There is an important subset of children who can be described as having a non-traditional style of learning. Whereas there has been much research dedicated to understanding individual learning styles, children in school are not taught to understand this variable from a normal position of self-awareness and knowledge. Instead, discussions of learning style are often in relation to how to support a child with weaknesses within the special education system. As a result of these factors, children feel the stigma. They can become vulnerable to insecurities, depression and/or anxiety about their “difficulties” or “problems” rather than develop an understanding of the goodness-of-fit variables and school limitations that are having a negative impact on their ability to reach their potential.
Through education, parents and teachers can develop a deeper understanding of a child, including strengths, vulnerabilities, learning style, and/or non-conformist attributes. Positive tools, such as behavior shaping, positive reinforcement, academic differentiation, and altering peer groups and environment to best match the child’s needs can be utilized to help the child to feel validated, empowered, successful, and ultimately fulfilled!
The more clinical model of working with children focuses on identifying behavior problems, learning disabilities, and mental health issues and remediating them via treatment approaches. Whereas there is efficacy in treatment and utilizing evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy in working with children, the approach can sometimes limit progress by perpetuating a sense that “something is wrong” with the child or that the child has a mental health issue, warranting a need for “treatment.” Understanding who the child is, altering their environment by taking into consideration “goodness-of-fit,” and changing the language that parents and teacher use so that it is more positive and focused on strengths all represent steps that are naturally therapeutic and quite effective.