What Dyslexia Specialists Wish Parents Knew About Neurodivergent Kids

As soon as babies are born in a hospital, they are typically subject to a number of assessments. The Apgar test determines how a baby is doing right after birth and whether he or she may need extra medical care. During their first days out of the womb, babies undergo a number of different blood screenings, hearing tests, and a physical exam. While these are certainly health-focused, important tests, they are the introduction to a childhood life that is largely measured by tests and assessments. From grade school to college, kids will be assessed on the basis of their health as well as their reading, writing, and math skills, and general test taking and intelligence skills. When you have a neurodivergent child, you may be pointed in the direction of more tests—perhaps to assess for specific learning disabilities like dyslexia. While people who are neurotypical tend to have standard brain functions, processes, and behaviors, people with neurodivergence have brains that function quite differently. And while a neurodivergent diagnosis can present challenges, it can also be a beautiful thing. Parents can play a big part in helping their neurodivergent students to embrace challenges and to find success. Read on to learn more about what dyslexia specialists wish parents knew about neurodivergent kids. 

Great minds: It is believed that Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and Thomas Edison—truly influential changemakers—all had learning disabilities. Neurodivergent kids tend to have exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills. This means that their brains allow them to discover ideas that are outside the box. Often, neurodivergent kids will think of innovative, creative solutions to different problems and challenges. 

Attention to detail: Two of the superpowers afforded by neurodivergence include a strong tendency to focus on detail and a keen ability to hyper-focus on interesting tasks. When harnessed well, these talents can help neurodivergent kids to perform well in academics, interests, hobbies, and even later on, in their career. 

Sensitive souls: Because their brains are attuned to things that others don’t typically tune in to, neurodivergent kids often can develop a deep understanding of other people’s emotions and experiences. This can help to make kids with neurodivergence exceptionally compassionate and empathetic. With the right guidance, this kind of empathy and understanding can also lead neurodivergent kids to develop skills as great communicators. 

Grit and go-getters: One of the most powerful modern day, real life skills that all kids can develop is grit. Having the resilience and perseverance to overcome the challenges of being neurodivergent on a daily basis can lead children to have strong methods of coping as well as an intense determination to succeed. Getting the right kind of help for kids who are neurodivergent is so critical to the development of this skill set, as they can channel their energy into hard work, success, and confidence. 

A different perspective: Kids who are neurodivergent tend to have unique perspectives of the world. This isn’t a deficit; it is simply a difference. They are wired to think differently, and they process information in a way that can lead to very valuable insights and contributions in the classroom, in the workplace, and beyond. 

No path is the same: It is key to note that each child is unique in the way that they learn—neurodivergent or not. Strengths and skills will vary. When parents discover ways to nurture each child’s abilities with the right kind of support, you can help them to reach their full potential. Understanding your child’s needs will help you to tailor your approach to seeking the right kind of interventions for him or her. 

Be an advocate: As an advocate for your neurodivergent child, you can help to ensure that they are getting access to the support services and accommodations that they need to succeed. 

Early intervention is essential: The earlier you are able to address your child’s neurodivergence, the better. This way you can connect with educational experts, therapists, and other neurodivergent families who will make up an important support system for you and your family. 

Work with professionals: For neurodivergent kids with dyslexia, a tailored, trusted program can be the best approach to helping them to be successful. Dyslexia on Demand is one of the best services for students with dyslexia. 

Learn about Dyslexia on Demand: With the experts at Dyslexia on Demand, you can unlock your neurodivergent child’s potential. Their team of Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALTs) implement Orton-Gillingham based dyslexia therapy programs. This approach is designed to help with your child’s academic challenges. The sessions are conveniently done online with one-on-one therapists who focus on steady, personalized progress for your student. There’s a large focus on the end goal of neurodivergent kids to develop not only stronger academic skills, but the life skills of responsibility, independence, and self-advocacy. 

Reach out for help: There can be so many ups and downs on the journey of raising a neurodivergent child. By getting the right kind of support from dyslexia specialists like Dyslexia on Demand, you can help your child thrive. Learn more about these powerful dyslexia therapy programs at http://dyslexiaondemand.com/.