Chief of developmental pediatrics Dr. Anson Koshy offers guidance for families as they adjust to a new classroom and school year

Navigating a new classroom environment can be stressful for any student, but there can be added anxiety for those who learn differently than others. There are steps parents and caregivers can take to ensure your child gets off to a great start.

What does neurodivergent mean and what type of conditions are associated with it?

Neurodivergence is a way to broadly describe the variety of ways the human brain functions that may differ from what is considered typical. These differences should not be viewed as flaws or that something is wrong, but can include differences in attention, social interaction, memory and communication. Common diagnoses associated with neurodivergence include autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning differences like dyslexia, to name a few.

What are the biggest challenges for students who identify as neurodivergent?

For children who have an underlying medical diagnosis like ASD or ADHD, which causes a functional impairment in how they meet their full potential in school, it is worth discussing with the school if they need specific supports or accommodations in the classroom.

School designations that qualify a child for accommodations or special education supports in the classroom do not always neatly align with medical diagnoses we use in the clinic. However, if parents and teachers are noting that the standard classroom instruction is not working, then starting a dialogue on how to bridge that gap is key.

What should parents do to communicate their child’s needs to their teachers and/or school?

It is important to have open lines of communication with your child’s teachers. If differences are present, whether at home or school, you can work collaboratively to support your child’s progress in the classroom.

Be as transparent as possible about your child’s strengths and weaknesses or any relevant medical diagnoses that can impact the school setting, particularly if your child is struggling.

What type of steps would a teacher take to help neurodivergent students in the classroom?

Teachers are so skilled at creating spaces where diversity of thought thrives. It is more important now than ever to continue to cultivate a classroom culture where differences in thinking or other cognitive process is not only welcomed but embraced and celebrated.

One way to do this is to share children’s books that depict an array of neurodiverse characters and how they navigate their world. This can build self-awareness in students and help them begin to understand that differences are not a bad thing or something to be corrected. It also promotes acceptance and understanding of classmates who have neurodivergent ways of navigating everyday demands.

In what ways are neurodivergent students well-equipped or even better equipped to adapt in a learning environment?

We know that children who “think outside the box” can be adept at coming up with novel solutions to challenges that the standard way of thinking may overlook. One example is that those diagnosed with dyslexia have been shown to have strengths with visual tasks and visual spatial abilities which can help them in seeing the bigger picture and finding workable solutions that would otherwise be missed.

What should parents remember as they help their child navigate the new school year?

The start of the school year can be a stressful time for all parents, but it can be particularly stressful if you have a child with neurodivergent needs. If you recognize your child has unique learning, social or behavioral needs, continue to advocate on their behalf and work with the school when possible. Also, be open to feedback from your child’s teacher as some children can navigate home and social life better than the typical classroom setting. Carefully consider any feedback from teachers before brushing it off.

The neurodivergence movement at its core is about acceptance and inclusion. The sooner we can embrace the idea that neurodivergent ways of thinking and being are part of who we are as a society, the better we can support children and their families who already understand this and live it daily.