Diving

One of things we've discovered is our daughter needs something nonacademic to do.  After spending most of her day in an environment where most things are difficult for her, she needs an environment where she can excel.

For our daughter, it's diving.

Her small stature and lack of fear has been a great match with the sport of diving.  It also pushes her brain to process steps, approaches, jumps, twists, and tucks in just a few seconds time.  Which surprisingly she does well...  but I think it's because she lacks some of the mental shutdown she sometimes brings to academic items.

And she has an outstanding coach.  He narrates and shows her want he wants her to do (either poolside or has another diver perform from the board), then he asks her to do it and when she gets it right, he has her repeat the motion(s) several times.  Once it's solid in her brain, she can do it.  It may take some time to solidify it, but she gets there.  And the fact she knows that, keeps her trying.

 I mentioned her lack of fear earlier and this is one of the baffling things for me as her mom.  There are times when she exhibits a lot of anxiety and fear.  Helping her manage this anxiety is one of my biggest challenges.  However, I've learned this anxiety is triggered mainly by school, reading aloud, and general academic settings because when it comes to other things- she exhibits very little.  For example, she has no problem whatsoever jumping off the 7 meter platform into 20 feet deep diving well.  Repeatedly.  

Diving also gives her time with kids both older and younger than her. She loves meeting and connecting with people. And the beauty is none of them know her academic status unless she divulges it.  This setting gives her freedom from her difficulties. 

And it's just what she needs.

What works for your child?