When your child receives a diagnosis, it can be overwhelming. Even when a report is thorough and clear on what the next steps are, it can be frightening and a lot to process. This is something we hear all the time from parents, “What do I do next?”

Guests Sari Goodman and Shelley Lawrence are here to answer that question. There really are many things you can and should do, but today we’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 things you need to do right away after your child receives a diagnosis. Sari and Shelley walk you through what to do and why each step is important.

When parents have greater knowledge about their child’s struggles, it can lead to an increase in understanding and an improvement in adherence and response to treatment. We want to reduce parenting stress, increase understanding of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and give parents the tools they need to adequately support their child.

[2:27] - Oftentimes parents aren’t sure what to do with the information they receive after their child gets a diagnosis.

[3:47] - First and foremost, read and learn what is written in the report.

[4:48] - Ask questions about the report to better understand.

[5:55] - Remember that your child has strengths in addition to the weaknesses identified in the report.

[7:28] - Find out who your “go-to” person is at your child’s school and have a meeting.

[8:29] - Always make sure that all the actions taken are in service to your child.

[10:45] - Parents can focus on areas of support that the school doesn’t give.

[12:01] - It is important to share report information with schools.

[13:44] - The report will be enlightening and may serve as a form of relief.

[14:53] - Kids know when they are struggling. 

[16:07] - The more parents understand what is in the report, the more they can help their children with understanding themselves.

[17:18] - Show kids their progress!

[18:32] - This report and diagnosis does not change who your child is.

[19:20] - There are people whose job it is to help you understand and implement this report.

[22:39] - Sharing evaluation results with the child is incredibly important and a relief to them as well.

[24:40] - You don’t have to be an expert in education, but you can be an expert in your child.

[26:01] - Sometimes, support could be a change in parenting style.

[27:14] - A child can use their strengths to compensate for areas of weakness.

[28:55] - Social support is important for parents.

[30:32] - When you’re equipped with the knowledge, you can better advocate for and support your child.

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Shelley Lawrence

As an Independent School administrator for 2 decades, Shelley had the unique experience of working with families of students who were striving to succeed in school. She is adamant in her belief that, with the proper support in place, all children can succeed in school. Shelley brings her passion for children, her strong connections with outside providers in the community, her keen observation and listening skills and her understanding of the complexities of learning, to help families navigate the school journey with their child. In addition, Shelley is a trained advocate who can help families navigate the IEP process.

Sari Goodman

Sari Goodman is a Certified Parent Educator and Trainer who is an avid cheerleader for the most significant people in a child’s life - the parents.  She supports parents and guardians by developing a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics to create a customized action plan that reduces chaos and brings calm.  She has been an educator of students, teachers, and parents for over 30 years.

• ChildNEXUS Provider Profile: Sari Goodman
• ChildNEXUS Provider Profile: Shelley Lawrence

• Episode 27: Why We Need to Support Parents Whose Kids Struggle with Learning with Maria Fagan Hassani
• ChildNEXUS Parent Learning Groups

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The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.