From Classroom Confusion to Compassion: Empowering Teachers to help Boys with CASK, Autism, and ADHD Thrive

🧬 Understanding CASK Gene Mutation in Boys 🧬

CASK gene mutations impact brain development, especially in boys. This rare condition can affect:

• Motor coordination

• Speech and language

• Sensory and cognitive processing

• Balance, muscle tone, and visual integration

CASK Gene Disorder is lifelong and complex. Each child’s abilities, challenges, and support needs are unique.

Nuanced clarification (important):

CASK Gene Disorder has traditionally been described as a neurodevelopmental condition, but growing evidence shows that this description does not capture the full range of experiences. Many families report periods of developmental regression, loss of skills, or worsening symptoms over time, and published research has documented neurodegenerative features in some individuals with CASK-related disorders.

These changes may occur gradually or in association with illness, seizures, stress, anesthesia, or other medical events. Not every child experiences regression or degeneration, and the course of CASK can vary widely depending on the individual, the specific genetic variant, and other biological factors.

Many boys also have co-occurring autism or ADHD, which can amplify classroom, communication, and regulation challenges. These overlapping conditions can sometimes mask a child’s true cognitive potential. Many children with CASK understand far more than they are able to express.

With the right supports, structure, and understanding, boys with CASK can build meaningful skills, relationships, and independence.

Why Autism and ADHD Matter in School

Autism and ADHD frequently overlap with CASK. They can affect how a child learns, plays, communicates, and regulates emotions — particularly in structured environments such as school.

ADHD Traits in the Classroom

• Impulsivity, restlessness, or fidgeting

• Difficulty with sustained attention

• Struggles transitioning between tasks

Autism Traits in the Classroom

• Sensory sensitivities (light, noise, textures)

• Differences in social engagement or eye contact

• Strong need for routine or preferred interests

• Emotional regulation difficulties

Together, these traits may obscure a child’s true abilities. Many children with CASK comprehend far more than they can express verbally or physically.

Guidance for Educators, Therapists & IEP Teams

Every child with CASK is different, but the strategies below have helped many children across learning, therapy, and home environments. They are offered as general guidance and should always be individualized.

In the Classroom

• Focus on flexibility over strict grade-level expectations

• Use multi-sensory instruction to engage visual, tactile, and auditory pathways

• Keep routines predictable, while allowing for gentle, supported transitions

• Offer break cards, visual schedules, and flexible seating options

• Encourage peer inclusion during circle time, specials, or lunch

• Prioritize alternative ways to demonstrate learning
  (pointing, typing, visuals, AAC, yes/no cards)

“Success looks different here. One step forward might mean five behind next week — and that’s okay.”

Progress for children with CASK is often non-linear. Periods of growth may be followed by plateaus or temporary regression, especially after illness, seizures, stress, or changes in routine.

In Therapy Sessions

• Short, frequent sessions may be more effective than longer ones

• Use familiar routines and clear transition supports to reduce anxiety

• Combine goals when possible
  (e.g., working on hand use during preferred play)

• Focus on functional outcomes over perfection
  (opening a snack bag may matter more than tracing a circle)

• Collaborate with school staff so therapy goals can be embedded into the classroom

Consistency across environments is especially important for children with complex neurological profiles like CASK.

For IEP Meetings

Be prepared to explain how CASK affects participation and learning, not just academic performance.

Consider goals such as:

• Initiating or responding to social interaction

• Using communication tools consistently (AAC, visuals, gestures)

• Tolerating transitions with appropriate supports

• Engaging with sensory tools to remain regulated

Possible accommodations may include:

• Extra breaks or flexible scheduling

• Alternative assessments or demonstration of knowledge

• Extended time

• Access to AAC, visual prompts, or assistive technology

Guidance for Families

• Share a one-page profile describing your child’s strengths, triggers, and communication style

• Bring observations to IEP meetings
  (photos, short videos, home notes, or journals can be powerful)

• Ask therapists and teachers to use consistent visuals, phrases, and routines

• Build bridges — keep communication open with kindness, clarity, and persistence

• Celebrate small wins — your child’s effort may be far greater than it appears

🧬 You are the expert on your child.
Your insight, advocacy, and lived experience are essential to the IEP process.

