Looking at High School Through a Neurodivergent Lens
Manage episode 403647623 series 3402192
High school.
It's a term that can bring to the surface a plethora of emotions and thoughts - some good, some bad, and some in between.
Navigating this intricate web of emotions, relationships, academic pressures, and self-discovery in high school can feel like a rollercoaster with exhilarating highs and daunting lows. Basically, high school is A LOT for anyone.
Next, let's look at the how most high schools are structured. They cater to the "normal" route that leads towards a single definition of "success" - a definition created by our society that is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain (which is a whole different can of worms!). In this fashion, we are almost setting our youths up for failure.
Then, let's add in powerful tools that can be used for great evil: Social Media and the Internet. High schoolers today have no way of turning down the noise. To some degree, you could relate these teens' lives being on constant display to the pressures of fame.
Finally, we mix in a little neurodivergence. As if the "normal" path wasn't difficult enough, now we are asking someone to follow it when it doesn't suit them or is even detrimental to their overall well-being. But, it's what is expected so we ask them to push on.
I don't know about you, but when I look at it all like this, it looks like a recipe for disaster. At least I know it was for me (Abigail), and I know it is and has been for others.
So, that's what our conversation today is all about! We dive into these subjects and share more about my own high school experience. We discuss what we would have done differently knowing what we know now.
If your teenage daughter is struggling with achieving all the "normal" high school things, this is an episode for you!
Music composed and produced by:
Ben Tackett
42 episodes