As school psychologists, our role extends beyond assessment; we are entrusted with the responsibility of understanding and advocating for the diverse needs of every student. One area where our impact is deeply felt is in the realm of report writing. Today, I am excited to share with you some approaches I’ve adopted in my own practice, all aimed at embracing neurodiversity and fostering a strengths-based perspective throughout the assessment process.
Highlighting Strengths
When reading a psych report, you’ll know that the student’s deficits often take center stage, overshadowing each individual’s strengths. I’ve integrated a simple yet powerful technique into my reports to counter this narrative: highlighting strengths. Under every section, be it background information, interviews, observations, or assessments, I carve out a dedicated space where strengths are celebrated. Whether it’s a single bullet point or an entire list, emphasizing what a student excels at reframes the narrative and cultivates a sense of empowerment and self-worth.
Advocating for Neurodiversity
Incorporating neurodiversity-affirming language is necessary for our understanding of a student’s cognition. Within the recommendation section of my psych reports, I include a succinct blurb explaining the concept of neurodiversity and encouraging readers to adopt a lens that celebrates differences. By disseminating knowledge and fostering understanding, we pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.
Redefining Standardized Language
The words we choose shape perceptions and influence outcomes. Amidst standardized assessments and normative scores, it’s important to pay attention to the words we use. Take, for instance, the term “average.” While it may seem innocuous, its implications can be far-reaching, especially for neurodivergent individuals. To address this, I incorporate a supplementary blurb alongside scoring tables with the report, which underscores the biases of standardized testing and encourages a nuanced interpretation of results.
As we navigate report writing, let us remember the profound impact our words can have. By amplifying strengths, advocating for neurodiversity, and redefining standardized language, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and affirming educational landscape.
This blog explored the power of reframing narratives, embracing neurodiversity, and using inclusive language in your reports. The Prepared School Psych community offers a supportive space to deepen your expertise, connect with experienced colleagues, and access resources that can help you implement these strategies and more. Join us and transform your work into one that empowers students and celebrates their unique strengths!
