New or Not Diagnosed

NEWLY OR NOT DIAGNOSED

Our coaches have years of experience working with neurodivergent students and understand not only the process to diagnosis, but can educate your student about their new diagnosis leading to a better understanding and acceptance of who they are. We can help to find additional supports and help for your student to accept their diagnosis and find new strengths.

There are also many different reasons a student may need extra supports, but not have a formal diagnosis. Students may not meet criteria for diagnosis, but struggle with executive function skills, some families choose not to seek a diagnosis, or your family is in that long wait to meet with a diagnostic professional. We want to identify and support a student individually, and not having a formal diagnosis should not put any student at a disadvantage for opportunity and to reach their dreams.

Impacts to the New or Not Diagnosed Student:

Although often a new diagnosis is a relief, newly diagnosed students and their parents face a new reality at school that requires them to navigate complex systems to access needed supports.

Undiagnosed students face many challenges related to their executive function challenges, but are not able to access school based supports such as accommodations without a qualifying diagnosis.

Often student’s may have significantly impaired executive function skills, but not meet criteria for a diagnosis. This can lead to increase feelings of frustration, confusion, and loss of hope.

Struggling students without a diagnosis may blame themselves for their challenges and/or be seen by others as lazy or undisciplined.

Many students can be resistant to accepting a new diagnosis and feel shame, embarrassment.

Many students have learned coping skills/strategies to survive, but these often need to adapt and change for students to thrive.

Once a diagnosis has been obtained, students may begin medication which often requires some trial and takes time to get used to. This can have a significant impact on the student and their academic performance.

How Does Coaching Help Newly and Undiagnosed Students?

A skilled academic coach supports a student and their family by acknowledging a student's unique academic challenges and offering options for the family to pursue as they seek to best support them.

Once a diagnosis is obtained, the coach supports the family and student by skillfully assisting them to navigate the complex process of obtaining accommodations to level the playing field for their student at school.

If a family chooses to not pursue diagnosis or the student does not meet criteria, the coach uses evidence based, proven strategies and techniques to address the challenges without the additional accommodations available in school for students with a diagnosis.

If accommodations are obtained, they are carefully monitored by experienced coaches and suggestions are made to the student or parent to help the student better access these supports and make any needed adjustments throughout their academic journey.

If medication is used to treat a student’s diagnosis, coaches provide support as they adjust to the medication. Skilled coaches will scaffold support during this time and adjust as the student begins to benefit from the medication.

Giving the client a space to talk about their feelings and process what being diagnosed means to them.

Advocating for the student’s needs becomes top priority, ensuring that all necessary and provided resources are being utilized for optimal success.

Why is Coaching Academics the Right Choice?

Coaches that not only have years of professional experience, but many that have made this journey personally. Families are met with expertise and empathy.
Our coaches can participate in IEP and 504 meetings with educators and professionals to advocate for student success.

Personalized coaching to identify strengths and needed skills as well as the strategies for each student that will incorporate accommodations.

Sessions incorporate education relating to diagnosis, medications, accommodations, and acceptance.

Coaching does not stop with the session. Coaches are available throughout the week to check on progress and support students in real time.

Coach and student review academic portal together in sessions to build action plans.

Flexible, student-centered coaching sessions that are student-driven, allowing them to take control of their learning while receiving guidance and accountability.

Support beyond academics that leads to life skills development, including social interaction, goal setting, and long-term planning.

Access to AI-Integrated, school approved, learning tools for interactive learning, enhancing understanding and engagement for students with different learning styles.

Proven track record of success helping numerous neurodiverse students succeed academically, build self-confidence, and achieve personal goals - with or without a diagnosis. 96%of students report they are making progress towards their goals within 2 months of starting our program.