Page 21 - KPSA EXCELLENCE MARCH -MAY ONLINE

Impact of COVID 19 on Learners
with Neurodiversity
By Eva Naputuni Nyoike
INTRODUCTION
As schools reopen, it is important to
shed light on the plight of families
with learners with neurodiversity.
Neuro diversity in simple terms means
learners with a brain the functions
differently.
These are learners who thrive on
structure and routine, rely on
other support professionals in their
day to day lives. Some may have
communication challenges and
are nonverbal or have very limited
communication skills. Many of them
also have comorbid conditions such
as seizure/ epilepsy and require special boldly stated that they are enough
diets, medications and special care
Research has demonstrated that it is
usuallymuchhardertomakeadiagnosis
of learners with neurodiversity and
neurodevelopmental disabilities
such as Autism, Attention Deficit
Hyperactive Disorder, Emotional and
Behavioral Disorders and Specific
Learning Difficulties as their they
conditions are invisible to the eye
meaning there is nothing physical that
one can see make such a diagnosis.
These learners are therefore often
stigmatized by a community that does
not understand them.
The Change in routines due to
the lockdown and restriction of
movement caused these learners with
Neurodiversity to regress as their
routines were shifted and altered
without notice. Their support systems
were also discontinued abruptly, hence
resulting to regression in all areas of
their development, academic, physical,
spiritual, emotional and social. They
lost their parents too, as their parents Yes, the pandemic did affect everybody
and caregivers now assumed the
role of teacher and therapist without
having the relevant skill.
Their lack of understanding of
what was going on caused serious
meltdowns and major temper
tantrums at home. The home
environment for most of these families
were filled with high anxiety levels and difference in the lives of these learners?
tension. Many families broke up and
once again the learners were left in a
state of confusion.
Schools were ordered to be reopened
by the President on the 4th of January
and all learners told to report to
school without fail. Parents were
even threatened that if they kept their
children at home they would be meet
dire consequences. Private Schools
were dared to send learners home
due to lack of school fees as the CS
government schools to absorb all
learners in the Republic of Kenya.
As it has been widely discussed,
education was seriously affected by
COVID19 and with all the utterances
going on in regards to reopening of
schools, we seem to have forgotten
this population of learners who are
Neurodiverse.
The Impact of Covid-19 on special
school has been severe to say the very
least as most private special schools
have had to close down due to their
inability in meeting the given protocols neurodiversity one life at a time, one
and guidelines by the ministries of
education and health.
Many parents have found themselves
in a deep dark hole with not a glimmer
of hope. Confusion, anxiety and then
anger, what will they do? Where
will they take their children? Who
will accept, care and teach them?
Will they leave one child at home
awhile the others go to school? Do
they compromise and lower their
expectations and just take them
anywhere?
March - May 2021
globally, but as schools reopen how
we can as school directors make a
Some suggestions
1. Kindly don’t turn any parent
away, consider their current state
of mind, and understand that the
only reason that they are in your
office seeking admission is that
they believe that is the best place
for their child.
2. Seek advice from the KPSA SNE
committee, the members will
guide your teachers on the best
approach to inclusion.
3. Attend or send your teachers
to the different trainings on
inclusion that are being offered
both on line and face to face.
4. Offer psychosocial support for the
learners and their families.
5. Sensitize your school community
on neurodiversity and create a
condusive learning environment
for all.
It has been rough time for all. Let
us step up as directors and make a
difference to the lives of learners with
family at a time.
KPSA Excellence 21