When I work with parents who are raising neurodivergent kids, I often ask, “What was school like for you?” We all have an answer to this question, but it’s hard to sum up 13 years of learning in a conversation. I’m really just interested in a parent’s gut reaction. Some freeze, some appear overwhelmed and give me a look indicating, “How much time do we have?” and some wonder how this question is even relevant to raising their child. 

The reason I ask parents what school was like for them is this:

1) What worked (or didn’t work) for us in school informs how we feel about parent-teacher collaboration now, and

2) I want parents (and teachers) to realize that the child in front of them is living their school story right now. How we respond to their needs and encourage their strengths become a part of their story.

So, what was school like for you? I’ll go first.

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