How to Advocate for Your Child’s Needs in School

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in ensuring the success of their child, in life, and specifically, in school. If you have a child with a learning disability, psychiatric difficulty, or history of trauma, they may benefit from extra assistance at school, and you will need to advocate for your child’s needs.

As knowledge and awareness about children’s mental health increases, schools are improving at meeting the needs of these students, integrating and facilitating the best learning experience for them. However, parents may need to advocate for their child.

What falls under the disability umbrella?

Learning disabilities vary and can also be impacted by other conditions such as ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Children on the autism spectrum may have high intelligence in one area but struggle in others. This list outlines some of the more common learning disabilities.

Dyslexia

A learning disability that makes reading and decoding what was read difficult.

Dyscalculia

A learning disability that makes understanding numbers and math difficult.

Dysgraphia

A neurological condition that makes it difficult to write.

Dyspraxia

A neurological condition that affects fine and gross motor skills.

Dysphasia/Aphasia

A condition that makes speech and language difficult.

Auditory processing disorder

A condition that makes it difficult to hear differences in sounds.

Visual processing disorder

A condition in which the brain has difficulty interpreting visual information.

Figuring out your child’s struggles so you can advocate for your child’s needs may take time, requiring testing and a diagnosis by a speech or occupational therapist. You may need a referral from your child’s pediatrician to get a diagnosis. Once you have it, though, it will be easier to start the process of getting an IEP or 504 plan.

What is an IEP and a 504 plan?

A 504 plan is a list of accommodations meant to meet the individual needs of students with a disability, but who do not require special education services. An IEP is an individualized education plan to provide a program of specialized instruction and support to access and progress in the curriculum. (National Education Association)

These two different plans are implemented to give your child the best chance of succeeding in a school setting. Working with your child’s teacher and exceptional children’s instructors, you will create a document that your child’s education team is meant to follow for fair access to education.

In either of these plans, you include things such as:

• Seating preferences.
• Extra test time.
• Specialized tools for writing.
• Small group interventions for challenging topics.
• Modified expectations for assignments.
• A classroom aide to work with your child.

The plans will also include specific and measurable goals for your child to work toward.

An important element of the plan is discussing your child’s strengths and interests. This helps everyone see your child as a whole person, not just as having a disability or condition. By tapping into their strengths and interests, you can find solutions that will help them feel successful in school.

Advocate for your child’s needs through school services

While there are overarching federal guidelines for what schools are required to offer for the education of those with developmental disabilities and exceptional needs, there are variances by state and school district. You can request a copy of your school district’s policies to see what your school is required to provide.

Therapy

Two types of therapy could be beneficial for your child. One is practical, focused on things like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. These therapists focus on the connections between physical challenges and the brain.

The second category of therapy focuses on the social-emotional well-being of your child. If your child struggles with feeling different from their classmates, it can be good to talk to a counselor. Depending on how well-resourced your school is, your child may have access to a counselor in the school itself.

However, your child could also benefit from having an outside therapist. Even with accommodations, your child may still struggle with complicated feelings. Many disabilities come with emotional aspects as well. Likewise, having atypical or unexpected behaviors leaves some children vulnerable to unkind or harsh treatment by peers and adults alike. Children with disabilities can be disproportionally treated with frustration and discipline.

Support for socio-emotional conditions

Some of the challenges that accompany or result from disabilities include:

Social anxiety

Feeling different from one’s peers can create added awkwardness for a child. Getting involved with a group can be difficult when one is acutely aware of one’s differences.

Comparison and self-worth

Anytime a person starts to compare themselves with others, their self-worth can take a hit. This is when it is important to highlight your child’s gifts and strengths. Counseling can also help them see themselves and others in a more compassionate light.

Personal space and boundaries

Some children have actual neurological difficulties with self-regulation or perceiving and interpreting social cues. Having a counselor role-playing and practicing different social skills can help your child become more adept at navigating their social landscape.

Getting help to advocate for your child’s needs

If you believe that you or your child would benefit from the help of a professional as you navigate developmental and intellectual disabilities, please reach out to us at Longview Christian Counseling today. We will work with you to find a therapist in Longview, Washington who will be the right fit for you.