SPD, Anxiety and Mood Issues
● Episode 137: Top 10 IEP Mistakes with Pete Wright, Esq.
Links and Resources:
➡️ Join our FREE Natural Parenting Community to receive science-backed resources for your child and family. Join here.
➡️ Get help from Dr. Roseann and her team. Apply here.
➡️ “Is it ADHD or something else?” Take the quiz.
