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How can I support their education? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Wondering how you can support your child's education is a very common part of raising a neurodivergent child.
• 0:07
  SPEAKER_00: Neurodivergent children think, learn, and process information in their own ways.
• 0:12
  SPEAKER_00: Many classrooms are set up with other learnings in mind.
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  SPEAKER_00: That can make school harder than it needs to be, and it says nothing about your child's ability or your parenting.
• 0:21
  SPEAKER_00: A good place to start is your child.
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  SPEAKER_00: Ask them what helps and what gets in the way.
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  SPEAKER_00: It might be noise, bright lights, how instructions are given, where they sit, or how homework is set.
• 0:31
  SPEAKER_00: Children often know more about this than we expect, and being asked helps build their confidence and gives them a say in their own learning.
• 0:39
  SPEAKER_00: Next, you can look for what is already working.
• 0:42
  SPEAKER_00: So think about the times learning goes a little better and ask what is different then.
• 0:47
  SPEAKER_00: Is it the time of day, the topic, the person, the setting, and do more of that and build on your child's strengths and interests because these are what keeps them engaged.
• 0:56
  SPEAKER_00: Now, practical ways to support yourself with this is to share what you know about your child with their teacher and with their school's special educational needs coordinator, often called the CENCO.
• 1:06
  SPEAKER_00: You know your child best and ask about small changes such as a quiet space, clear routines, visual aids, movement breaks, and flexible ways of showing what they know.
• 1:16
  SPEAKER_00: You can also keep a simple note of what helps and what's difficult, as it makes meetings with schools clearer and keeps the focus on solutions.
• 1:24
  SPEAKER_00: And at home, setting a predictable time and place for homework can help as well, as some children work very hard to fit in at school and come home exhausted or withdrawn.
• 1:33
  SPEAKER_00: So a break and some downtime before homework can make a big difference.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: Now, if you need to seek extra help, you can start with a Senko at school.
• 1:42
  SPEAKER_00: If you're worried about your child's well-being or you'd like to explore an assessment, you can speak to your GP or school nurse.
• 1:48
  SPEAKER_00: Also, it's helpful to look out for ongoing anxiety or mood exhaustion or avoid your school entirely.
• 1:54
  SPEAKER_00: Now, for families in England, we have Autism Central, which offers peer education for parents and carers, and the British Dyslexia Association, which offers guidance for supporting children with dyslexia.
• 2:05
  SPEAKER_00: Now you can return to the app's resources of raising a new divergent child for further support.
• 2:10
  SPEAKER_00: And if you're thinking about harming yourself or feeling unsafe, then please seek urgent help now by contacting your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.