Teaching Neurodivergent Students Summit
18 sessions & PD Certificate for 10 hours
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Teaching Neurodivergent Students Summit
6 Lessons
This practical toolkit is designed to support educators in creating more inclusive, student-centered classrooms by offering accessible resources grounded in the insights of our summit presenters.
Amanda Mignault's presentation provided a comprehensive overview of various neurodivergent conditions and practical strategies for educators to support students with these conditions. The presentation emphasized the importance of understanding neurodiversity as a spectrum of differences, rather than deficits, and highlighted specific characteristics, challenges, and accommodations for students with ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, Down syndrome, dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, learning disabilities, obsessive-compulsive disorder, sensory processing disorders, synesthesia, Tourette syndrome, and Williams syndrome. Mignault stressed the need for individualized support, collaboration with school staff, and the power of positive reinforcement in fostering success for neurodiverse learners.
This session, featuring Karen Tui Boyes and Jenny Tebbutt, explored the concept of neurodiversity in education, categorizing learners into four distinct "waves." The presentation emphasized the importance of understanding diverse learning styles, moving beyond simplistic labels, and tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs of all students. Jenny Tebbutt, a leading expert, highlighted the cognitive and behavioral differences among learners, advocating for a multimodal approach that addresses social-emotional needs alongside academic ones. The core message was to recognize the strengths within each learning style and provide support to help students thrive.
In her presentation, Anna Geiger discusses the important aspects of dyslexia that every teacher should know. She clarifies common misconceptions about dyslexia, emphasizing that it is a disability, not just a learning difference or a gift. Geiger highlights the signs of dyslexia across different grade levels and stresses the importance of early screening and effective intervention. She reassures educators that while teaching students with dyslexia can be challenging, it is entirely possible with the right strategies and support.
This session, focused on project-based learning (PBL) for neurodiverse learners, highlighted the transformative potential of PBL. Karen Tui Boyes and Meg Gallagher edamphasized how PBL fosters creativity, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of subjects by allowing students to explore passions and create unique products. They stressed the importance of personalized learning, flexibility, and supporting executive function skills within a safe and collaborative environment. The presenters underscored how PBL can help neurodiverse learners shine, overcome challenges, and develop essential life skills.
Allison Weinhold's presentation emphasizes the importance of differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly those with neurodiversity. She highlights the need for teachers to understand and address individual learning styles, proficiency levels, and experiences, including those impacted by the pandemic. Weinhold stresses the importance of clear expectations, visual aids, routines, and tiered activities to support all learners, while also providing opportunities for extension and enrichment for advanced students. She underscores the significance of communication with parents and the practical application of these strategies in various classroom settings, from rural to urban environments.
Pamela Parks' presentation, focused on differentiation in education, emphasized the importance of understanding student needs and tailoring instruction to meet them. She highlighted that differentiation isn't about creating entirely different assignments but rather adapting existing assignments to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities. Parks stressed the importance of understanding standards, accommodations, and modifications, and demonstrated how games and other engaging activities can naturally incorporate differentiation. She also emphasized the crucial role of a supportive classroom environment and the need for teachers to collaborate with colleagues and support staff to best serve all students.
4 Lessons
Maureen Lamb's presentation, "Empowering Creativity, Generative AI, and Neurodiverse Learners," explores the powerful intersection of generative AI and supporting neurodiverse learners in education. Lamb, a neurodiverse learner herself, emphasizes the personalization and differentiation opportunities generative AI offers. She highlights practical strategies for using AI tools to create engaging, accessible learning experiences, tailored to diverse learning styles and needs. The presentation underscores the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment to foster student success.
Dida Papalexiou's presentation champions visual literacy as a powerful tool for creating inclusive classrooms, especially for neurodivergent learners. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how different learning styles, particularly those of students with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, process information. The presentation provides practical strategies for incorporating visual aids, videos, and interactive activities into lessons to enhance engagement and comprehension for all students. Papalexiou highlights the benefits of visual learning for both neurodivergent and neurotypical learners, fostering empathy and a more flexible learning environment.
