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The language that describes what children can do has changed over the years.
Long are the days when children were referred to by their medical diagnosis and viewed through the lens of what they were not able to do. A dyslexic child, a learning-disabled child, and a child with disabilities were just a few of the terms commonly used to describe children.
The language we use reflects our perspective
In the past few decades, educators (at all levels), counselors, and clinicians have begun to realize that language and terminology reflect a point of view. These terms focus on skills and behaviors that prevent children from succeeding in and out of school. The shift from deficit-focused to ability-focused terminology indicated significant progress in discussing the future success of children who struggled in school and at home.
How does the term Neurodivergency reflect an ability-focused approach to working with children?
Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd, and Julia Frueh, MD, explain that “there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits in the neurodivergency world. (Harvard Health.edu.) The term, which was coined by Judy Singer in 1997, refers to a diverse tapestry of different conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, and Learning Disabilities. For a complete list of neurodivergency conditions, click here.
The Washington Center for Learning strives to empower parents and children by providing services that build on children’s talents, interests, dominant intelligences, and learning styles. We create interventions and supplementary instruction that capitalize on a child’s unique abilities while strengthening their growth areas. We aim to help children recognize and adapt productive and practical strategies for success in school and at home. Our high success rate with children and teens is rooted in the 1-on-1, customized instruction and intervention we provide. Click here to schedule your consultation and explore how we can empower you and your child.
Resources:
Words Matter: Adopting Inclusive…Language Guide