What to do if your child’s educational needs changed over the past year

Over the past year and a half, the pandemic threw the educational journeys of learners into disarray. Many schools responded with mitigation measures that resulted in a variety of impacts and outcomes on learners. At the same time, the educational needs of many learners have also changed. Learners that seemed to be in the right place and on the right track at the start of the year are now finding that this may no longer be the case.

As parents start considering their children’s educational options for next year, they must be aware of a variety of different offerings which may provide a better fit for their children’s current situation and needs. Education experts say that there are options available to learners requiring more tailored or niche offerings or environments.

“Many parents often do not consider the idea that they have alternative choices instead of remaining in an environment that no longer serves their children to the degree it did before,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head at ADvTECH Schools, SA’s leading private education provider.

She says the past year and a half has taken a tremendous toll on parents and students in various ways, and that many students who performed well and were doing well emotionally and developmentally before, are now struggling, necessitating the consideration of alternative approaches or specialist interventions.

Dr Jacques Mostert, Academic Manager at Abbotts College, says whereas a child’s school and academic experience may have been suitable for them and made sense before, that may no longer be the case.

“It could be that the environment changed because of the last year’s experiences, that the needs of your child have changed, or both. Where learners are no longer rising to their potential, particularly in the wake of observations over the past six months, and where mid-year reports indicate there are areas requiring attention, parents should review the existing conditions and, if need be, make changes in consultation with professionals,” Dr Mostert says.

He says some learners may require smaller class sizes with more individual attention, a learning environment with a more rounded approach, mental and emotional health assistance, a less structured setting, or specialist support to ensure they overcome challenges and realise their potential in future. But making a move requires an understanding of what alternatives are on offer, he says.

ASSISTED LEARNING

Dr Greg Pienaar, Principal at The Bridge, South Africa’s leading assisted learning school, says that over the past year, parents may have noticed their children present with needs not seen before, such as ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, mild autism, or anxiety. Children also might have been through illness or trauma which affected their academic progress.

“Many children of average and above-average intelligence face these kinds of challenges and require an environment with an understanding of and response to neurodiversity. Few mainstream schools, especially in the current environment, are in a position to provide the focused yet comprehensive support these learners require to perform to the best of their ability and become confident, empowered and self-actualised,” he says.

“So if you have noticed or have had confirmed challenges that would require therapy, coaching, greater individual attention or the like, it is worth considering a school which will help your child deal with and overcome these challenges while continuing their academic journey.”

ONLINE SCHOOL

Some learners were fortunate enough to attend schools that could provide a high-quality online offering during lockdowns and continue the curriculum without interruption. Most of them were happy to return to in-person schooling when the time came.

Some realised that the online learning environment was more suitable to their personality and needs and may now be considering a permanent move to online homeschooling. The consideration of online homeschooling has also become a reality for many families reviewing their futures and who may be considering a move elsewhere but would like to keep their child’s routine intact should circumstances change.

“If you are considering homeschooling, you must do your homework thoroughly before choosing a curriculum provider, as the quality of offering varies substantially across the board, and so do outcomes,” says Colin Northmore, Principal at Evolve Online School.

“Of course, it is non-negotiable that parents investigate the registration and accreditation status of an institution. That is not enough, however, as a school must also be able to show that it can provide the highest quality of academic excellence online, while supporting the integrated development of a child through providing ample interaction with peers and educators,” he says.

Online learning that merely provides a paper-behind-glass style curriculum makes it extremely difficult for students, especially young ones, to get deeply involved in and excited about their learning journey.

“So when deciding on an online homeschool offering, prospective parents must enquire about the efficiency of the technology and the logistics of an offering, as well as whether they will have access to qualified educators to step in and assist them should the need arise,” Northmore says.

NON-TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS

Dr Mostert says setting out on a new path may mean simply allowing a learner to continue within a differently structured and more nurturing environment.

“If things are not going well for a learner, and parents are starting to get concerned about their current trajectory, it might be worth looking for a high school that will allow a learner to continue within a setting focused on progressive academic improvement.

“Every student can develop and achieve academic success, but if you are feeling overwhelmed and in a rut, it is not easy to lift yourself out of this space or even to see the way forward. For these students, an environment that focuses on progressive academic improvement and individual support, instead of strict rules related to, for example, hair and uniform regulations, can mean the difference between continued sadness and success.”

This time of year, in general, is an excellent time to review the educational options for the year ahead after reviewing progress and development over the previous six months. In 2021, that is more true than ever, says Hugo.

“As we have seen over the past 18 months, change and upheaval are inevitable and a given. Whereas historically, the approach might have been to grit one’s teeth and see things through even in the face of a non-optimal academic path, our world has changed sufficiently for most people to realise that it no longer makes sense,” Hugo says.

