The Unseen Burden: 20,000 More Negative Comments

Jemma Last
5 days ago
2 min read

Did you know that by the age of 10, a child with ADHD may receive an estimated 20,000 more negative or corrective comments than their neurotypical peers? (Source: Jellinek, 2010; commonly cited in ADHD literature like Child In Time, Life Skills Advocate, and Child Behavior Clinic).

Let that number sink in.

These aren't just minor critiques. They often occur in environments meant for growth and learning – school, home, clubs, and beyond – frequently for behaviors that are instinctive and beyond their conscious control, such as:

Daydreaming
Fidgeting
Movement
Impulsivity

As parents, we sometimes hear, "I don't want to rock the boat" when discussing our child's needs with schools or other institutions. My personal stance? ROCK THAT BOAT.

You are your child's most powerful advocate until they can confidently advocate for themselves. If you believe your child is being unfairly disciplined or isn't receiving the support necessary to truly thrive, it's your responsibility to speak up.

How to "Rock the Boat" Effectively:

Politely: Maintain a respectful and collaborative tone.
Kindly: Approach conversations with empathy, recognizing that educators are often doing their best.
With Backed-Up Evidence: Bring observations, documentation, and research on what strategies work for your child.
With the Law: Understand your child's rights and the legal frameworks (e.g., SEND regulations in the UK, IDEA in the US) that ensure they receive appropriate support.

Beyond advocating for them, empower your child by starting to teach them how to politely advocate for their own needs. This builds crucial self-advocacy skills for their future.

Unsure how to navigate these conversations or empower your child? Let's connect. My work as an ADHD coach focuses on helping families build strategies for success and strong self-advocacy.

#Neurodiversity #ADHD #ChildAdvocacy #Parenting #Education #Inclusion #SpecialNeeds #NeurodivergentSupport #RockTheBoat