The purpose of school goes far beyond teaching and learning subject content. It is also a place for learning how to engage and navigate the world socially, emotionally and strategically.
School is a place to form friendships, a place to test boundaries and a place to grow and develop in a safe environment. Just as no two people are exactly the same, no two schools are exactly the same, and it is important to explore cultures, resources and the ethos of a school so you can determine if that school will support the needs of your child and the education goals of your family.
Students will engage and find success in a school if they feel a sense of belonging, if they feel that they can respond well to the academic demands of the curriculum and if they feel confident, they can access the supports that a school offers.
A school will rarely be able to give a student 100% of what they need and want, so parents/guardians should try to make an informed decision about which school will provide their child with the most of what they need.
When considering a new school for a neurodivergent child, parents/guardians must ask specific questions to ensure the school can meet their child's unique needs.
Here are some important questions to consider:
Ask about the availability of special education teachers, aides, and therapists (e.g., speech, occupational, physical therapy).
Inquire about how the curriculum is modified to accommodate different learning styles and needs.
Find out how experienced staff are in working with children who have similar needs.
Ask about the process for developing, implementing, and reviewing ILPs.
Smaller class sizes can often provide more individualised attention.
Understand how the school tracks your child's progress and how often they will communicate with you.
Ensure that teachers receive ongoing training in support of neurodiverse students and inclusive practices.
Learn about the school's approach to discipline and behaviour management.
It's important to know how the school prevents and addresses bullying, especially for neurodivergent children.
A visit can provide a better sense of the environment and how welcoming it is for your child.
Ask about strategies used to help neurodivergent students transition smoothly throughout the day.
Find out if there are inclusive extracurricular activities that your child can participate in.
Parental involvement is key, so ask about opportunities for collaboration and communication.
Inquire about assistive technology and other resources that can support your child's learning.
Understanding the school's commitment to supporting neurodivergent students can help you gauge how well they will support your child.
These questions can help you determine if a school is the most suitable fit for your child's needs and ensure they receive the support necessary for their success.