The past year and a half has shown the necessary steps educators and parents must take to ensure children are being knowledgeable in the future of education for students with neurodiverse needs.
As the BC-based parent behind British Columbia Mom, mental health advocate, and Sonderly Parent and Community Panel Member, Tara Jensen understands how technology can support Vancouver children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and declining mental health.
Tara has sought out to combat this unique situation of online learning. With online education tools like Sonderly, she has been able to access learning resources in a bite-sized manner to help support students of all learning styles through easy to understand tips and tricks.
What is the future of education for students with neurodiverse needs (including Autism Spectrum Disorder)?
TJ: The pandemic has shed a light on the staggering imbalance in support for children with additional educational needs. Many children during the pandemic saw their routines disrupted, their individual education plans thrown to the wind, and a lack of EA (Education Assistance) support while at home.
I believe we are on a path for considerable change fueled by parent education. We’re seeing an increase in parent advocates that are more heavily involved in individualized education plans, turning to alternative education methods that accompany EA support and focus on more homeschooling.
How has technology advanced education during the pandemic?
TJ: The pandemic has really forced an immediate pivot for education. It was incredible to see museums, landmarks, and many city institutions create online tours, Q&A sessions, and learning resources that could be made available to the public. Having access to personal tours virtually also complemented many homeschooling curriculums.
We also saw an increase in online education platforms. Online learning platforms like Sonderly gave parents access to additional education and ways to support their neurodiverse children’s learning needs while learning from home. It is so important to recognize the positive impact of learning programs like Sonderly, as their vetted autism and mental-health related training resources ensure students with neurodiverse needs remain supported and engaged during COVID-19, and beyond.
How has the pandemic impacted student learning, especially for those with neurodiverse needs and mental health concerns?
TJ: Students with special needs were not considered ahead of the lockdown and remote learning. The focus was on the average students’ learning impact. The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques that educators are familiar with are primarily based on practices available in-person. Teachers needed training on how to apply the ABA fundamentals in an online setting. Therefore, the parents were also left behind to figure out how to teach their autistic child and close the learning gap.
How will technology and online resources, like Sonderly, play a larger role in education in a post-pandemic world?
TJ: Online education tools are dedicated to preparing teachers and parents so they can accommodate all students, and all learning styles, in an effective way online. Online resources make learning materials more accessible and readily available. Now, with online platforms, parents can learn alongside their children’s educators through bite-sized, self paced courses that offer an inside look into what supports may work best for their children.
What are the benefits of using Sonderly and other online technology education tools and support resources?
TJ: Sonderly decodes clinical research and presents it to users in an accessible and easily digestible way. This education model is ideal for parents that may also have neurodiverse or special needs. Education is key to understanding, and Sonderly’s library is extensive.
Why are parents looking to online resources for easy-to-implement tools that can prepare them to combat learning loss caused by the pandemic?
TJ: To be blunt, because they have no other choice. While some teachers had great online learning plans and support in place, many were unprepared or unable to adequately support neurodiverse children online and the parents had to fill the gaps. The sudden move to online learning disproportionately affected neurodiverse children, children with disabilities, children in low income families, children who have parents that can’t afford to stay home and children who saw school as a safe space.
For many families, online learning was a new response that they had not encountered before, so it meant that they had to fight against the instability each day and pick up the slack.
How do you ensure children with neurodiverse needs aren’t being left behind?
1. Advocate for yourself and your child.
Make yourself part of the team and make your own specific needs known. Being a vocal advocate for your child will ensure that you are part of every decision making process and can educate the support staff on what works well for your child.
2. Connect your children’s medical team with their counsellors, EA’s and teachers
It is important that parents have a holistic understanding of what their child needs in order to succeed. Parents can do this by staying up to date on any changes in their learning style, support system at school, and of course, their health.
3. Lastly, but most importantly, make use of the education support available to you.
By having a deep understanding of your child’s neurodiverse diagnosis, you’ll be able to better work through ways to empathize with and manage their anxiety, and create safe spaces that encourage learning and exploration. Ultimately, online resources will help you feel more confident and empowered in your parenting techniques so you support your child.
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