Tip #29 Context Matters

When we talk about support needs, context isn't just important – it's everything. Take a typical morning challenge: getting dressed. For one child, this might mean sensory overwhelm from clothing textures. For another, it could be motor skill difficulties or executive functioning challenges. Two seemingly similar struggles, but worlds apart in their root causes and required support.

The Calendary becomes your forensic investigation tool. It's not about writing "Had trouble getting dressed" – it's about capturing the nuanced story. What exactly happened? Was there a meltdown? Did specific supports help? Did changing the clothing order or using visual schedules reduce stress?

School refusal is another context-rich challenge. One day might reveal anxiety triggered by specific social interactions. Another day might show sensory overload from classroom noise. A third might highlight communication barriers preventing the child from expressing their needs.

By meticulously recording these details, you're not just keeping a diary. You're building a comprehensive narrative that:

• Tracks patterns and triggers
• Demonstrates the real-world impact of disabilities
• Provides evidence for current and future support needs
• Helps professionals understand the complete picture

Your Calendary transforms from a simple recording tool to a powerful advocacy instrument. Each page is a detailed map of your child's daily landscape, showing not just what happened, but why and how.

Context isn't just king – it's the entire kingdom of understanding.