“Parents who feel that their child could do with a different educational environment or better support would do well to investigate some of the lesser-known or non-mainstream options which they may not even have been aware of, but which may make a world of difference to the prospects and wellbeing of their children.”

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Here’s How Tax Relief for Neurodivergent Kids Actually Works

If you’re raising a neurodivergent child in South Africa, you’re already doing a lot.

Appointments. School meetings. Forms. “Can you just send that report again?” moments. The daily juggling act of home + school + therapy + life.

So when someone says, “You might be able to claim tax relief,” it can feel like one more admin mountain… right when you’re already running on fumes.

Here’s the good news: tax relief is available, and there’s a real framework designed to give families some breathing room.

The bad news is: it’s not always obvious how it works, and the internet is full of conflicting advice.

This guide will help you understand the basics without spiralling.

Tax relief is available in South Africa

South Africa’s tax system includes support for families who carry additional medical and care costs. The main mechanism is the Additional Medical Expenses Tax Credit (AMTC).

It’s not a cash payout. It’s a tax credit that reduces the amount of normal tax you pay.

For many families, it becomes a crucial “safety valve”, especially when you’re paying for the kind of support your child needs to function well in the real world.

Where neurodiversity fits into the SARS framework

SARS doesn’t have a neat category called “neurodivergence.”

Instead, conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and PDA are considered based on their functional impact, in other words, how much they limit day-to-day life.

For tax purposes, a “disability” is defined as a moderate to severe limitation in a person’s ability to function or perform daily activities (including learning, thinking, communicating).

If your child’s challenges create a moderate to severe limitation that is expected to last more than a year, your family may qualify for tax relief.

If the limitations are considered milder, the condition may fall under what SARS calls a “physical impairment.” (Despite the name, this category isn’t limited to physical conditions and can still apply in some neurodevelopmental contexts.) 

Relief may still be available, but often with different thresholds and limits.

The common misunderstanding that trips parents up

One of the biggest myths is:

“If I have the diagnosis, we automatically qualify.”

Not necessarily.

SARS looks at whether the condition remains a significant limitation even after what it calls “maximum correction” (including appropriate therapy, treatment, or medication).

Because every child is different, eligibility is assessed case by case. Two families can have the same diagnosis and still have different outcomes depending on how the condition impacts daily functioning.

Which is frustrating, yes.
But also: it’s why getting clarity early matters.

Why paperwork and medical confirmation matter (even if you hate admin)

The admin requirements can feel like adding weight to an already heavy load.

But they’re also the keys to unlocking tax relief.

A diagnosis label isn’t enough. You need formal medical confirmation from a registered practitioner who is trained to give an opinion on your child’s condition.

The key document is the ITR-DD form (Confirmation of Diagnosis of Disability).

Whether this form is required in your situation can depend on how your child’s needs are classified (which is exactly where many parents get stuck).

Important: you typically don’t submit the form with your annual return, but you must keep it, along with invoices and proof of payments, for at least five years. 

SARS often verifies these claims, so having your paperwork organised from the start protects you later.

Think of it like this: a few clicks to save documents today can save you hours of stress later.

You don’t have to figure it all out today

If this feels complex, you’re not meant to decode it alone in between lunchboxes and meltdowns.

So we created a simple starting point for parents:

✅ Download the tax relief cheat sheet at www.dalza.com/tax-relief-cheat-sheet/
 A clear summary of what you need to know (and what to gather), without the jargon.

Supporting a neurodivergent child requires enough time, energy, and emotional bandwidth as it is. Tax admin shouldn’t be another thing you have to white-knuckle your way through.

Start with the cheat sheet.
Get the lay of the land.
And take it one step at a time.

👉 Download the free tax relief cheat sheet at www.dalza.com/tax-relief-cheat-sheet/

Disclaimer:

This content is provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances, and eligibility for tax relief is assessed by SARS on a case-by-case basis. We recommend consulting a registered tax practitioner or qualified professional before submitting any tax claims

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From Lonely Lunches to Gentle Connections: Helping Your Neurodivergent Child Find “Safe” Friends at School

It’s the first term of the year. Your child is met with a sea of unfamiliar faces, and your stomach flips as you think about them enduring more lonely lunches. 

Social safety can be shaky for children who learn, think, move, or communicate a little differently. For many, wobbles occur not because they don’t want friends, but because friendship, including reading social cues, sharing airtime, and switching topics, feels like a maze.

What a “safe friend” looks like (and why it matters)

A safe friend is a peer who respects boundaries, shares an interest (even one!), and doesn’t pressure. For many neurodivergent kids, this kind of companionship keeps their nervous system steadier, helps them be seen for more than their challenges, and also meets a core need: to belong.

Be gentle with the realities. As one parent shared, “My kiddo can be overbearing and doesn’t always pick up when others don’t want to play, but is so loving and wants to play with everyone.” That intensity is part of who they are; our job is to channel it toward kinder matches and clearer cues.

