Eleven things special needs parents want teachers to know

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1. We want you to help our children reach their potential

Even though our children have special needs, we want them to achieve as much as possible in school. We know this may mean extra work for teachers if they have to adapt or differentiate instructions. Don‘t dismiss our children’s abilities because of their disabilities.

2. Please learn about our children and their special needs

Every child is different including those with special needs. Take some time to read about our children’s conditions. If we give you information to read about our children and their special needs, please read it. Even though you taught other children with special needs, you do not know how my child's special needs affect him.

3. Accept that your teaching style may have to change

You may have to adapt your regular teaching style to help our children learn. Many children with special needs are visual learners and you might need to increase your use of visual aids.

If you raise your voice a lot or shout in the classroom, recognize that this is extremely upsetting to children with sensory issues. You need to think of another way to get children’s attention.

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4. Keep us informed

We don’t need to hear from you every day, but if anything significant happens in school, let us know. We will work with you to try to resolve any issues or problems. 

Tell us about any non-academic issues. If a child stops eating lunch for several days, let the parents know so they can find the reason. Don’t wait until an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or parent/teacher meeting to tell us your concerns.

5. Let us communicate easily with you

We need an easy way to communicate with you whether in writing, by phone or email. We can tell you if something happened that will affect our children’s schoolwork or behavior.

6. Accept that parents are the experts

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Since our children’s diagnoses, we read extensively about their disorders. We network with other parents and keep up to date on any developments. We spend the most time with our children and see them in all kinds of situations. We are the experts on our children. If we give you advice about our children, take it.

7. Recognize that you need to be flexible about our children’s homework

School is hard work for children with special needs as they struggle to behave and act “normal” all day. This takes a lot of concentration and is very tiring. Therefore, when our children get home from school, they are exhausted. It is difficult to get them to do some or all of their homework. In addition, we often have physical or occupational therapy to do with our children in the evenings. Recognize that our children probably won’t get all their homework done.

8. Tell us about homework and school announcements

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Organization is a big problem for children with special needs. They often forget to bring home what they need for homework or even forget what their homework is. The same applies to class and school announcements. Find a way to get this information to us directly.

9. Ask us for help

If you are unsure about an issue relating to our children, ask us. We want to work with you and will help you in any way we can.

10. Spend time focusing on strengths

So much time and effort is spent dealing with our children’s special needs, that their strengths and talents are often overlooked. Our children want to do well and want your approval when they do. Give them a chance to shine!

11. We appreciate all you do for our children

Even though we do not say it, we are grateful for the things you do with our children. We recognize that teaching children with special needs is challenging. So, if we haven't told you already, thank you!

I originally published this article on Examiner.com.