This is a case study. In the interest of safeguarding this young person, we will be referring to her as Betty.
Betty, a bright and determined 15-year-old, was in her final year of secondary school, facing the pressure of her upcoming GCSEs. Despite her best efforts, Betty’s academic performance had raised concerns. Her teachers noticed she was struggling to keep up with the expected learning levels, and she was at serious risk of failing her exams.
Looking back, Betty’s parents remembered her earlier years when she had undergone art therapy for potential selective mutism during primary school. Unfortunately, the therapy hadn’t significantly advanced her communication skills. They had considered a referral to CAMHS, but it was deprioritised due to more urgent cases. Throughout her life, Betty’s parents had noticed her difficulties with communication and certain everyday tasks, but she never received the support she needed.
The school focused primarily on Betty’s academic performance, missing other underlying issues. Her parents, worried and seeking better assistance, decided to reach out to us for help.
Upon contacting Chatterbug, Betty underwent an initial assessment. The results were eye-opening: despite being a native English speaker, Betty had significant difficulties with comprehension and understanding of the language. Additionally, she struggled with social interactions, often finding it hard to engage or interject in conversations both at home and at school.
With these insights, Chatterbug prepared a detailed report for Betty’s school. The school was responsive and quickly implemented the recommended adjustments to better support Betty’s learning and social needs.
These changes included tailored teaching strategies and creating a more inclusive classroom environment.
The impact on Betty was profound. Her grades started to improve, and she moved from being at risk of failing to achieving an average of 6-7 in her GCSE assessments.
This turnaround not only boosted her academic confidence but also improved her overall well-being. She became more engaged in social interactions, both with her peers and at home, and her self-esteem soared.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising and addressing both academic and social communication needs. With the right interventions and adjustments, pupils like Betty can overcome their challenges and achieve success.
Betty’s journey underscores the critical role that tailored educational support plays in helping students reach their full potential. Her experience with Chatterbug demonstrates that with understanding, dedication, and the right resources, every student can find their path to success.
If this case reminds you of someone you know, check out similar case studies here, read about Speech, Language and Communication conditions here, or, if seeking further support, contact us now and discover how we can help.
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