Letters to the Teacher from Students with Special Needs

Back to school season can be an anxious time for any parent, but especially for those of us whose children have special needs due to learning disabilities, ADHD, autism or other conditions. There is a joy at seeing our kids go off on their own to have new adventures and learn new things, but our experiences have taught us there will be challenging moments. For many of us, we would like nothing more than to take that journey with our children so we can be there to lend a hand when they or their teachers need it.

Going to school with your child may not be an option, but you can send a part of yourself to the teacher, the integration aide or the resource team by writing a yearly introduction letter. For a new student, it helps to break the ice and to prepare school staff for dealing with the child's challenges in a positive manner. For a student returning to a familiar school and resource team, the letter serves as a summary of things that have changed over the summer vacation.

Here are some sample and form letters that might be of help as you compose your own introduction letter for a special needs student.

Introduction Letter for a Student with Asperger's Syndrome
This letter is written by the parents, on behalf of the student. It includes information about Asperger's Syndrome, and suggests things the teacher can do to help. This letter could also be useful for a student with high functioning autism.

Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew
This letter emphasizes behaviour issues, and how to deal with them positively, so they won't escalate into a crisis. It also discusses how to build trust between the student and teacher. It could apply to students with Down Syndrome, ADHD or other disabilities as well.

Letter to My Math Teacher
Written from the point of view of an older student, this letter explains what it is like to live with math-based learning disabilities like dyscalculia. It is a very proactive letter that asks the teacher for specific kinds of help. Some suggestions include private testing and tutoring sessions, and a set of lecture notes to follow during class. With a little editing, this could be useful for other specific learning disabilities like dyslexia.

Letter to the Teacher of a Child with ADHD
This is one parent's letter, written on behalf of a child who has ADHD. What I really liked about this particular letter was the way it related the child's personal experience. It speaks in particular about medication, and says the teacher is probably best placed to observe how well the medication is working for the child. Students with ADHD may not always have the best relationship with their teachers, and this can create awkwardness when a doctor needs a teacher to fill in questionnaires designed to judge effectiveness of a medication. Making the teacher feel part of a team with the student, the family and the doctors is a great way to start a school year.

A Letter to My Child's Teacher
In this wonderfully articulate letter, the mother places emphasis on what she feels her son can accomplish in the year to come. She explains how the academic skills will provide him tools for coping with his disability, and highlights what a pivotal role this specific teacher will play in his life. What teacher would not be inspired?

Letters to Schools
This is not a letter, but a discussion of how to present all the information you want to include, in a teacher-friendly package.

Last Words of Advice for Writing Introduction Letters to Teachers
Always personalize any letter you send to the teacher, whether it is your own composition or an adapted form letter. Use your child's name throughout, and speak of the student's interests and strengths - not just the challenges presented because of his or her special needs.

Try to use an assertive tone: be clear about your expectations for the year to come, while at the same time expressing appreciation and offering support for the teacher.

Make sure the document is attractive, so the teacher will want to read it. You can make use of headings, bold text or highlighting, and even insert images if you think they will be helpful. Don't be afraid to use bullet points or to write brief lists. All of these tools help to communicate information more effectively.

Do not discount the importance of a letter, even if you have met the teacher or aide prior to the start of school. A well constructed letter is like the "quick start guide," you get when you buy a new computer or appliance. It allows school staff to jump into a relationship with your child, feet first, without having to wade through all the boring reports in what is probably a considerably thick dossier.

An introduction letter bridges the gap for those teachers and resource staff who may wait a month or more before the first IEP meeting or parent-teacher conference. Later in the year, your introduction letter serves as a reference guide for dealing with new challenges as they pop up. It dispenses quick advice for those moments when the teacher or integration aide doesn't have time to stop for a phone call home.

Best of luck as your special needs student returns to school! May it be a brilliant year for you all!