Dr. Samara Ryce
September 11, 2024
Supporting Neurodivergent Children: A Call for Love and Understanding
As a parent of a neurodivergent child, you've probably heard comments like these from teachers and support staff:
"Lola isn't finishing her work."
"Malcom is having a really hard time starting his assignments"
"Quinton keeps forgetting to turn work in"
"Mia lost her paper again"
"Sometimes Cierra daydreams and I have to tell her to come back to us"
Sound familiar?
When you receive that phone call, email, or attend a conference, you may feel defeated and overwhelmed by the challenges presented by the educational system. It can sometimes feel like you're being judged as a parent or that your child's struggles are not being understood.
Today, that was me.
I've been advocating for my children in public schools for years, hoping they would recognize their potential, praying for more empathy from teachers, and longing for the kind of love and support I once provided my own students.
While there have been exceptional teachers along the way, they are unfortunately the exception rather than the rule.
It's disheartening to see educators who lack the love and compassion needed to truly support children. We need more "yes" and less "no" in our approach to education.
As a neurodivergent parent, I urge you to reflect on the positive influences from your own school days. Be the teacher who makes a difference, even if you didn't have one yourself. Let's prioritize love in our teaching, policymaking, and interactions with students.
Amidst the challenges our children face in schools today, let's lead with love, teach with love, and base our decisions on love.
Believe in the goodness that still exists in the world and strive to spread more of it.
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