After the diagnosis: How kids feel about their learning and thinking differences
Feb 15, 2024
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The podcast discusses how kids feel about their learning and thinking differences after getting diagnosed, offering tips for parents to navigate conversations about diagnosis with children. It explores strategies for communicating about learning and thinking differences when a child is reluctant to discuss them. The dilemma of parents when a child with an IEP or 504 plan does not want to attend a meeting is addressed, emphasizing self-advocacy. The importance of open communication and a heartwarming story of a girl's positive reaction to an autism diagnosis are also shared.
Creating a playful and interactive environment while discussing a diagnosis with young children helps them understand their strengths and weaknesses.
For teenagers, focusing on their strengths and contextualizing their challenges in daily life scenarios helps them comprehend and navigate their difficulties, with involvement of parents bridging any misunderstandings and facilitating family discussions on interventions and support.
Deep dives
Delivering Diagnoses to Children
When delivering a diagnosis to young children, it is important to create a playful and interactive environment to avoid judgment. The pediatric neuropsychologist explains that using examples from the evaluation process helps children understand their strengths and weaknesses. The conversation focuses on their challenges and how they manifest in various situations, such as in the classroom or with friends. The goal is to help children comprehend their own abilities and provide parents with the language to understand and support their child.
Navigating Teenagers' Reactions to Diagnoses
For teenagers, the conversation about diagnoses revolves around understanding their struggles and alleviating anxiety. The focus is on their strengths to challenge the misconception that they are 'stupid.' Discussions delve into specific areas where they face difficulties, such as sustaining attention or organization and planning. By contextualizing these challenges in daily life scenarios, like getting ready for school, teenagers can better comprehend and navigate their difficulties. Involving parents in the conversation helps bridge any misunderstandings and allows for a family discussion on interventions and support.
Evolving Relationships with Diagnoses
Children's relationships with their diagnoses change over time as demands shift with age. With middle school and high school, new challenges arise, potentially impacting social interactions and executive functioning. This shift can result in increased anxiety and questioning of one's abilities. The pediatric neuropsychologist notes that some children become more resistant to discussing their diagnoses and withdraw emotionally. Parents are advised to respect their child's need for independence and provide support through trusted adults, such as therapists or teachers, who can play a role in continuing the conversation and helping the child advocate for their needs.
Getting diagnosed with a learning and thinking difference can be a big relief for many kids. But for some kids, the news can lead to many questions and worries. They may not want to talk about their diagnosis at all. And sometimes, the way kids respond to their diagnosis changes over time.
In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Preetika Mukherjee, a pediatric neuropsychologist. Dr. Mukherjee offers suggestions for ways to talk with your child after a diagnosis. Tune in to get her advice on making these tough conversations easier.
To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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