As a dedicated caregiver or parent of a neurodivergent child, you’re on a mission to help them thrive. But, with so many resources out there, finding the right tools can be overwhelming. We’ve got your back. In this listicle, we’ll introduce you to the top 7 self-help tools that can make a world of difference for kids with thinking and learning differences. These tools empower you and your child, helping you both reach your goals and celebrate every milestone along the way.
Table of Contents
1. Visual Schedules: A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
Visual schedules are an excellent self-help tool for kids with thinking and learning differences. They provide a clear, easy to understand structure that helps children prepare for daily activities. By using images, symbols, or words, visual schedules can reduce anxiety and improve independence.
- Types: Physical charts, digital apps, or DIY white boards
- Benefits: Improved routine, reduced anxiety, more independence
Build Custom Printable Visual Schedules
Is your child having trouble managing their routines? Here’s a free visual schedule builder. Goally’s custom tool allows you to create printable personalized schedules that motivate your child to focus on their tasks. Perfect for morning, homework, and bedtime routines, this free visual schedule builder is easy to use and will help your child reach their full potential.
Click below to make your CUSTOM printable visual schedule! 👇
"Lifesaving game changer! So great to have a device that supports the daily routine for our neuro-atypical loved ones." — Estrella Learn more →
2. Social Stories: Navigating the Social World
In the vast universe of self-help tools, social stories are a practical resource for neurodivergent kids. These short, custom-made narratives decode the complexity of social situations and expectations. They translate complex ideas into simple, relatable scenarios. The result? Your child gets a helping hand in understanding social cues and crafting suitable responses. So, while exploring self-help tools, remember the potent role of social stories in your child’s journey.
- Format: Books, videos, or digital apps
- Benefits: Enhanced social skills, a better understanding of emotions, improved communication
Read More: Social Stories for Kids
3. Sensory Tools: Calming the Storm
These self-help tools are a boon for children dealing with sensory overload. Not only do they provide a calming effect, but they also have significant benefits:
- Comfort and Relief: They offer soothing comfort during overwhelming situations by stimulating the senses gently.
- Examples of Sensory Tools:
- Weighted blankets: Creates a sense of security and eases anxiety.
- Fidget toys: Aids concentration and helps to channel restlessness.
- Noise-canceling headphones: Blocks out potentially distressing noises.
- Benefits of Sensory Tools:
- Reduced stress: By offering a distraction or focal point, these tools can help reduce stress.
- Increased focus: They can improve concentration by providing a calming influence.
- Better emotional regulation: With the soothing effect, these tools can help children manage their emotional responses better.
4. Assistive Technology: Empowering Independence
Assistive technology includes various devices and software that support kids with thinking and learning differences. These technologies can help children overcome barriers and achieve their full potential, from text-to-speech tools to customizable keyboards.
- Types: Speech-to-text software, specialized keyboards, educational apps
- Benefits: Enhanced learning experience, increased independence, improved communication
5. Time Management Tools: Mastering the Clock
Time management tools can be real lifesavers for neurodivergent children who face challenges with organization and punctuality. Here’s how these tools can help:
- Understanding Time: These tools assist children in grasping the concept of time, enabling them to plan their day effectively.
- Examples of Time Management Tools:
- Timers: These provide visual or auditory reminders, making it easier to follow a schedule.
- Calendars: A visual aid to help remember dates, plan ahead, and track progress over time.
- Task Lists: Breaks down big tasks into manageable parts, reducing overwhelm and boosting productivity.
- Benefits of Time Management Tools:
- Improved organization: They help children structure their day, leading to an organized lifestyle.
- Increased productivity: By breaking tasks down, these tools aid in improving productivity.
- Better time awareness: They foster a strong sense of time, which helps in punctuality and task completion.
6. Mindfulness Techniques: Finding Inner Peace
Mindfulness techniques are game-changers in the realm of self-help tools for children. Imagine the power of deep breathing exercises and guided meditation; they’re not just adult stuff! These practices help kids deal with learning and thinking differences. Your little ones can enhance focus and self-awareness by managing stress and improving emotional regulation. It doesn’t end there – regular practice can elevate their overall well-being too. So, parents, when exploring self-help tools, always remember mindfulness techniques as a secret ingredient for your children’s success.
- Activities: Deep breathing, guided meditation, yoga
- Benefits: Reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, increased self awareness
7. Parent Support Groups: You’re Not Alone
Diving into the world of self-help tools, let’s shine a spotlight on parent support groups. Picture this as your sanctuary, where you can freely share experiences, swap advice, and discover the motivation you’ve been searching for. Trust me, there’s something special about connecting with folks who truly get what you’re going through.
Raising a child is an adventure filled with ups and downs. That’s where parent support groups step in, becoming an invaluable part of your journey. So, parents, while exploring self-help tools, remember these groups – they’re your secret weapon, your friendly neighborhood, your virtual high-five in this rollercoaster ride of parenthood.
- Format: In-person meetings, online forums, social media groups
- Benefits: Emotional support, practical advice, shared resources
Goally | Skills Training Videos for Kids
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s TV app for kids has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
Dive into the Goal Mine channel, where Puffy the Penguin leads your child through behavior skills training videos. They’ll learn social, hygiene, and living skills that are key to their independence. For those moments when they need a break, the Chill Zone channel offers low stimulation video content with Paulie the Penguin at the beach, perfect for relaxation and self-regulation.
Empower Your Child and Reach New Heights Together
In summary, these top 7 self-help tools offer a variety of ways to support your neurodivergent child’s growth and development. By using visual schedules, social stories, sensory tools, assistive technology, time management tools, mindfulness techniques, and parent support groups into your daily routine, you’ll be better able to help your child overcome challenges and reach their goals. Remember, every child is unique, and finding the right combination of tools is key to unlocking their full potential.
FAQs About Self-Help Tools To Help You Reach Your Goals
What are some examples of self-help tools for children? Examples of self-help tools for children include visual schedules, emotional regulation apps, rewards, sensory tools, and time management aids.
How can self-help tools assist kids with learning and thinking differences? Self-help tools can help these kids improve focus, manage stress, enhance emotional regulation, and break down complex concepts into manageable tasks.
What are sensory tools for children in the context of self-help tools? Sensory tools like weighted blankets, fidget toys, and noise-canceling headphones can help kids deal with sensory processing issues by providing a calming influence.
How do time management self-help tools benefit neurodivergent children? Time management tools like timers, calendars, and task lists can improve organization, increase productivity, and enhance time awareness for neurodivergent children.
What role do social stories play as self-help tools? Social stories are personalized narratives that help neurodivergent children understand and respond appropriately to social situations and cues.
This post was originally published on 04/19/2023. It was updated on 06/16/2023.
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We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
