Learning Styles with Neurodivergent, ASD and ADHD Young People

It is common nowadays to find children with neurodivergent characteristics in schools. These children have sensory processing challenges, learning differences and/or autism spectrum conditions. Sometimes they also have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). These are just some of the many neurodivergent characteristics that can affect your child’s learning and development. The goal of this article is to give you some insight into how these characteristics can affect your child’s education and how you can support them better in their school life.

Learning Differences

A learning difference is a strengths-based term used to describe learning disability.

Learning differences affects a person’s ability to learn and process information. There are many different kinds of learning differences and it is important to find out what is causing potential barriers to your child’s learning. There are, for example, dyslexia, dyscalculia, memory problems and attention problems. Dyslexia is a condition where people have difficulty in recognising and understanding words. Dyscalculia is a condition where people have a difficulty in recognising numbers.

Memory problems can be caused by a hyperactive capacity for short-term memory and/or a deficit of long-term memory capacity. Attention problems can be caused by a hyperactive capacity for short-term attention (for example, it is difficult for your child to focus on one thing for a longer period of time) or a deficit of long-term attention capacity.

ADD and ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodivergent condition among children. ADHD is a condition where the child has difficulties in focusing and maintaining attention. ADD is an abbreviation that stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. ADD is a condition where the child has problems managing his/her attention and emotions.

Sensory Processing Difficulties

Children with sensory processing difficulties often like to touch things, smell things and taste things. They may also hate being touched, hate it when someone is too close to them or they hate it when someone else is too close. Sensory processing difficulties can be caused by a few things: The child has had an illness (for example, allergies or cystic fibrosis), he/she has a physical disability, or some medications can cause sensory processing difficulties.

Your child may also have sensory processing difficulties if he/she is an introvert. Sensory processing difficulties are very common among introverts. Introverts are people who often prefer to stay in their world, avoid physical contact or stimuli and focus on one thing at a time. If your child has sensory processing difficulties, you can help them by setting up a sensory-friendly environment. Make sure there are no irritating or painful textures in their room, such as harsh-smelling books, textures on the walls or hard floors.

If your child is an introvert, you can try to rephrase some instructions to be more sensory-friendly, such as “please don’t touch the table” or “be careful of the floor because it’s very slippery.”

Executive Functioning Difficulties

Executive functioning difficulties are caused by a deficit of attention, planning and/or working memory. Your child can have executive functioning difficulties if he/she has had a head injury or his/her brain has developed differently. You can test your child’s executive functioning skills with the Fluency and Coping executive function test. If your child has executive functioning difficulties, you can help them by setting up a routine and keeping their rooms clean and organised.

Find things your child loves to do, such as reading or drawing, so he/she doesn’t feel bored or frustrated. Find ways to get your child involved with chores, such as taking out the trash, helping with dinner and recycling. Find ways to involve your child in family activities, such as helping you fold laundry or playing a game with your siblings. Be patient, be flexible and don’t expect too much from your child in one day.

Social Skills Difficulties

If your child has social skills difficulties, he/she may have a hard time making friends. Your child may have social skills difficulties if he/she is an introvert, has anxiety or has ADHD. If your child has social skills difficulties, you can support them by being a positive role model and showing them positive social skills, such as empathy, patience, caring and kindness.

They may also benefit from group therapy with other children experiencing the same or similar difficulties, in a safe environment.

Conclusion

Neurodivergent characteristics can affect your child’s education and their peers in many ways. You can support your child better by finding out how neurodivergent characteristics affect them, setting up a sensory-friendly environment and finding ways to involve your child in family activities.

To better understand neurodivergence and neurodivergent characteristics, it is important to know how the brain works and how it can develop differently depending on the person. The brain is a very complex organ and parents need to understand how it works so they can better support their children. It is recommended that parents learn about the different learning styles, neurodivergent characteristics, learning differences and health impacts of these characteristics.

Transitioning ASD and ADHD Children from Primary School to High School

Transition is a difficult and challenging time for any child. The change from primary school to high school can be even more jarring. With that being said, it’s never too early to start planning how to help your neurodivergent child transition smoothly from primary school to high school. Here are five strategies you can use to help ease the tension and stress of this important transition period.

