Academics or Holistic Development

When it comes to school for our neurodivergent kids, sometimes we wonder where should the emphasis lie – on academic performance or holistic development?

ND kids can have all kinds of challenges in mainstream schooling; social expectations, traditional classroom models, attention and focus, sensory overwhelm, the list goes on.

I remember a meeting with the school principal when my son was entering his usual end of year burn out. We went through strategies to support him, to keep him and others safe, to ensure his relationship with the school remained positive. I asked ‘what about school work?’ and the principal replied ‘that’s really not our focus right now.’

It’s funny, because, of course, I knew that. I knew that in the list of priorities, reading and writing were way down the list compared to mental health and safety. But some part of my brain made me ask the question because after all – isn’t school for school work?

Schooling have evolved a lot in the last 30 or so years. I was greatly comforted that my child’s school was concerned for his wellbeing – yes, academia matters, but only when he has the capability for it.

Not all schools have that attitude. For some, if the child can’t/won’t learn, they shouldn’t be there. I know many parents of ND kids who struggle with this with their school community.

But when it comes to the place your child spends six hours a day, it must be about holistic development. Academic performance matters, yes, but the CHILD matters more.