This October, our upcoming Parent Workshop (October 11 at 10:00 a.m.) will focus on “The Gap in the System.” In this blog, we’re sharing a preview of why this topic matters and how parents can play a powerful role in supporting their children’s development.
Schools and medical professionals each play a vital role in a child’s growth, but their evaluations often focus on different things.
• Schools look for academic benchmarks and classroom performance.
• Medical screenings focus on identifying clinical diagnoses or developmental delays.
But what happens when a child doesn’t fit neatly into either system?
Real-life examples from our experience:
• A bright 7-year-old who excelled in reading but struggled with handwriting. Because he met academic benchmarks, his motor challenges were overlooked.
• A 5-year-old who passed school screenings but had difficulties with fine motor tasks, making self-care and classroom activities frustrating.
These children didn’t “fail” evaluations—but they also weren’t receiving the support they needed to reach their full potential. This is exactly where parental awareness makes a difference.
Parents are often the first to notice when something feels off, even when everything looks “fine” on paper. Here are some subtle signs to watch for:
• Handwriting struggles: frequent fatigue, illegible writing, or frustration during writing tasks.
• Playground behaviors: avoiding certain equipment, preferring to watch instead of participate, or frequent falls.
• Mealtime challenges: extreme pickiness, gagging, or difficulty chewing may indicate sensory or motor issues.
Developmental timing matters. Each age has specific “windows” when intervention can make the biggest impact. Catching red flags early often leads to faster progress and better long-term outcomes.
Your involvement can be the key factor that helps your child thrive. When parents actively participate in workshops and collaborate with schools and therapists:
• Children receive support earlier, setting them up for greater success.
• Families build stronger partnerships with professionals.
• Potential challenges are addressed before they grow.
• Parents gain tools and confidence to advocate for their child’s unique needs.
Simply put: Parents are the bridge between systems.
Date: Friday, October 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Virtual (Google Meet)
This workshop will equip you with the knowledge to recognize red flags early, understand system gaps, and take practical steps to support your child’s development.
At A Grade Therapy, we’re dedicated to supporting children and families through individualized, compassionate, and evidence-based care. Our team works closely with schools and parents to ensure every child has the chance to reach their full potential.