HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR NEURODIVERGENT CHILD WITH THE SCHOOLING AND EDUCATION

Neurodivergent children often face learning challenges at school, and these can vary greatly from one child to another. Their brains process information differently from neurotypical children, which can make it difficult for them to learn in a typical classroom setting. Conditions like attention difficulties, developmental delays, or other diagnoses can all affect their ability to keep up. As a result, they often need extra support—not only at school, where that support isn’t always available, but also at home, where parents are already juggling daily care responsibilities and navigating complex systems like the NDIS and various therapy services.

When schools don’t provide enough support, it can be incredibly stressful and frustrating for parents who are doing their best to help their child succeed. It’s heartbreaking to see your child fall behind or struggle to cope in class. In response, some parents consider changing classes, moving schools, or homeschooling. But these options aren’t always the right fit for every child. If that’s the case, you might want to explore other solutions—such as requesting extra in-class support or trying a mix of home-based and school-based learning to create a more flexible and supportive environment.

Seeking Extra Learning Support at School

As a parent, you have the right to talk to your child’s teacher and school about applying for additional learning support if you believe your child needs it. In fact, several families I’ve worked with have successfully applied for this support and received approval from the Department of Education. When approved, funding is allocated to provide a teacher’s aide or School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) to work one-on-one with your child in the classroom.

You can learn more about this process through the NSW Department of Education’s website here:🔗 NSW Department of Education – Requesting Support

What is Combined Home- and School-Based Learning?

This option allows your child to learn at home for one or two days a week, while attending school on the other days. It’s especially helpful when your child isn’t receiving enough support at school, and switching schools or homeschooling full-time isn’t the best option.

To get started, you’ll need to:

1. Talk to your child’s paediatrician – They can write a letter recommending part-time home-based learning.

2. Work with your child’s therapy team – This includes professionals like occupational, speech, or behaviour therapists. Together, you can create clear learning goals and strategies tailored to your child’s needs.

3. Submit a plan to the school principal – Include the paediatrician’s letter and the learning plan from your child’s support team, explaining why this learning arrangement is needed.

Once approved, you or a support worker can begin implementing the plan at home. This includes structured activities to help your child build important skills like counting, writing, communication, and play.

We’ve used this approach to support a 12-year-old student with non-verbal severe autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder and other medical conditions. She needs one-on-one support, but her special needs school wasn’t able to meet those needs. After starting home-based learning just one day a week, we’ve seen major progress in just four months—especially in her writing, drawing, counting, and ability to stay focused and use her AAC device.

In Conclusion

For many neurodivergent children, traditional school environments can be challenging. That’s why it’s so important to explore all available support options. While switching classes, moving schools, or homeschooling might work for some families, these paths aren’t right for everyone. In those cases, applying for extra school-based support or combining home and school learning can be a great alternative to help your child develop their skills and reach their learning goals.

If you are interested in this topic or you have any questions, feel free to comment or

reach out—we’re here to help.

Author: Hugh Vo, Registered Nurse/ NDIS Support Coordinator

Founder of NSC

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