Listen to Communication, Not Just Behavior

Ignoring a child's concerning behavior, known as planned ignoring, can be counterproductive if the behavior is a form of communication regarding unmet expectations. Engaging with neurodivergent voices reveals that ignoring such behaviors can be harmful, as many adults from this community recount negative experiences with this approach during childhood. There is a need for alternative strategies that achieve the same goals without causing harm, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the underlying communication rather than solely the behavior itself.