ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia in the local system with Kati Duggan

In honour of Neurodiversity Awareness Month, this April I’m focusing the “Mom Life in Luxembourg” podcast on stories of parents who are tasked with raising neurodiverse kids – and resources to support them. When you realize you have a kid whose brain doesn’t work quite like the rest – it can be a scary and lonely time. Especially in a foreign country where English language services and support can be very hard to find.

This week on Mom Life in Luxembourg, I was lucky to speak to Kati Dugan about her experience navigating ADHD for her daughter in the local international school system (Lycee Leinster in Junglinster). We have a candid chat about her daughter's ADHD diagnosis, suspected diagnosis of dyslexia and dysgraphia, the school interventions (which have been both positive and negative), and the relentless pursuit of the right support system.

This episode is a must listen if you’re a parent navigating neurodiversity in the local or international school system here in Luxembourg - because the international schools use the same government competency centers and the process is largely the same as the local schools.

For Kati, there were some minor issues with her daughter that came up in "Spillschoul" [ed. note: kindergarten in Luxembourgish], but her ADHD really became apparent when she entered primary school. The challenges of a new, larger environment and more demands placed on the children really made it apparent things were not progressing on a typical trajectory.

School started in September, and the teachers were on it. By November, they were reaching out to set up meetings to discuss what could be happening. Kati describes the process that happens in the local systems – the teachers flag an issue and reach out to an agency that essentially becomes the point of contact and organises support for the child.

It is important to note that Kati thinks the school did an excellent job of making accommodations for her daughter regarding ADHD. One of the most striking takeaways is the importance of having a 'safe person' in the school setting – someone who can provide emotional and social support when challenges arise. The proactive measures taken by the school, such as allowing a transition period after lessons, implementing sensory tools, and offering structured break times, highlight a progressive approach to inclusion.

However, Kati also talks about their journey with dyslexia and dysgraphia, both have been much harder to get assessed and receive accommodations for.

The journey doesn’t end with a diagnosis – in fact, it’s usually just the beginning. We also discuss medication, therapies, and the possibility of being held back in school.  She also mentions a couple amazing practitioners she found (who speak English) along the way. If you’re looking for practical strategies to support neurodiverse kids in school,  insights into ADHD diagnosis and support services in Luxembourg and a candid discussion on the benefits and challenges of medication this episode is for you.

Please give it a listen and let me know what you think. As always, I’d love to hear from you. If you have a comment, or would like to be on the show yourself, please email me at momlife@rtltoday.lu, or you can find me on Facebook and Instagram at momlifeinluxembourg.