Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
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Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Cece with the Understood team. Today, we're thrilled to welcome educator Brian Stack (@bstackbu) to the chat as we discuss how can we help kids with #LD and #ADHD effectively self-advocate.
#LDchat A1) On a basic level, self-advocacy is asking for what you need. We can help students by modeling how to do this, then having them try it on their own. Some may need a script to follow at first.
Self-advocacy enables kids to communicate what they need to succeed. Learn more about helping your student self-advocate: https://t.co/Sg3tlRroon#LDchat
Self-advocacy holds a special meaning for my teens and young adults with ADHD. They're the main players, not parents. Support independence: Teach them in making choices, problem solving, self-regulation, and efficacy. Support successes and challenges. #LDchat
Self-advocacy enables kids to communicate what they need to succeed. Learn more about helping your student self-advocate: https://t.co/Sg3tlRroon#LDchat
All children with #LD and #ADHD can benefit from developing self-advocacy skills. Get issue-specific resources and tools: https://t.co/XuDdQtWj2A#LDchat
Exactly. One of the key findings from my study was that those students who came to college having been taught and had parents model were successful #selfadvocates#ldchat
Self-advocacy holds a special meaning for my teens and young adults with ADHD. They're the main players, not parents. Support independence: Teach them in making choices, problem solving, self-regulation, and efficacy. Support successes and challenges. #LDchat
Exactly. One of the key findings from my study was that those students who came to college having been taught and had parents model were successful #selfadvocates#ldchat
#LDchat A1) Adults (parents and teachers) need to help students practice these skills so that they are confident about their abilities before they graduate from high school.
#LDchat A1) Adults (parents and teachers) need to help students practice these skills so that they are confident about their abilities before they graduate from high school.
#LDchat A2) They may need to give them chances to rehearse what they want to say. They may even need help with the wording (thinking language-based LDs).
Great tip, Elizabeth. This can especially help students who might otherwise appear shy, when in fact they just needed time to rehearse their response. #ldchat
#LDchat A2) They may need to give them chances to rehearse what they want to say. They may even need help with the wording (thinking language-based LDs).
#LDchat A2) Have them start by advocating with teachers with whom they feel comfortable to build confidence. Eventually, we all have to advocate with people who aren't receptive, so they'll need to do that, too.
I especially like the #2 suggestion on this article: Avoid labeling your child as “shy,” otherwise you may find yourself with a self-fulfilling prophecy. #ldchat
#LDchat A2) Have them start by advocating with teachers with whom they feel comfortable to build confidence. Eventually, we all have to advocate with people who aren't receptive, so they'll need to do that, too.
A3 just as @echamblet shared have them roleplaying with people they feel comfortable talking too. I think ensuring they understand what they need is key #ldchat
A2. Older kids with ADHD fear sticking out among peers. Come up with "secret" signals." As a teacher, I walked around the classroom. It wasn't unusual. Some would "get in trouble" so we had a chance to talk. Better a trouble-maker than someone who has special needs :-(
#LDchat
#LDchat Absolutely right. Knowing what they need is a skill, too. The case manager should go through this with students to make sure students agree with what's been recommended for them!
A3 just as @echamblet shared have them roleplaying with people they feel comfortable talking too. I think ensuring they understand what they need is key #ldchat
“Having structures in place can help build self-advocacy. When kids are given tasks that they’re able to complete, it builds their self-esteem.” Great point! #ldchat
Building self-awareness is the first step in helping children understand their strengths and needs. Download our self-awareness worksheet to get started: https://t.co/Up7Jw1daHJ#LDchat
A4: Here is a great checklist you can use with kids as young as elementary school to connect self-advocacy skills to IEPs. https://t.co/vOrPGHq9Ac#ldchat
#IEP meetings are great opportunities for your child to practice self-advocacy. Consider these questions before having your child attend: https://t.co/GO5UemhqNV#LDchat
A4: Need help coming up with self-advocacy IEP goals? Use this list of ideas to brainstorm one that will work for your child. https://t.co/fUcXP4sQof#ldchat
Parents can request that self-advocacy goals be included in an #IEP plan. Here’s an example of how to include and measure those goals: https://t.co/4TxQhVSWif#LDchat
