Special Education and Mental Health

working memory issues

sometimes difficult to listen and write at the same time

extra time can be overwhelming

having fidget tools can help lots of students

sometimes students need help with organization

"time off the clock"

If a child does not understand a consequence, it is not worth doing

being punitive does not help

if the rules are not consistent, children may not understand what they did wrong

anxiety should never be punished

find solutions to the problem causing misbehaviour

work with the student to solve problems

Make sure to check your biases

does not look the same for all autistic students

never expect your students to mask

try not to use figurative language (or if you do, explain it)

routine and stability is important

a miscommunication between an autistic person and a non-autistic person should not automatically be the autistic person's fault

have high expectations

be literal

work with your students to make sure they are supported

teachers have to work on staying calm when dealing with behavioural issues

have a good sense of humour

check your biases

take care of your own mental health

know that you cannot always do everything. It is okay to get help

options help all students

give choice in difficulty

give choice in subject matter

allow different types of products

allow different tools to complete work

ask your students what they need

be flexible

do not forget about students because they are "smart"

including fun and hands on activities can help all kids

allow all students to be brilliant

BIPOC students (particularly black stufents) are often seen as disruptive and not gifted

Brain stuck in fight or flight

retraumatization

adverse childhood experiences

structural racism, homophobia and transphobia can make things worse

Be careful to not choose class materials (eg. books) that can traumatize students

schools need to be healing spaces

believe all students can succeed

focus on strengths when writing report cards and IEPs

Important to not have a defecit mindset

everyone's brains work differently

If students are not supported, they may not do as well

there are no "bad" or "lazy" students

BIPOC students are often diagnosed for exceptionalities and punished more frequently than white students

black students are more likely to be streamed into special education

black students are less likely to be seen as gifted

girls are often underdiagnosed for dyslexia

make sure to work with families to do what is best for the student

do not make assumptions about culture

We might not need tests

tests don't have to be scary

students need to be taught study and test taking skills

not just reading

auditory as well

girls are underdiagnosed

having audio books is a great option

if the ability to write letters is not being tested, allow students to use tools to complete their work