#1 Start as Soon as You Can

What’s great about becoming a teenager is that there are so many exciting changes afoot. 

From the newfound freedom of being able to drive to your family’s picnic without your parents being there, to starting your own YouTube channel and making friends with people who share your interests, there are so many positive side effects of becoming a teenager. However, there are also some downsides. Most notably, your child will no longer be going to school with their friends. For many kids, this can be a very strange and jarring transition. Teenagers are more likely to be depressed and anxious. In addition to that, they may also have a lot of social anxiety. This can make it even harder for your child to make friends and transition from primary school to high school.

#2 Meet New Classmates and Teachers in Person

When your child starts high school, it can be a huge adjustment for them to be away from their friends from primary school. 

The transition from one school to another can be especially difficult for kids who experience social anxiety. Meeting the new classmates and teachers in person can help ease this transition. As well, it can also give your child a chance to make friends with these new people while they are still at the high school they are attending. When meeting the new people in your child’s life, like their high school teachers, try to make a good first impression. Remember that you are meeting these teachers for the first time too and treat them with respect. Make eye contact and smile; this will help your child feel more comfortable around these new people.

#3 Establish a Support Network

It can be especially challenging for your child to be away from their friends from primary school while they are still in high school. 

The best way to ease this transition is to establish a support network for your child while they are still in high school. Your child may feel a little isolated while they are in high school. But, with the right support system in place, they can feel more confident and less anxious. A support network can help your child stay in touch with their friends from primary school, as well as their friends in high school. You can create a support network for your child by finding people in your child’s life who they can talk to about how they are feeling. Your child may want to talk to their parents, teachers, or other trusted adults about how they are feeling. But, it can be helpful if your child has someone they can talk to who they trust even outside of the family context like a friend, sibling, or coach. Having a support network can help ease the transition to high school for your child. It can also help them feel more confident when they are in high school.

#4 Make Sure Your Child is Prepared

It can be frustrating if your child is unprepared for the transition from primary school to high school. Some kids might not have had a chance to get ready for the change in their day to day lives. 

This might be because they are a bit behind in their studies or have certain social anxieties they haven’t been able to work through yet. Keeping an eye on your child’s studies and making sure they are getting the help they need can help ensure they are ready for the transition to high school. If your child has a lot of social anxieties they haven’t been able to work through yet, they may need to take time to focus on those issues. During this time, they can use the time to get ready for the transition to high school by making sure they are prepared.

#5 Make a Plan and Communicate it with Your Child

When you think about how long your child has been in primary school, it can be easy to get ahead of yourself and forget about the transition to high school. 

It’s important to take the time to make a plan for your child as they transition from primary school to high school. When making this plan, it’s helpful to look at the advantages and disadvantages of the transition. What are the advantages of going to high school? What are the disadvantages of going to high school? By looking at both ends of the spectrum, it will be easier to make a plan that both helps ease the transition for your child, but also prepares them for the big changes that are ahead.

Conclusion

Transitioning from primary school to high school can be an exciting time. Your child will now be able to make new friends, drive, and enjoy the freedoms of being an adult. However, there are also some challenges associated with this transition. These can include feeling anxious and depressed as well as feeling isolated from your friends from primary school. 

To help ease the transition for your child, you can try the strategies outlined in this article. These include making sure your child is prepared, establishing a support network for your child while they are in high school, and making a plan and communicating it with your child.

What are the Benefits of Occupational Therapy with ASD and Neurodivergent Young People?

Occupational therapy is a valuable service that helps children with disabilities or those who are neurodivergent to gain the skills they need to succeed in life. It focuses on helping children develop their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills to allow them to engage in meaningful activities and gain independence. This type of therapy is especially beneficial for neurodivergent children, who may have difficulty functioning in a traditional classroom setting. It can help them reach their full potential and lead more fulfilling lives.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a branch of healthcare that focuses on helping people participate in meaningful activities. Occupational therapists work with clients of all ages and abilities to help them reach their goals. They use a range of strategies and activities to improve physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills. Occupational therapists work with children who have developmental delays, physical impairments, sensory processing disorders, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions.

