As I was leaving the school premises, a mom approached me to ask if I was her son’s reading teacher. I said yes, and for the precious few minutes that followed, we briefly discussed her son’s struggles and progress. It’s not that her son or his classmates lack the ability to read. Their brains simply work differently, which is not a bad thing. They are bright, energetic, and kind, but they need support with challenges such as sitting still, following written instructions, or comprehending words on a page. Today, we call this neurodivergence.

Some of my students are neurodivergent, with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences. In conversations with parents, I’ve felt how confusing and overwhelming it can be to figure out the next steps. After teaching neurodivergent kids, I want to share what I’ve learned to better support parents, teachers, and caregivers.

I understand how it can be frustrating for a teacher to handle a class with neurodiverse children. I can also imagine how it might look like for parents who need to go about their day while attending to their kids’ unique needs. 

But here’s the thing: if we keep viewing our neurodivergent kids only through our own lens, frustration can set in quickly. It’s important to remember that they learn and grow at their own pace. When we impose our own schedules and timelines, we’re not just putting pressure on them, we’re also giving ourselves unnecessary stress.

These children remind us that there’s no “right” way to do things. What works for us may not work for them, and this is completely okay.

When we approach everyday routines with them like eating, bathing, or reading with more patience and compassion, we set the tone not just for a lighter day, but for more meaningful moments for and with them. An unrushed mealtime, a stress-free bath, or a slower but happier reading session make a strong impact on these kids.

Your presence is the warmest and most reassuring comfort your neurodivergent child can have in moments of fear or overwhelm. But since you can’t always be right beside them, seeing them for who they are means doing your best to recreate that sense of safety through a thoughtfully prepared comfort kit.

While you might already have an essentials bag packed with extra clothes, towels, or hygiene items, this comfort kit is different. It should be filled with the things your child instinctively reaches for to feel safe and calm.

Think fidget or sensory toys in times of anxiety or noise-cancelling headphones for when the environment gets too loud. Also, don’t forget your child’s personal comfort item. For example, one of my students wears his favorite digital wristwatch everyday because he always loves knowing and reporting the time, simple activities that give him comfort and confidence.

Preparing your child’s comfort kit will let them feel your love and care, wherever they are.

Seeing our kids as they are not only makes our days lighter, but also helps us humbly recognize where they could possibly need more support.

For example, while the parents of the children I teach can offer reading materials at home, they still choose to partner with the school by enrolling their child in a dedicated reading program. Beyond reading, some children may also benefit from extra support in areas like communication, coordination, or emotional regulation. 

Now here’s where another concern comes in: Where can parents and caregivers find these special classes if their child’s local school doesn’t offer them? The good news is, there is a center with trained professionals who understand these needs and know exactly how to support neurodiverse kids. 

Thankfully, finding the right environment to help neurodiverse kids build a strong foundation in life no longer requires guesswork. With a caring team of professionals, Kinetix Kids offers specialized classes designed to provide neurodiverse kids a strong foundation in life:

For instance, there’s a special class designed to prepare kids for formal schooling, using visual, musical, and kinesthetic learning, led by Early Education Specialist and Associate Manager Dana Macanlalay. For children who struggle with speech or self-expression, Speech-Language Pathologist Teacher Clarisse Lim brings both her personal experience and professional training to support kids’ language and communication development.

Equally important are classes that help kids manage and regulate their emotions and make sense of the information they receive from their senses. Drawing from her post-professional doctorate from Boston University, in-house Occupational Therapist Dr. Pilar Balboa offers real solutions for families navigating these challenges.

Completing the roster of the center’s holistic approach are strength and conditioning sessions led by sports science coaches, helping kids build confidence by discovering what their bodies can do, making their everyday tasks easier.

Equipped with the right tools, these professionals at Kinetix Kids lead their classes with ease, creating a space where children can explore, play, and be themselves. This center and play-gym celebrates how play and learning work together to support each child’s unique needs, making it a must-visit for parents, teachers, and caregivers.

For neurodiverse kids who love climbing, sliding, imaginative play, or sensory adventures, Kinetix Kids offers the perfect environment. And for you parents, teachers, and caregivers who are also looking to celebrate your children and their milestones, you may book their event space for an experience you and your kids won’t forget! 

Visit Kinetix Kids at Level 4, The Podium Mall, Ortigas. For promos and updates, follow their official Facebook and Instagram accounts.