Helping Kids Develop Self-Advocacy Skills
Thursday, March 06, 2025
Helping Kids Develop Self-Advocacy Skills
Teaching Children to Speak Up for Their Needs
Self-advocacy is a crucial skill for all children, but it is especially important for our kiddos with special needs. Learning to express their needs, understand their rights, and communicate effectively will empower them to navigate both school and life with confidence. One teacher recently shared in one of the comments in my Instagram post a powerful moment when a student proudly described herself as a "very determined self-advocate"—a testament to the impact of teaching these essential skills.
And we dedicate this post to that student and those growing self-advocates like her.
What Is Self-Advocacy?
Self-advocacy is the ability to recognize one's needs and effectively communicate them to others. For special needs students, this means:
- Understanding their strengths and challenges.
- Learning how to ask for help when necessary.
- Learning how to ask for accommodations to a task that will allow them to lean into their strengths.
- Speaking up when something isn't working.
- Gaining confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
Teaching children to advocate for themselves fosters independence, boosts self-esteem, and improve their ability to navigate educational and social environments. When students feel heard and supported, they are more likely to believe in themselves leading them to succeed both academically and emotionally.
Key Strategies to Help Your Child Develop Self-Advocacy Skills
- Encourage Open Communication: Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their needs. Use praise and positive reinforcement when they attempt to communicate their feelings and concerns. -- It takes a brave person to say what they need.
- Teach Self-Awareness : Help your child understand their strengths and areas where they need support. Discuss their learning style, challenges, and physical symptoms they may experience when they may need more support.
- Role-Play Real-Life Scenarios: Practice self-advocacy through role-playing. For example, rehearse how to ask a teacher for extra time on a test or how to request a sensory break.
- Encourage Decision-Making: Give your child opportunities to make choices, whether it’s selecting a preferred learning tool, choosing their extracurricular activities, or deciding how they’d like to communicate with teachers. Sometimes and email is much easier than a face to face request.
- Foster a Growth Mindset: Remind your child that learning self-advocacy is a journey. Encourage perseverance and celebrate their progress, no matter how small.
How I Can Help my child
While teaching self-advocacy at home is essential, it just as important that these skill are taught and practiced at school. Creating goals to help your child find their voice is one way to encourage this growth in an environment outside of the safety and security of home.
However, not everyone sees it this way and sometime it falls to the parent to advocate for these skills to be taught in the school environment.
Take Action: Get the Support Your Child Deserves
If your child struggles with self-advocacy ensuring your child receives the proper support at school requires strong advocacy. At Advocating4FairEducation, we are committed to helping families like yours navigate the special education system and achieve best possible outcomes for your children.
Email us at support@advocating4faireducation.com or click the "Meet with Lisa" button below to schedule a 20-minute consultation and discover how we can help advocate for your child’s success in the school setting!
We can:
- Advocate for Your Child to Receive the Accommodations They Deserve: Lisa will help identify the appropriate educational accommodations and services your child needs to thrive.
- Provide Expert Support in IEP Meetings: She will be by your side, making sure your voice is heard and advocate for the best possible outcomes for your child.
- Create a Tailored Plan: We will work together to develop strategies that foster a supportive and effective learning environment for your child.
My expertise will make a significant difference in your child’s education by addressing their unique needs are met. Don’t navigate this journey alone—let me help you advocate for the best possible educational experience for your child!
Pages
Home
About Us
Contact Us
Our Products
Social
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Hi, I Am
Lisa Stewart M.Ed.
Founder of
Advocating 4 Fair Education
and Dyslexic Parent
Lisa Stewart is the driving force behind Advocating4FairEducation.com, where she passionately advocates for equitable and inclusive educational practices. With a deep-seated commitment to transforming educational systems, Lisa leverages her extensive background in educational policy, community outreach, and grassroots activism to address disparities and promote fairness in schools. Her work focuses on ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality education and the resources they need to succeed. Through her platform, Lisa empowers educators, engages communities, and influences policy to create a more just and effective educational landscape for all.
To Find Out More About our Products and Services ...
I offer individual support where I will walk with you step by step to support your child on their educational journey.
However, I also offer a Handbook and Video Series that will walk you through the process -- as well as a Webinar where you can come and ask questions specific to your child.
PAGES
SOCIAL
