Signs your child might benefit from additional educational support 

Every child’s educational journey is unique, but for neurodivergent children, certain challenges may arise that require tailored support. We’re here to help you recognise the signs your child might need extra assistance within their place of learning, so you can consider the necessary steps for them to thrive.

What are the signs that my child requires extra support at school? 

The following behaviours and patterns may indicate that your child could benefit from additional educational support:

Academic challenges

• Struggling to keep up with their peers in certain subjects.

• Difficulty concentrating, completing assignments, or understanding instructions.

• A noticeable discrepancy between effort and achieved results.

Emotional or behavioural changes

• Increased anxiety or frustration about schoolwork or specific subjects.

• Avoidance behaviours, such as frequent absences or reluctance to talk about school.

• Emotional outbursts related to academic pressures.

Social difficulties

• Trouble with making or keeping friends.

• Misinterpreting social cues or feeling excluded in group activities.

• Being withdrawn or overly reliant on adults for social interactions.

Physical signs

• Complaints of headaches or stomach-aches that seem tied to school attendance.

• Difficulty sleeping due to worries about school.

• Unexplained fatigue or low energy levels, particularly after a school day.

Why neurodivergent children struggle in neurotypical classrooms

All children are wired differently, each with their own communication style, unique strengths and challenges, and methods of processing information. Neurodivergent children often struggle in traditional classrooms because, unfortunately, the teaching techniques used are tailored to neurotypical brains. Autistic children or children with ADHD or specific learning difficulties find it hard to thrive in environments that do not offer appropriate support or adjustments for the ways in which they learn.

For example, a child with ADHD might struggle with focus and self-regulation in a classroom setting that relies heavily on sustained attention, while an autistic child with autism might find sensory overload in a busy classroom overwhelming. These children may experience frustration, anxiety, or disengagement if their specific needs aren't addressed.

Reasonable adjustments, such as providing quiet spaces, modifying teaching processes, or offering additional time for deadlines, are vital for allowing neurodivergent children to access the same educational opportunities as their peers. Recognising the need for these adjustments is the first step in ensuring that every child can discover what success looks like to them.

What should I do if my child needs additional support?

If you notice signs that your child might benefit from additional educational support, addressing this early on can prevent further challenges, and help your child to develop the skills they need to thrive.

• Engage with your child’s school staff. Speak with teachers and school leaders to discuss your concerns and get their perspective into your child’s learning style and behaviour within the classroom.

• Explore potential adjustments. Work with the school to identify reasonable adjustments that can be made to better support your child’s needs, such as changes in teaching strategies or classroom arrangements.

• Reach out for professional support. If further assistance is needed, consider using resources like the government’s Family Hub service. They now exist in 75 local authorities, making it easier for families in those areas to access help.

How can ProblemShared’s Education Navigation service help my child?

Our service is designed to meet your child where they are, offering:

• Personalised insights. Our specialist team will identify specific barriers to learning and provide tailored recommendations to address them.

• Collaboration with educators. We’ll work with your child’s school to implement strategies that align with their resources and capabilities.

• Parental support. We empower parents with the knowledge and tools to advocate effectively for their child.

You can learn more about accessing our Education Navigation service on our dedicated page.