All Things CLASS

 View Only
  • 1.  Emotional support

    Posted 2 days ago

    When providing emotional support in the classroom for a neurodivergent student, do you find it most beneficial to support that one student in the group setting or one on one with that student? Can you give some examples? 



    ------------------------------
    Julie Young
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Emotional support

    Posted 2 days ago

    Not every neurodivergent person is the same and what works for one person might not work for another. The term "neurodivergent" itself covers a wide range of characteristics and behaviors. Without knowing the specifics about a person it is difficult to determine which approach might work best. Often interventions are trial and error. A team approach in terms of determining strategies is best. The team should consist of at least one classroom teacher, at least one family member, the mental health/disabilities coordinator (in Head Start), an early intervention specialist or preschool special education professional, and any other specialist who works with the child/family.

    Years ago, when I taught pre-service early childhood special education candidates, I would bring out an adult "one size fits all" glove and put it on. As I have small hands the glove was visibly too big for me. One size does not fit all. That is why individualization is so important.



    ------------------------------
    Deborah Abelman, M.Ed., Ph.D.
    Director of Professional Development and Coaching
    The Dimock Center
    Roxbury, MA
    ------------------------------