Talking to families about diagnosis: A Step-By-Step Guide for Educators (Episode 288)

 Discussed in this Podcast:

✅  Choose informal meeting locations like during yard duty walks or classroom settings instead of formal offices

✅  Start meetings with casual conversation and icebreakers to reduce anxiety

✅  Prepare 2-3 specific positive observations about the child before discussing concerns

✅  Document specific instances with dates, times, and contexts when noting behaviors

✅  Include teacher aides in meetings as they often provide valuable observations

✅  Consider inviting grandparents or key caregivers who are involved in daily routines

✅  Arrange for professional interpreters even if family members can translate

✅  Keep a resource list of local psychologists and pediatricians for referrals

✅  Maintain an email trail documenting meeting outcomes and parent decisions

✅  Break observations into three categories: social, emotional, and academic development

Make sure you listen to this Podcast as each step is discussed in detail including mistakes to avoid and the power of diagnosis.

These are the 3 Areas to keep an eye on.

• Are they playing well with others?
• Do they struggle with tasks that the other children appear to manage easily?
• Are they easily distractable to a degree that does not seem age appropriate?
• Have complaints been made about the child by other children or teachers?

• Does the child appear anxious or stressed?
• How does the child cope with transitions or changes to their routine?
• Is the child able to bounce back after being reprimanded or does it ruin their day?
• How does the child cope with making mistakes?

• Is there a specific area that the child appears to be struggling in?
• Could the child benefit from additional supports?
• Does the child take up more of the teacher aide’s time than other children?

• Understanding your child better
• Access to additional supports and funding
• Tailored therapeutic options
• Help the child to understand themselves
• Teachers discussing diagnosis

• FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/theplayfulpsychologist

  Website: https://www.theplayfulpsychologist.com/

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplayfulpsychologist/?hl=en

  Another Great Podcast with Emily

  Episode 110: Understanding Autism: Common Confusions and Misunderstandings – with Psychologist Emily Hanlon https://suelarkey.com.au/understanding-autism/