OT also helps children with neurodivergence become more independent and participate in activities of daily living. It also helps them develop adaptive behaviour and social-emotional skills. Occupational therapists may use a variety of tools, such as play therapy, sensory integration, and gross motor activities to help children reach their goals. Occupational therapy is designed to be individualized to meet the needs of each child.

The benefits of Occupational Therapy for Neurodivergent Children

Occupational therapy can help neurodivergent children in many ways. It can help them develop the skills they need to participate in activities of daily living, such as self-care, work, and school. It can also help them develop fine and gross motor skills, improve their communication, and gain social-emotional skills. Occupational therapy can also help children with autism and other neurodivergent conditions learn to manage their behaviour and improve their ability to self-regulate.

Occupational Therapy for Beurodivergent Children: The Facts

Occupational therapy can help neurodivergent children reach their potential and lead more fulfilling lives. It can help them develop the skills they need to become more independent and participate in activities of daily living. Occupational therapy can also help children with neurodivergence become more engaged in tasks and activities, improve their communication, and learn to manage their behaviour.

Occupational therapy can be beneficial for neurodivergent children of all ages. It can help young children develop fine and gross motor skills, improve their social-emotional skills, and learn how to self-regulate. It can also help older children develop problem-solving skills, increase their self-confidence, and build relationships.

How to Assess if Occupational Therapy is Right for Your Child

If you think your child may benefit from occupational therapy, it is important to make an informed decision. The best way to assess if occupational therapy is right for your child is to consult with a qualified occupational therapist. A qualified occupational therapist will be able to assess your child’s needs and provide a personalized treatment plan.

When consulting with an occupational therapist, it is important to provide as much information as possible about your child’s medical history, current abilities, and goals. The occupational therapist will then be able to determine the best course of action for your child.

Finding an Experienced Occupational Therapist

Finding an experienced occupational therapist is essential for ensuring your child receives quality care. It is important to find an occupational therapist who specialises in working with neurodivergent children. You can find an experienced occupational therapist by asking for recommendations from friends and family, searching online, or asking your doctor for a referral.

You can also look up NDIS-funded organisations, such as The Hive, which provide these services.

Occupational Therapy Exercises and Activities

Exercises and activities are designed to help children with neurodivergence reach their goals. Occupational therapists may use a variety of activities and tools, such as play therapy, sensory integration, and gross motor activities, to help children reach their goals.

Certain activities can help children develop fine and gross motor skills, improve their communication, and learn to manage their behaviour. Activities may include art, music, and movement therapy, as well as activities to improve hand-eye coordination, executive functioning, and problem-solving skills.

Occupational Therapy Tips for Parents

As a parent, it is important to be an active participant in your child’s occupational therapy sessions. Here are some tips to help you support your child’s occupational therapy:

  • Make sure to attend your child’s occupational therapy sessions.
  • Listen to the occupational therapist’s advice and instructions.
  • Ask questions about the activities and strategies being used.
  • Provide feedback about your child’s progress.
  • Help your child practice the skills they’ve learned in occupational therapy sessions.
  • Be patient and encouraging with your child.
  • Celebrate your child’s successes and progress.

Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational therapy services may include assessments, treatment plans, and individualized activities. An occupational therapist will assess your child’s needs and create a personalized treatment plan. The treatment plan may include activities to improve fine and gross motor skills, communication, and social-emotional skills.

In addition, occupational therapists may provide recommendations for modifications to the home and school environment to help your child succeed.

Conclusion

Occupational therapy can be a valuable service for neurodivergent children. It can help them reach their full potential and lead more fulfilling lives. Occupational therapists use a range of strategies and activities to help children develop their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills. Occupational therapy can also help children with neurodivergence become more independent, engaged in activities, and learn to manage their behaviour.

If you think your child may benefit from occupational therapy, it is important to consult with a qualified occupational therapist. An experienced occupational therapist will be able to assess your child’s needs and create a personalized treatment plan. There are many resources available to help support occupational therapy for neurodivergent children.