Neurodivergent Children Often Struggle More With Homework (and school systems that ignore their needs)

Potentially controversial opinion but… I don’t think kids should have homework.

After they go to school for 35-40 hours, they should be able to rest when they get home.

As an adult isn’t that what you want when you get home?

If it’s not appropriate for adults, is even less appropriate for children, especially Neurodivergent Children - who need more downtime.

We’re priming children for overwork and burnout.

The first time I burned out was in elementary school, and again in middle school. It’s too much for many of us.

This post has sparked some dialogue and debate with people who don’t understand the NeuroDivergent angle, and many people with ableist expectations.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:

There are always some who feel attacked when I bring this up.

To clarify: I’m not against homework if it’s NOT mandatory, and is optional as a study tool not counted against a child’s grade, but mandatory homework harms the most vulnerable children more than those who are neuro-average and more privileged.

Not all, but some NeuroDivergent children can barely handle the 35-40 hours they have to be in school, come home and crash.

Also, it’s harder for impoverished families where the parents who work 2-4 jobs.

It disproportionately harms vulnerable families and children… it’s not inclusive.

NeuroDivergent children need inclusion and universal design that takes their needs into consideration nor segregated systems and spaces that other them.

We need to design our systems with the most vulnerable taken into consideration.