Key Takeaways for Everyone on the Team

• CASK is rare, but the child is not a mystery

• Start with what works — look for what calms, motivates, or engages the child, even if it looks different from peers

• Progress is not linear — growth and regression may coexist

• Inclusion matters — even when communication is limited, the desire to connect is still there

• Belief and patience change outcomes

Let’s Work Together

If you’re a teacher, therapist, or school support staff — thank you. You are a crucial part of this child’s world.
If you’re a parent — you are your child’s strongest advocate.

Together, we can build the bridge between:
home and school • therapy and learning • support and growth

📧 Need guidance or collaboration?
Visit caskwarriors.com or email info@caskwarriors.com

Guía para Educadores, Terapeutas y Equipos de IEP

Cada niño con mutación del gen CASK es diferente, pero existen estrategias comunes que pueden ayudar en diversos entornos.

En el Aula

• Enfóquese en la flexibilidad más que en los estándares de grado escolar

• Use lecciones multisensoriales que involucren lo visual, táctil y auditivo

• Mantenga las rutinas predecibles, pero permita transiciones suaves

• Ofrezca tarjetas para pedir descansos, horarios visuales y opciones de asiento

• Fomente la inclusión entre compañeros durante actividades grupales, recreo o almuerzo

• Priorice formas alternativas de demostrar el aprendizaje (señalar, escribir en computadora, tarjetas visuales, sí/no)

El éxito aquí se ve diferente. Un paso hacia adelante puede venir seguido de cinco hacia atrás—y está bien.

En Sesiones de Terapia

• Las sesiones cortas y frecuentes pueden ser más efectivas que las largas

• Use rutinas familiares y apoyos para transiciones para reducir la ansiedad

• Combine metas: por ejemplo, trabajar el uso de las manos durante el juego preferido

• Enfóquese en la función más que en la perfección: abrir una merienda puede ser más valioso que trazar un círculo

• Colabore con el personal escolar para integrar las metas terapéuticas en el aula

Para Reuniones de IEP

• Esté preparado para explicar cómo CASK afecta el aprendizaje y la participación, no solo el rendimiento académico

• Proponga metas como:

  • Iniciar contacto social

  • Usar herramientas de comunicación de forma consistente

  • Tolerar transiciones con apoyos

  • Participar en actividades sensoriales para regularse

• Solicite apoyos y adaptaciones como:

  • Descansos adicionales

  • Evaluaciones alternativas

  • Tiempo extendido

  • Acceso a comunicación aumentativa (AAC) o apoyos visuales

Guía para Familias

• Comparta un perfil de una página sobre las fortalezas, necesidades y estilo de comunicación de su hijo

• Lleve documentación a las reuniones de IEP: fotos, videos o notas de observación

• Pida que terapeutas y maestros usen visuales, frases o rutinas consistentes

• Cree puentes de comunicación, manteniendo la colaboración con amabilidad y persistencia

• Celebre los pequeños logros—el esfuerzo de su hijo puede ser mucho mayor de lo que parece

🧬 Usted es el experto en su hijo. Su voz en el proceso escolar es poderosa.

Reflexiones Clave para Todos en el Equipo

• CASK es raro, pero su hijo no es un misterio. Con compasión y colaboración, puede avanzar.

• Empiece con lo que funciona. Observe lo que calma, entusiasma o motiva a su hijo—aunque sea diferente a los demás.

• El progreso no es lineal. Habrá avances y retrocesos, y eso está bien.

• La inclusión importa. Aunque la comunicación sea limitada, el deseo de conectar siempre está presente.

• Su creencia en este niño puede cambiarlo todo.

Trabajemos Juntos

Si usted es maestro, terapeuta o miembro del personal escolar: ¡gracias! Usted es una parte esencial en la vida de este niño.
Si usted es padre o madre: es el mejor defensor que su hijo puede tener.
Juntos, podemos construir el puente entre el hogar y la escuela, la terapia y el aprendizaje, el apoyo y el desarrollo.

📩 ¿Necesita orientación o desea colaborar?
Visite caskwarriors.com o escriba a info@caskwarriors.com