Like Bamboo: Growing Neuro-divergent Students Beyond What We See
Neurodivergent students often face challenges that can make their potential difficult to recognize. In a world that values quick results and standardized progress, the unique ways these students learn and grow are sometimes misunderstood or overlooked.
I want to share a story with you about Chinese Bamboo. A farmer went to the market and purchased some seeds to grow the bamboo. He asked the merchant, “What do I need to do to grow this bamboo?” The merchant replied, “Plant these seeds in the ground, water them, and fertilize them every day. If you do that, your bamboo will grow.”

So, the farmer did exactly as instructed. Each day, he watered and fertilized the seeds, but after the first year, nothing had sprouted. Confused and disappointed, he returned to the merchant and complained, “These seeds must be defective. I followed your instructions, but nothing happened.” The merchant simply replied, “You must continue watering and fertilizing every day. Stick to the plan.”

Reluctantly, the farmer returned home and continued with the daily care. The second year passed, and still, there was no sign of growth. The farmer, now frustrated, went back to the merchant and voiced his concerns. But the merchant reassured him to keep following the instructions and not to give up.

The third and fourth years came and went, yet nothing changed. The farmer’s patience wore thin. He returned to the merchant once more, demanding new seeds, convinced that the ones he had were bad. But again, the merchant insisted, “Keep going. Just one more try.”
So, in the fifth year, the farmer reluctantly continued watering and fertilizing. Then, one day, something amazing happened: tiny sprouts began to appear. He was overjoyed. Over the next six weeks, the bamboo shot up to an incredible 90 feet.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts to nurture and guide our Neuro-divergent students, it feels like we're not making progress and that nothing is changing. But like the bamboo, we can’t always see what’s happening beneath the surface and many judgments come because of what we see with our eyes. The true growth may be happening below, preparing them for their breakthrough. Even when it feels hopeless or frustrating, it’s important to never give up on the potential of our students, because the potential is always there, even when we can’t see it right away.

So, let’s continue nurturing and believing in their potential, because just like the bamboo, their growth might surprise us when we least expect it.

Tony Beals is the VP of Admissions and Enrollment Solutions at Brightmont Academy. Tony has extensive experience as both a parent and an educator working with students from an array of backgrounds including those with anxiety, depression, ASD, ADHD, and ODD. He has been in the education industry for over 25 years and has been involved as a teacher, consultant, manager, and leader.
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