Community Voices for Health

By: Sarah Gonet, Vice President, Development at BAMSI

Going back to school is stressful for parents and students across the board, with this stress often being amplified for students with learning disabilities. Characterized by neurological differences that affect how a person processes, store, and communicates information, common learning disabilities including dyslexia, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD and dyscalculia). Here are some tips for managing back-to-school stress for students with learning disabilities:

• Open Communication: Encourage open communication between parents, teachers, and the student.
• Time Management: Help the student develop strong time-management skills. Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for homework, study, and relaxation. Consistency can be especially helpful for students with ADHD.
• Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate the student’s achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost confidence and motivation!
• Stress Management Techniques: Teach the student stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga. These techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.

Most importantly, build a strong support network including parents, teachers, tutors, counselors, and even peers who can offer encouragement and assistance. A potential resource is BAMSI’s Parent Information Network (Parent Resources – BAMSI), a parent support program designed by parents and professionals, that offers additional assistance for parenting children with serious emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.

In partnership with the Department of Mental Health, PIN’s Parent Coordinators can provide one-on-one support, attend school and family meetings, and connect you with the appropriate resources for your family’s unique needs.

Goals include helping parents gain a sense of competency in parenting through challenges, sustaining parent connection to reduce feelings of stress or isolation as they cope with challenges, and providing additional education on the needs of children with mental health challenges.

For more information, email pin@bamsi.org or call 508-947-8779. Also, be sure to check out the latest Episode of Humanity First (https://lnkd.in/eF2mnyi4). As kids head back to school, Peter Evers, BAMSI CEO, speaks with Paul Engle, director of the Brockton Public Library. They discuss the services that the Brockton Public Library provides, partnering with local schools, and how they are changing to keep up with the community’s needs.

Remember – You are not alone!

Check out this link as well: https://www.mass.gov/locations/department-of-mental-health-southeast-area-office

A toolkit was released from Mental Health America: Back to School: Youth and technology | Mental Health America (mhanational.org).