Post #6 Advocacy

Thank you, teachers, resource specialists, administrators, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, for doing what you do, who give so much to help our children realize their potential – you are doing God’s work.

Do not miss this opportunity to inform. The synergies of cross-functional teamwork cannot be understated.

Advocacy is paramount to getting the services that your child needs. Advocates are the support structure to define the “How”. These are the emotionally, and professionally invested stakeholders in your child’s success. The synergies of cross-functional teamwork cannot be understated. Draw connections between various specialties so that a holistic picture can be formed to achieve optimal outcomes. Be the expert on your child. History matters. Specificity and context are powerful ways to inform and convey key points.

Be the expert on your child.
Specificity and context are powerful ways to inform and convey key points.

Inevitably, you will be asked to provide parental insight to the teacher as the year begins. Do not miss this opportunity to inform. Begin with a brief home biography, how siblings engage each other, dynamics of play, what your child is most proud of and gravitates towards. Define half a dozen words that best describe who your child is as a person.

Point out indicators of stress that your child may exhibit, fears, anxieties – insights into triggers are key.

Document your child’s early history as a learner. This may include a medical history, diagnosis, physical challenges, specialists engaged, social skills, areas of frustration or improvement, and how your child best learns. Every year condense it down to milestones, while maintaining specific details and context. Show a progression of achievement and what worked. Describe breakthrough concepts, “aha moments” in learning that was pivotal, and the new opportunities they presented. Identify an area of strength for continued focus. Point out indicators of stress that your child may exhibit, fears, anxieties – insights into triggers are key. Let the professionals really know your child.

Avoid telling advocates how to do their job – but do tell them what works to get your child’s attention to learn.

Next, provide a synopsis of your child as a learner today. Articulate desired, age-appropriate outcomes in the next school year. Suggest strategies that worked well in the prior year, putting them in context. Avoid telling advocates how to do their job – trust that they have techniques and tools that exceed expectations. But do tell them what works to get your child’s attention to learn. Are they visual, audio, and multi-modal learners? Name accommodations, such as a seat facing the teacher at the front of the class, that facilitates redirection when distracted, or having an aid in the classroom to provide cues or having a quiet space for testing.

Consider this history a living document.

Finally, list out issues to be aware of. Anything can go here. Perhaps your child’s frustration is reduced by typing versus printing, or glasses are recently introduced for long-distance, or there is a bullying situation to address, health conditions to monitor, or outliers in learning. Consider this history a living document, to be revisited, and updated to provide perspective and context. While the focus is the teacher, share it with resource specialists, administrators, psychologists, and other professionals who consider the whole child. 

Be a good partner to maximize outcomes.

When we first started on our journey, I unabashedly asked for help from the resource professionals to advocate for Luke, advise me as I learned the vernacular and how to navigate the system. Not once did I get turned down; these people are genuinely invested in your child’s success. They have built their careers around children because they are so passionate about making a difference. Be available to meet with each advocate, and share observations regularly. Be a good partner to maximize outcomes.

We cannot simply look at academics or physical ability as the measure of success.

Lastly, the untrained advocates: siblings, extended family, community, neighbors, friends, social circles. Each plays a powerful role in overall mental health and well-being. Each contributes in a different way to influence connection, acceptance, and a healthy identity. We cannot simply look at academics or physical ability as the measure of success. Children are so much more. Strive for balance, confidence, inclusion, and joy.