In our homeschooling journey, we prioritize seeing children as individuals with unique strengths and challenges, regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis like ADHD or autism or not. For me, it’s about normalizing labels when they’re helpful and not shying away from them. Labels can provide clarity, but they don’t define a child’s entire learning experience. I’m open to using labels, and I encourage others to embrace them if it helps, but having ADHD or being neurodivergent doesn’t mean we can’t learn in ways similar to neurotypicals. It’s about pacing ourselves in a way that works for us. And that’s the approach I take with my girls.
While I didn’t pursue a formal diagnosis for my second child, that decision was based on focusing on her individual strengths rather than avoiding labels. I recognize that many people benefit from diagnoses, and I’m fortunate to have been diagnosed as an adult. However, I know many others struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis, especially with co-morbid conditions that make the process more complex. This reinforces my belief in creating a supportive learning environment that empowers individuals to learn at their own pace, regardless of whether they have a formal label.
Recently, while browsing information about ADHD, I came across Pam’s insightful post discussing the experiences of Colleen and her family. Colleen shares her journey of navigating ADHD diagnoses for her children and how one of her kids was diagnosed while they were still in traditional schooling. They tried various approaches to support him, some of which were beneficial, while others were not. Interestingly, Colleen also has another child who she believes has ADHD but hasn’t pursued a diagnosis for. Their experience highlights the importance of assessing individual needs and deciding whether a formal diagnosis is necessary for the family dynamic.
This resonates with my own journey, and I’ve found that understanding these experiences is crucial in shaping our approach to education. Here’s how we can support individuality and normalize labels without letting them limit our children’s potential:
1. Focus on Strengths, Not Limitations
Children, regardless of neurodivergence, have unique strengths, and it’s essential to nurture them. Labels like ADHD provide insight into challenges, but they shouldn’t overshadow a child’s talents. My daughter, who loves to write despite her struggles with grammar and spelling due to ADHD, is a perfect example of focusing on strengths.
Strategy: Build a strengths-based curriculum. If your child thrives on creative activities, give them the freedom to express what they’re learning through art or storytelling.
2. Customize Learning to Meet Individual Needs
Every child has a unique learning style. While neurotypical learning methods work for some, others may need adjustments, such as more time to absorb information or lessons delivered in different formats. Whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, every child can learn—it’s just a matter of finding what works best for them.
Strategy: Tailor lessons to suit your child’s pace. If they need extra time to process information or prefer learning through hands-on activities, adapt your approach to meet those needs.
3. Encourage a Love of Learning at Their Own Pace
Having ADHD doesn’t mean children can’t learn the same things as their neurotypical peers; it simply means they might do so at their own speed. This mindset applies to both me and my girls—I’m open to learning from anyone, regardless of neurotype, but I approach it in a way that suits my own pace. That’s the same freedom I want to give my children: the opportunity to learn “normally” but at a rhythm that works for them.
Strategy: Allow flexibility in how and when lessons are completed. If your child takes longer to grasp a concept, focus on mastery rather than speed. Let them explore subjects in-depth before moving on.
4. Normalize Labels While Celebrating Individuality
I believe it’s important to normalize labels like ADHD or autism, but I don’t think they should limit our view of what a child can achieve. For me, using labels isn’t about putting people in boxes, but about understanding individual needs and providing the right support. At the same time, it’s essential to see beyond the label and focus on the whole person. My daughters can learn the same as any other child—they just need the flexibility to do it their way.
Strategy: Frame labels as tools for understanding how a child learns best. Encourage your children to see their diagnosis as something that helps guide their learning, not something that defines them.
5. Emphasize Effort Over Perfection
Learning is about the journey, not just the destination. Celebrate effort and persistence rather than focusing on perfect results or comparing progress to others. This mindset helps children feel confident in their abilities, regardless of how long it takes them to learn something.
Strategy: Praise children for trying hard and sticking with challenging tasks. This builds resilience and encourages a positive attitude toward learning.
6. Create a Safe Space for Individual Expression
Every child should feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment or being boxed into a label. Encourage your children to embrace their individuality while also helping them understand that they can learn from both neurodivergent and neurotypical approaches.
Strategy: Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable trying different learning methods. Let them explore and experiment with what works best for them.
7. Encouraging Reflection and Personalization
To help you explore how labels can be balanced with focusing on your child’s unique needs, consider reflecting on these questions:
- How have labels, like ADHD or autism, influenced your approach to homeschooling?
- In what ways have labels been helpful in addressing specific challenges or securing support?
- Can you identify situations where focusing on your child’s individual strengths, rather than their label, led to positive outcomes?
- How do you currently use labels in your teaching strategy, and how might you balance this with a focus on your child’s unique learning style and interests?
- What adjustments can you make to your curriculum or teaching methods to better support your child’s needs without being solely guided by their label?
Reflecting on these questions can guide you in creating a more personalized and supportive learning environment. By considering both the benefits of labels and the importance of individualized education, you can foster a learning space that respects each child’s unique journey.
By normalizing labels when they’re helpful but not letting them limit us, we create an inclusive and supportive learning space. My girls can learn just as well as anyone else, and by fostering individuality, embracing flexibility, and pacing our learning journey, we allow our children to thrive. For us, “Busy Brains” represents that everyone, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, deserves the chance to learn in their own way, at their own pace.
Stay tuned for our favorite books on ADHD! We can’t wait to share some valuable resources that have guided us on this journey, bi’ithnillah.
