Show Notes
SUMMARY - Some kids can appear incredibly capable in many areas of their lives while still experiencing significant lagging cognitive skills that are largely invisible to those around them. In this episode, we explore why these kids are especially vulnerable to being misunderstood through a behavioral lens and why recognizing their asynchronous development is essential to understanding the support and accommodations they truly need.
TAKEAWAYS: Why kids whose brain-based differences are less visible can be especially vulnerable to being misunderstood and punished for their disability rather than accommodated. How a child’s strengths and capabilities in one area can lead us to overestimate their abilities in other areas. Why asynchronous development is such an important part of understanding kids with brain-based differences. How lagging executive functioning skills can look like defiance, lack of motivation, or a refusal to try—even when accommodations are already in place. Why a child who has age-expected speech and language can sound like they understand a situation while still struggling significantly to understand context, nuance, and what’s happening around them. How lagging relational cognitive skills can lead kids to be labeled as selfish, “too much,” or self-sabotaging in their relationships. Why understanding your child’s neurobiological profile can help you advocate with greater confidence for the support and accommodations they need.
RESOURCES: Brain First Parenting Podcast, Episode 15 — A deeper discussion of kids who can “talk the talk” but struggle to “walk the walk,” including the gap between how capable they sound and what they actually understand.
Brain First Parenting Podcast, Episode 40 — An episode focused on relational cognitive skills and how lagging skills in this area affect a child’s ability to navigate relationships and social interactions.
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