Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Parents of children with non-neurotypical learning profiles are some of my favourite people.

They have learned, often through blood, sweat and tears, to gather resources, accommodate learning outcomes, collect a support village, and reach for joy. They also remind the rest of the world that diversity is wonderful and education systems must be inclusive and hospitable places for every learner. However even this group of survivors have their limits, especially when it feels as if their carefully cultivated equilibrium has tilted and begun to careen off in a bizarre direction.

Across Sydney over the last week alone, families have had to adapt to a new COVID-19 normal. There have been fears, tears, and meltdowns (not just the children!) as schools scramble to move lessons online and parents negotiate working from home. Against a backdrop of global fear, the times are incredibly challenging, and a sense of loss has grown with every update.

However, here we are; adapting.

We are adjusting to new ways to shop, work, and educate our children. The challenges are undeniable, however parents of neuro-diverse children have an edge – we understand that learning involves striving. We are used to smashing through barriers and we are good at gathering the resources we need to turn striving into thriving, against the odds.

Yet we are also vulnerable to overwhelming stress without our usual support systems, and our children become vulnerable too.

Staff at the Literacy and Learning Centre are passionate about what we do in the neuro-diverse space and it’s business as usual (now that Zoom has become usual!). Diverse learners don’t need to suffer gaps in their learning and parents don’t need to suffer alone with family stress.

We have expertise and evidence-based strategies to help you survive and thrive.

Psychologists and tutors here can offer children and parents the following services via Zoom:

• Dyslexia assessments
• Individualised multisensory learning programs for children with specific learning and neurodevelopmental disorders, Eg Dyslexia, ADHD
• Individualised remedial reading programs
• Individual therapy sessions for managing stress, anxiety, low mood

We are also excited to be offering a subscription to a series of parenting webinars with our Principal Clinical Psychologist, Sandra Graudins – listen in your own time, and as many times as you need, including:

• Stress management and self-care for parents
• Managing compliance with home learning (giving instructions, communication, establishing rules)
• Sibling rivalry
• Coping with anxiety and fear at home (and knowing when your child needs additional support)
• How to manage bossy thoughts and relentless worries

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the task of managing your neuro-diverse child’s home learning, why not call the Centre for more details?

Sarah Hindle

Psychologist | Clinical Psychologist Registrar

The Literacy and Learning Centre