By Amy Thomas, Executive Function and ADHD Success Coach, Hi-Lite Coaching + Consulting
As parents, we all want to see our teens succeed in school, and this can come with unique challenges and rewards when parenting a neurodivergent tween or teen. Here are three key things you can do to support your neurodivergent teen this school year to make it the best year ever and set them up for success in the years to come.
My first tip starts at HOME! Yes, to be successful at school, your teen needs a supportive home environment with consistent routines in place. This can significantly enhance your teen’s ability to succeed in school. Structure and routine can help reduce anxiety and improve focus and productivity. Establish a daily routine that includes time for homework, breaks, extracurricular activities, and relaxation. Make sleep a priority not only on school nights, but every night. Predictability can help your teen feel more secure and manage their time more effectively. Create a quiet, organized, and sensory-friendly study area. Ensure this space is free from distractions and equipped with all the necessary supplies. Help your teen develop organizational skills by using tools like planners, checklists, and digital apps to track assignments and deadlines. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can also make them less overwhelming. If your teen needs extra support getting systems and routines in place at home to be successful at school, our Hi-Lite coaches can help. We can work with your teen to teach real life strategies for time management, organization and staying on task.
My next tip to help your teen have an amazing school year is to not only build a strong partnership with your teen’s school/teacher but also have your teen learn to be an advocate for themself at school. Learning to communicate their own needs, finding out what support is available and asking for help when it is needed is crucial for your teen’s success. Open and ongoing communication with teachers and school staff can help ensure that your teens' unique needs are understood and met. Let your teen take the lead on this as soon as they are comfortable. Remember courage comes before confidence so you may have to encourage and coach them a bit at the beginning. Discuss your teen’s strengths, challenges, and the accommodations they might need in the classroom. Provide any necessary documentation before school starts, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, and make sure everyone involved is aware of the specific accommodations your teen is entitled to. Set up a schedule for regular check-ins with teachers to monitor your teen’s progress and address any concerns that arise and definitely encourage your teen to take the lead in this process if they are able. The more independent and self-sufficient your teen can be, the more in control and confident they will be in all areas of their lives.
My last tip is that supporting your teen’s emotional and social well-being is as important as their academic success. A positive mental state and having a growth mindset can enhance their ability to learn and cope with school-related stress. Encourage your teen to communicate their needs and seek help when necessary. Teaching them to advocate for themselves can empower them and improve their confidence. Help your teen build and maintain friendships by encouraging participation in clubs, sports, or other group activities where they can connect with peers who share similar interests. If your teen is struggling with self confidence or needs help finding their way, Hi-Lite coaches can work with your teen to help them figure out who they are, where they are going and make a plan on how to get there. Ensuring your teen’s emotional health is critical for their overall success.
Helping your neurodivergent teen succeed in school involves a combination of collaboration, structure, and emotional support. By working closely with teachers, success coaches, creating a supportive home environment, and fostering your teen’s emotional and social well-being, you can provide a solid foundation for their academic success. Remember, every child is unique and has their own strengths, so be flexible and patient as you find the strategies that work best for your family. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling school year for your teen!
Amy is a specialized coach contracted with Hi-Lite and co-creator of the Brain Flex™ program. If you're interested in learning more about her and her services you can visit here: https://www.hilitecoaching.com/amythomas You can also follow her on IG for more tips! https://www.instagram.com/coach.amy.thomas131/
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