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In the 12 years or so we’ve operated HomeworkCoach, numerous new terms have become popular, including “executive functioning” and now “neurodiversity.” These are helpful words, in many ways, and parents of kids with ADHD — our target market for HomeworkCoach — use them a lot too, so you need to know what they mean.
Executive Functioning refers to the abilities that make us competent humans: we manage time, we plan ahead, we try a new strategy when the current one does not work. Kids with ADHD struggle with this, and your goal is to both compensate for their EF deficits (by sitting with them and helping them create a weekly homework plan) and to grow their skills (by teaching them to do this on their own).
Neurodiversity simply acknowledges that some kids’ brains are wired differently. They learn differently and respond differently. ADHD, dyslexia, autism fall into this category. A neurodiverse student contrasts with someone who is neurotypical.
As a HomeworkCoach, your job is to find ways that fit the neurodivergent child’s learning style or behavioral patterns, for example, by using interactive study methods or working with a short attention span by taking frequent breaks. Parents need a coach because often traditional classroom practices and school procedures are not neurodiversity-affirming (yes! I was determined to use that phrase!).
Apologies if these terms are already well-known to you. I just want to be sure that all our coaches can use the same vocabulary as the parents of their students.
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