Looking Out for #1

July 11, 2016 | Christian Sims, MAT Learning Specialist

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The Importance of Self-Advocacy

It may sound selfish, but “looking out for #1” is actually a noble approach to life, according to author Robert Ringer whose New York Times number 1 best-selling book is titled as such (earlytorise.com/why-looking-out-for-number-one-is-noble/). When it comes to education, students with learning differences or attention concerns need to learn how to look out for #1, more aptly known as self-advocacy.

What is self-advocacy?

Self-advocacy is a skill that involves a three-pronged approach. To effectively self-advocate, students must:

1) understand their strengths and weaknesses.

2) know what they need in order to succeed.

3) communicate that to other people.

What does self-advocacy look like?

Let’s consider this example: Your son is aware that he gets very nervous and “freezes” when having to complete work under time constraints. To make matters worse, he becomes even more anxious as he observes his peers racing through their work, seemingly without hesitation. His class has been told that by next Friday, they will have to solve 100 multiplication problems in 5 minutes or less. He is confident that he knows his times tables, but once speed becomes a factor, his mind goes blank. He also knows that he can demonstrate his knowledge of the material if given additional time. Your son explains to his teacher that, despite mastery of the skill at home and hours of practice, he has a very hard time completing his times tables when he is being timed and when he is surrounded by other distractions in the classroom. He asks his teacher if he can complete the task in a room with fewer distractions and be allowed additional time if needed. If his teacher agrees, then he is good to go. If his teacher denies his request, then your son needs to reach out to another staff member at school.

Why teach self-advocacy?

As parents, we are initially in charge of advocating for our kids and their educational needs. But there comes a time when teaching our kids to advocate for themselves serves a greater purpose than just having their needs met at school. When your daughter engages in self-advocacy, she:

• gains self-confidence

• establishes ownership of her academic progress

• promotes her independence

• becomes self-empowered

• develops critical thinking skills by creating solutions to help address her challenges

How do I teach my child to self-advocate?

It’s never too late to teach your child to self-advocate, but it is most beneficial to start early. To help your child build this skill:

• talk with your child about his strengths and weaknesses

• promote that asking for help is a positive action

• provide positive praise when he speaks up and asks for help

• encourage him to use his allowable accommodations in the classroom

• pair him with a mentor who has learning and attention concerns

• take a back seat and allow him a chance to solve the problem before stepping in

• include him in the 504 or IEP meetings, and incorporate self-advocacy goals in his 504 or IEP

If, after teaching these skills, your child still feels embarrassed, guilty, awkward, or ashamed about putting herself out there and asking for help at school, consider role playing specific scenarios with her. Give her ample opportunities to practice what to say, how to say it, and what to do depending on the response she receives from her teachers.

Visit Understood.org for more information on helping your elementary, middle, or high school aged child learn self-advocacy skills.