Start a home conversation: What makes a good friend?

Turn “friendship” into an ongoing, low-pressure chat. Together, name what kindness looks like (takes turns, checks in, doesn’t tease). Use concrete examples “A good friend lets you take a quiet break” and role-play both sides: how to invite, how to pause, how to exit kindly.

Explain why others don’t always want “the hobby talk” for hours.

Special interests are wonderful. They build joy, expertise, and identity when shared with consent. Try this kid-friendly explanation:

  • “A conversation is like passing a ball. If we hold it the whole time, others don’t get to play.”
  • “Some people love shark facts as much as you do. Others have a tiny ‘listening cup.’ When it’s full, we pause.”

Three conversation-sharing rules to practise

  1. Ask–Share–Ask: “Can I tell you one cool thing about ___?” → share one short fact → “Want another, or your turn?”
  2. One-breath bites: Say one or two things, then stop and look and your friend.
  3. Topic switch consent: “Shall we talk more about sharks, or something you like?”

Teach social cues based on a traffic light system. 

  • Green lights (keep going): They face you, nod, smile, ask follow-ups, add ideas.
  • Yellow lights (slow down): Short answers (“uh-huh”), looking away, fidgeting, checking the door/clock, changing topic.
  • Red lights (pause/repair): They walk away, put headphones on, say “not now,” or look upset.

Coaching at home

  • 10-minute role-play: You be the classmate. Practise Ask–Share–Ask and cue-spotting. Keep it playful, swap roles, award a silly “good listener” badge.
  • Mirror moments: Act out a yellow light; your child guesses the cue and picks a next move.
  • Celebrate micro-wins: “You paused and asked a question, that was generous.”

Keep a quick note on what works

Keeping brief notes as the school weeks progress, such as who they sat with, what worked, what didn’t, will help parents and teachers spot patterns and act sooner. 

If you prefer one place to keep that picture (and share it with the teacher when needed), you can use Dalza to centralise your notes, spot patterns, give feedback to the teacher (and vice versa) and create an action plan. 

Try Dalza for free dalza.com 

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Why Can’t my Child Cope with New-Term Change?

Beneath the calendar reminders and stationery lists that accompany a new school year is the real worry: How will all this change affect my child’s body and brain? 

For many families of neurodivergent children, the weight of that question becomes heavier through the first few weeks of the new school year. 

Many autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and sensory-sensitive learners rely on predictability to stay regulated. 

When people, places, and pace all shift at once, their cognitive load and anxiety can climb, which makes it tougher to focus, follow instructions, or find their footing socially. 

Practical routines matter: for example, clear, predictable structures and consistent cues reduce uncertainty and support attention. 

You might also want to consider what experts call “acute monitoring.” In plain language, that means capturing quick notes, often daily or weekly for two to four weeks, to track how the recent changes are affecting your child and to adjust support quickly. 

What should you track when everything shifts? 

Keep it light but useful, just the breadcrumbs adults can act on:

  • Sleep & morning start: tiredness amplifies anxiety and inattention.
    Mood & stress signals: clinginess, shutdowns, pacing, nail-picking.
    Triggers & tolerances: noise, crowded corridors, moving between spaces.
    Appetite & energy: dips and spikes often mirror stress.
    Social notes: who they sit or play with; who helps them feel safe.

Equally important is where those breadcrumbs live. School is only a slice of your child’s year (a child spends on average 14% of the year in school). What happens at home, aftercare, and therapy shows up in class, and the other way round. 

When notes sit in scattered emails and WhatsApp threads, the teachers miss patterns and parents end up re-explaining. Strong parent–teacher partnerships are consistently linked to better academic, social, and emotional outcomes; sharing a clear, current picture is what makes that partnership work. 

That’s where Dalza helps. It’s an award-winning, secure app that holds a living record of your child. One hub you control, where school, home, and therapy can see the same up-to-date essentials.

Tracking Patterns • Feedback • Action Plans (made simple):

  • Patterns: Log short notes on sleep, mood, behaviour, appetite, and those tricky moments. Over a couple of weeks, the trends pop.
  • Feedback: Capture input from teachers, therapists, and even from your child, how does this change feel, and does that shift week to week?
  • Action Plans: When a pattern appears (e.g., loud assembly → overwhelm), agree one small tweak (headphones + movement break), record it, and see what changes.

It only takes a quick note each evening to start spotting patterns and feel the stress of trying to remember it all lifting. 

You decide who sees what, when (POPIA/GDPR-aware by design). If school staff or therapists change, all the necessary information is immediately available, so your child’s support doesn’t skip a beat. 

Change is inevitable; disruption isn’t. With a short burst of acute monitoring and one calm place for Patterns • Feedback • Action Plans, your child’s support stays responsive, and you don’t have to hold it all in your head. 

Try Dalza free at dalza.com.

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