Support for a 7-year-old with ADHD and mild Autism

Hi, my son is in Grade 3 now and we went through the same phase. Please don't worry, just ensure you meet the class teacher personally, not just the principal. Request a 'sensory break' schedule where she can step out if the classroom noise becomes overwhelming for her. It works wonders for focus.

It is really good you shared the certificates early. I suggest you try keeping a small 'comfort kit' in her bag with a stress ball or a fidget toy, just in case she gets anxious during lessons.

Suggest you try to keep communication with the class teacher very open. Just send a small note or email once a week to see how she is coping, as teachers here are often overworked and might miss small details if you don't nudge them.

Always keep a formal email trail with the school authorities regarding her specific requirements, so there is no confusion later during exam time. We had to do this for our daughter to get extra time during assessments.

Hi, I totally understand your anxiety. My nephew has similar needs, and we found that having a 'shadow teacher' for the first few months made a world of difference for his transition. Have you spoken to the coordinator about setting up a formal meeting to discuss her specific triggers in the classroom?

Don't worry too much, many schools are becoming more inclusive now. We had to push the school to provide a quiet corner for my son when he gets overwhelmed; it really helps him regulate. Just be persistent with the school management—they will listen if you are firm but polite.

My friend's daughter is also 7 and neurodivergent. She found that keeping the communication very open with the school helped, but also started speech therapy outside school which really improved her confidence in class. Stay strong, you are doing great!

Have you spoken to the school counselor yet? My niece has similar needs and the school provided a shadow teacher for the first few months to help her settle in. It made a huge difference.