Helping Your Child Be Their Own Best Advocate
What is an advocate? An advocate is someone who recommends or offers support to a cause they believe in. In the world of special education, we often discuss parents and teachers serving as advocates for the needs of their students with learning challenges. These adult advocates play an important role in helping children reach their full potential, but as students grow and become more independent, they must learn how to advocate for themselves effectively.
Self-advocacy is a crucial, but challenging, life skill for students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia to master. Some students might feel too shy to ask for help. Others might not know who to ask or what to ask for. Sadly, many students with learning disabilities lack confidence, and this might block them from speaking up. All of these obstacles can be a barrier to effective self-advocacy.
However, the good news is that self-advocacy is a skill that can be taught, practiced, and mastered. Self-advocacy is essential for older students transitioning out of high school and into the workplace, but it can be introduced from a young age. Here are some tips to help your child become their own best advocate:
1. Encourage Asking Questions
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways your child can begin advocating for themselves is by asking questions. Unfortunately, many children with learning disabilities hesitate to ask questions, fearing they might look "different" or "behind" their peers. However, asking questions is the foundation of effective self-advocacy.
At home, create an environment where asking questions is encouraged and praised. When your child asks about their homework or doesn’t understand something, celebrate their curiosity. You could say something like, “I’m glad you asked! That’s a great question.” In school, encourage your child to raise their hand if they need clarification. They might not feel comfortable right away, but with practice, they’ll learn that it’s okay to ask for help.
2. Teach the Importance of Asking for Help
For many students with dyslexia, asking for help can feel intimidating. They may worry about being singled out or feel embarrassed that they need extra support. However, asking for help is an essential self-advocacy skill, and it’s something that needs to be taught.
As a parent, you can encourage your child to ask for help by modeling this behavior yourself. Let your child see that it’s okay to need assistance and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. When your child asks for help, respond positively and praise their effort. For instance, if they ask for help on a tough homework assignment, say something like, “It’s great that you recognized you needed help and asked for it. That’s a smart choice.”
3. Educate Your Child About Their Accommodations
If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, it’s crucial they know what accommodations they are entitled to. This understanding is a key part of self-advocacy for students. Make sure they’re aware of the support they should expect in the classroom, such as extra time on tests, having instructions read aloud, or access to certain learning aids.
Review their accommodations with them and explain how each one is designed to help them succeed. This not only builds their understanding but also empowers them to speak up if they are not receiving the support they need. For example, if your child knows they should sit at the front of the classroom for better focus, they’ll feel more confident requesting this from their teacher.
4. Practice Through Role-Playing
Self-advocacy often involves approaching authority figures, like teachers, to ask for accommodations or support. This can be nerve-wracking for any child, especially one who struggles with communication or feels insecure about their abilities. A great way to build confidence is through role-playing.
Act out scenarios where your child might need to advocate for themselves. For example, pretend to be their teacher and have your child practice asking for extra time on a test or requesting that instructions be repeated. Role-playing gives your child the opportunity to rehearse these conversations in a safe, supportive environment. The more they practice, the more confident they’ll become when the real situation arises.
5. Explore and Understand Their Learning Style
Each child with dyslexia has a unique way of learning, and understanding that learning style is key to self-advocacy. Some children learn best through auditory means, while others benefit from visual aids or hands-on activities. When your child knows how they learn best, they can more easily communicate their needs to teachers and other authority figures.
Help your child explore different learning strategies and identify what works best for them. If they find that they retain information better when it’s read aloud, encourage them to ask their teacher for oral instructions or audiobooks. If they’re more of a visual learner, they can request more charts, diagrams, or written instructions. Understanding their own learning style empowers them to seek the right kind of help in the classroom.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Child for the Future
Teaching your child to advocate for themselves is one of the most powerful gifts you can give them. By fostering self-advocacy skills, you’re helping them become more independent, confident, and capable of navigating their unique learning needs.
Remember, self-advocacy is a skill that takes time to develop. Be patient and celebrate every small step forward. With your support, your child will gain the skills they need to not only succeed in school but to thrive in life.