Cody Puckett, a passionate music teacher, shared valuable insights on teaching students with disabilities in a music classroom. He emphasized the importance of understanding each student's abilities rather than focusing on their disabilities. Cody provided practical strategies to create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive through music. His core message was that every student deserves access to arts education, regardless of their challenges.
Stuart Blair's presentation, "Language in Action," showcased an innovative approach to language learning, particularly for neurodiverse learners. He emphasized the use of sequential art, language meditation, improvisation, and drama to create engaging and inclusive learning environments. Blair highlighted the effectiveness of these methods in catering to diverse learning styles, boosting confidence, and fostering a deeper understanding of the target language. His presentation also included practical examples and demonstrations, emphasizing the importance of visual aids, mindfulness, and interactive activities in language acquisition.
This presentation, delivered by Elisa Kirschhoffer, focuses on the crucial role of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in the classroom. Kirschhoffer emphasizes that SEL is not an add-on but a fundamental component of a student's holistic development, impacting academic success, career readiness, and overall well-being. She advocates for a proactive approach to SEL, emphasizing prevention over reaction, and highlights the importance of integrating SEL into all aspects of school life, from daily interactions to policies and procedures. The presentation underscores the interconnectedness of SEL with academic performance and the need for a shared understanding and implementation across educators, families, and the community.
Daryl Williams Jr.'s presentation, focused on supporting neurodiverse learners in general education classrooms, emphasizes the importance of understanding and accommodating diverse learning styles. He argues that neurodiversity is a spectrum, not a deficiency, and that educators must adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of all students. The presentation highlights practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms, including universal design for learning, sensory-friendly environments, and clear communication techniques. The core message is that educators can effectively support all learners, neurotypical and neurodivergent, by understanding and responding to their unique learning styles.
Sally Haughey, a seasoned kindergarten teacher turned entrepreneur, shared her decades of experience working with neurodivergent children. Her presentation emphasized the importance of understanding each child's unique learning style and needs, moving beyond labels and focusing on individual brilliance. Haughey stressed the need for a supportive and accepting classroom environment, fostering a sense of belonging and safety for all students. Crucially, she highlighted the collaborative approach with parents, emphasizing shared responsibility and mutual respect.
In this presentation, Megan Gallagher discusses the importance of integrating emotional literacy, neuroscience, and applied psychology in teaching to create a holistic learning environment. Key strategies include understanding emotions as messengers and energy in motion, providing students with a rich emotional vocabulary, and helping them navigate their feelings through techniques like the "Stop, Breathe, Think, Do" method. Gallagher emphasizes that emotional regulation can enhance students' ability to learn and suggests promoting an atmosphere of curiosity over judgment. Additionally, tools such as music, meditation, movement, and mindfulness are highlighted for helping students and educators manage emotions effectively.
In the presentation Stephanie Fritz, highlights key strategies for effective classroom management, emphasizing the importance of transparency, proactive management, and relationship-building with students. By integrating these approaches, educators can expect to build a classroom environment where students are engaged, self-driven, and capable of managing themselves, leading to a seamless and collaborative learning experience.
Jamie shares their personal experiences of nearly being ‘exempted’ (or ‘prohibited’) from studying a world language. In this presentation,they set out to persuade their listeners that all students, perhaps especially neurodivergent students, should be given access to a world language learning experience. They offer advice to help teachers include and welcome these students as well as appreciate their unique strengths.
In her presentation, Kim Michie emphasizes the importance of understanding neurodiversity in education. She encourages educators to view different learning styles as strengths rather than deficits. By fostering connections, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging, teachers can create supportive environments that empower all students. Michie highlights practical strategies for building relationships and understanding the neuroscience behind learning, ultimately aiming to enhance teaching practices and student success.
In this presentation, Fanest Coronado emphasizes the importance of integrating mindfulness and exercise techniques into language lessons to help students develop attention skills. She addresses the impact of digital distractions on students' ability to concentrate and engage effectively in language learning, highlighting the challenges associated with short attention spans in the classroom. Coronado also discusses the development of specific brain areas related to attention through language switching practice in bilingual individuals and the benefit of practicing a second language in enhancing attention. Furthermore, she provides strategies for managing digital distractions and emphasizes the importance of focused attention during language tasks.