Hey there, fellow educators, students, and all you wonderful folks interested in the fascinating world of service dogs and learning. Today, I'm thrilled to share a little slice of my life with you – teaching with my trusty sidekick, Estrellita.
Let's get personal for a moment. You see, I'm not just your average educator running a business. Nope, I'm a learning specialist with a furry colleague by my side – Estrellita, the one and only. She's not just any dog; she's a certified PSD (Psychiatric Service Dog) and Medical Alert Dog, and she happens to be a delightful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Yep, she's as wonderful as she sounds.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room – the misconceptions around service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs). It's like they're constantly getting mixed up in people's minds, but trust me, there's a big difference. ESAs provide comfort and emotional support, but service animals like Estrellita? They're trained for specific tasks that assist individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, this confusion can lead to serious impacts, especially for those with disabilities. And trust me, as someone who's been there, I know just how crucial it is to set the record straight. Because misinformation leads to miseducation that leads to severe impacts to those that have disabilities.
But here's where it gets tricky – there's often a stigma attached to service animals. Some folks see them as nothing more than pets, failing to recognize the vital role they play in the lives of their owners. Especially when they see smaller dogs as service dogs. And let me tell you, navigating these misconceptions isn't easy and very much discouraging.
Whether it's in the professional realm or our personal lives, we're faced with challenges when it comes to educating others about the true purpose of service animals. But fear not, my friends, because we're about to dive headfirst into this topic and shed some much-needed light on the matter. So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's bust some myths together! 🐾
You see, running a tutor business can be a whirlwind of activity, teaching at schools or other learning enviornments is always a wonderful journey. But in addition to ADHD and the other gifts that the disorder brings, it can make life very challenging. But with Estrellita by my side, everything becomes a little easier. During tutoring sessions, Estrellita takes her role seriously. She's like my silent partner, always ready to lend a paw when needed. Whether it's sensing my brain fog, ADHD paralysis, nudging me to refocus or sensing an anxiety attack is coming up, she's a true pro.
She is being thankful she is not the one working out at the gym.
And let's clear the air about service dogs – they're not just for guiding the visually impaired or assisting those with mobility issues. Oh no, they can be trained for a variety of disabilities, from medical alerts to assisting with neurodevelopmental disorders and anxiety.
But her assistance goes beyond just the physical tasks. Estrellita has an innate ability to sense emotions and provide comfort in times of stress. For students grappling with neurodevelopmental disorders or various anxieties, her presence can be a game-changer. She creates a safe and supportive environment where learning can thrive, free from judgment or fear.
And let me tell you, the importance of service animals for individuals like myself with neurodevelopmental disorders cannot be overstated. Estrellita isn't just a pet; she's a lifeline, offering stability and support in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
When it comes to talking about neurodevelopmental disorders and the various types of anxiety, I’m not going to lie to you, I get nervous due to the stigma behind it. Let alone having a service dog to help you with that in your daily lives. As I mentioned before, confronting that stigma is not easy. But it is important to talk about it especially as an educator. It's a journey filled with highs and lows, but it's one that deserves our attention and understanding.
Now, speaking from personal experience, living with ADHD isn't always a walk in the park. It's like having a whirlwind in your brain, constantly swirling with thoughts and ideas. But with Estrellita by my side, I've learned to embrace the chaos and channel it into something positive.
But here's the thing – there's often a stigma attached to neurodevelopmental disorders and anxiety, especially in educational settings. Especially if either the professionals and/ or parents are not educated or updated in the topic. It's like wearing an invisible badge of shame, fearing judgment and misunderstanding from others. We try to do what we are asked, but there are times when we just can’t execute that task. It’s not an attitude problem. I like to describe it as our brain holding us hostage. But let me tell you, my friends, it's time to break free from these shackles and embrace our differences with open arms. It is our weaknesses that give us our strengths.
Because here's the truth – neurodiversity is a gift, not a curse. It's what makes each of us unique, bringing a richness and depth to our lives that can't be replicated.
I am sharing this with all of you to share with you why I decided to become a learning specialist. At first it all started with a desire to make a difference in the lives of students like you whether a teacher, or a high school student, or an adult learning Spanish for work. See, I've always believed that everyone deserves a chance to shine, regardless of their learning style or the challenges they may face. Everyone can improve on any skill that they desire with the right tools and resources. Traditional teaching methods don't always cut it. That's why I'm a firm believer in individualized teaching approaches, tailored to meet the needs of each student. Whether it's a one-on-one session or a group setting, flexibility is key.
Let me tell you about Sarah, a bright and bubbly student I had the pleasure of working with. Despite her intelligence and eagerness to learn, Sarah often found herself struggling to answer or say what she knew during class activities and tests. As we got deeper into the issue, it became clear that Sarah's struggles stemmed from her ADHD. The constant barrage of distractions made it difficult for her to focus and retain information, leading to moments of blankness when put on the spot. we worked together to develop strategies tailored to Sarah's unique needs. We incorporated visual aids, breaks for movement, and mindfulness techniques to help her stay grounded and focused. And slowly but surely, Sarah began to gain confidence in her abilities.
Now, let me introduce you to Alex – a brilliant student with a heart of gold. But despite his intelligence, Alex often found himself grappling with crippling anxiety, especially when it came to exams.
One particularly tough semester, Alex's anxiety reached its peak. As he sat hunched over his desk, pouring over textbooks and notes, the weight of impending exams pressed down on him like a ton of bricks. And to make matters worse, a teacher's harsh words only served to exacerbate his anxiety, leaving him feeling overwhelmed and defeated.
But with the support of our tutoring sessions, Alex began to see a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. We worked together to develop coping mechanisms for his anxiety, including deep breathing exercises and positive affirmations. And when exam day rolled around, he felt a lot less anxious.
She “gracefully” jumped on my lap to ground me sensing high anxiety. We need to work on her landing skills.
Teaching with Estrellita has been a game-changer for me and my students. Together, we're breaking down barriers, challenging misconceptions, and creating a more inclusive educational experience for everyone. So here's to embracing neurodiversity, celebrating differences, and always learning something new – one paw print at a time. Thanks for joining us on this journey! 🐾