Performance Anxiety, Assessments, and Our Complex Kids
Thu Feb 05 2026
As parents, educators, and advocates for neurodivergent kids, it's crucial to recognize that traditional tests and assessments don't always paint the full picture of a child's abilities. In the newest episode of the podcast, we dive into why performance anxiety can create barriers—and how we can scaffold authentic, strengths-based ways for children to show what they truly know.
Key Takeaways:
Performance Anxiety ≠ Knowledge Gap
If a child can demonstrate understanding in low-pressure settings but "freezes" or melts down when assessed, it's not a lack of knowledge—it's the context and perceived safety that need adjusting. Accommodations Are Powerful, Not Coddling
Thoughtful adaptations—like adjusting the environment, pacing, or method of response—help reveal rather than hide skills. These accommodations build confidence and resilience for future challenges. Celebrate Wins & Prioritize Safety
Progress isn't always linear. Celebrate small victories and focus more on helping children feel safe and seen. Creating a foundation of trust leads to more voluntary engagement and authentic learning.
If you're educating or supporting a neurodivergent or twice-exceptional child, remember: The goal isn't to recreate school, but to foster an environment where kids can thrive in ways that make sense for them.
Links and Resources from Today's Episode
Thank you to our sponsors:
CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!
Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!
The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!
The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family The Anxiety Toolkit Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner What Exactly is Deschooling.. and Do I Need to Do It? Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs When School Refusal Turns Into a Healing Journey Picky Eating | Sensory Struggles and Real Solutions for Homeschooling Families Movement on Bad Weather Days: Meeting Sensory Needs at Home Loop Ear Plugs Ear Protection Disposable Ear Plugs Digital Voice Recorder Guided Reading Strips Colored Overlays for Reading Angled Footrest Colleen's Favorite White Noise Machine
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As parents, educators, and advocates for neurodivergent kids, it's crucial to recognize that traditional tests and assessments don't always paint the full picture of a child's abilities. In the newest episode of the podcast, we dive into why performance anxiety can create barriers—and how we can scaffold authentic, strengths-based ways for children to show what they truly know. Key Takeaways: Performance Anxiety ≠ Knowledge Gap If a child can demonstrate understanding in low-pressure settings but "freezes" or melts down when assessed, it's not a lack of knowledge—it's the context and perceived safety that need adjusting. Accommodations Are Powerful, Not Coddling Thoughtful adaptations—like adjusting the environment, pacing, or method of response—help reveal rather than hide skills. These accommodations build confidence and resilience for future challenges. Celebrate Wins & Prioritize Safety Progress isn't always linear. Celebrate small victories and focus more on helping children feel safe and seen. Creating a foundation of trust leads to more voluntary engagement and authentic learning. If you're educating or supporting a neurodivergent or twice-exceptional child, remember: The goal isn't to recreate school, but to foster an environment where kids can thrive in ways that make sense for them. Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life! The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos! The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family The Anxiety Toolkit Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner What Exactly is Deschooling.. and Do I Need to Do It? Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs When School Refusal Turns Into a Healing Journey Picky Eating | Sensory Struggles and Real Solutions for Homeschooling Families Movement on Bad Weather Days: Meeting Sensory Needs at Home Loop Ear Plugs Ear Protection Disposable Ear Plugs Digital Voice Recorder Guided Reading Strips Colored Overlays for Reading Angled Footrest Colleen's Favorite White Noise Machine