For each category, Armstrong provides an in-depth discussion of: The positive attributes associated with that category; Acclaimed neurodiverse adults who have excelled in their chosen fields; Computer programs and applications that allow students with special needs to overcome obstacles and achieve success; Rich networks of human resources both inside and outside of school that educators can draw upon to support the social and emotional lives of neurodiverse students; Innovative learning strategies that are tailored to each student's unique strengths; Future career paths for which a student's particular gifts might be a good fit; Modifications in the school environment that allow for seamless inclusion of neurodiverse students in the regular classroom; and, Timely information about how to integrate the strategies and assessments for each category with the Common Core State Standards.

A unique and innovative book for all teachers and SENCos that explores the intersection of neurodiversity and neuroplasticity in order to provide better outcomes for neurodivergent pupils. Neurodiversity involves an understanding that neurological differences should be honoured and respected. It is a strengths-based model based on the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways, advocating that there is no single right way of thinking, learning, and behaving. In effect, neurodiversity can be used as a construct to understand those ‘labelled’ with a special educational need and disability. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to experiences, especially important for children who struggle to learn. This book unravels how teachers can contribute to rewiring neural pathways to reshape as opposed to ‘fix’, demonstrating how making new connections in the brain enables pupils to realise their full potential. Rich with research, case studies, and thought-provoking questions, this book sheds light on an innovative and timely topic. As the demand for teacher support in this area grows, it helps practitioners identify alternative approaches for those who might need more personalised learning and teaching in the classroom.

This highly practical book supports the knowledge and development of teaching assistants and learning support assistants (TAs/LSAs) in their understanding of neurodivergent pupils. Considering a neurodivergent world is vital in society today, and even more so in the classroom. Starting with a model of difference rather than deficit and highlighting the complexities involved, this accessible resource focuses on effective strategies to support these pupils and explores the vital role of learning support in a range of different contexts. Rich in pedagogical features, this book includes chapter objectives, areas for the reader to reflect upon, links throughout to the Teaching Assistant Standards and case studies for the reader to examine. Each chapter also has a further reading section which will include links to articles, websites, and organisations that can aid and support the development of TAs and LSAs. This important work will provide Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCos) with a framework to support their support staff in the classroom.

All students deserve access to a rich and meaningful math curriculum. This book guides middle and high school teachers toward providing all learners – including neurodiverse students – with the support necessary to engage in rewarding math content. Students who receive special education services often experience a limited curriculum through practices that create long-term disadvantages and increase gaps in learning. The tools and strategies in this book help teachers better understand their students to move them closer to their potential. Chapters include differentiation, assessment, classroom structure, and learning targets. Both general education math teachers who have not been trained in special education support and special education teachers with a limited background in standards-based math pedagogy will learn new skills to improve their teaching from this practical resource.

In today's world, the prevalence of autism affecting approximately 1 in 100 children underscores the scarcity of proficient professionals capable of aiding those with autism and other neurodiverse conditions. The absence of cohesive and interdisciplinary training programs exacerbates the hurdles faced by these individuals, impeding their access to high-quality care and assistance. Consequently, the needs of neurodiverse individuals remain insufficiently met, and those with autism confront impediments to realizing their full potential due to a deficiency in specialized expertise and comprehensive support. To counteract this issue, Autism, Neurodiversity, and Equity in Professional Preparation Programs, edited by Shanna Jamanis and Dawn Vogler-Elias, offer a transformative remedy. This publication offers a comprehensive and multifaceted examination of professional preparation initiatives centered on neurodiversity, integrating perspectives from disability studies, neurodiversity, diversity, equity, and inclusion, to furnish a conceptual structure that empowers professionals across diverse fields. The book's interdisciplinary approach aims to equip professionals and students across domains such as education, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, nursing, social work, and creative arts therapy. With its array of chapters encompassing case studies, instructional activities, and program narratives, readers acquire valuable insights and pragmatic tools for effectively supporting neurodiversity. The editors' commitment to embracing diverse viewpoints ensures a nuanced comprehension of neurodiversity support, fostering empathy, and elevating the standard of care. Autism, Neurodiversity, and Equity in Professional Preparation Programs by Shanna Jamanis and Dawn Vogler-Elias provides a much-needed resource to tackle the global challenge of aiding those with autism and neurodiversity. By advancing interdisciplinary knowledge and evidence-based practices, this publication not only tackles the dearth of proficient professionals but also champions a more inclusive and compassionate world. For academics, scholars, and practitioners spanning various disciplines, this book serves as a crucial steppingstone toward establishing more equitable and empowering environments for individuals with autism and neurodiversity.

Recognize and support twice-exceptional (2e) learners to help them succeed in school—and beyond. Twice-exceptional (2e) learners have often been misunderstood, disciplined, unchallenged, and left behind. Even as awareness of 2e learners has grown, educators are still in need of practical tools to recognize and support their twice-exceptional students. This book answers that need, providing teachers with accessible information about twice-exceptional diagnoses and suggested accommodations, modifications, and collaboration with other educational professionals. Dedicated to the needs of all 2e learners, the first part of the book covers identifying and understanding 2e students, strength-based instruction, motivation and self-regulation, and executive functioning skills. The second part details how gifted students are affected by another diagnosis, including: Specific learning disabilities ADHD Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Processing difficulties Anxiety-based diagnoses Depression and other mood disorders This book equips educators with information that will make it easier for them to advocate for their 2e students, including what they need to know about the individualized ed(more...)

The basic premise of neurodiversity is that there is no “normal” baseline for brain processes, but that all individual brains vary and therefore are diverse. The CAST organization estimates that 11% of college students enrolling in post-secondary campuses having a learning disability or learning difference. As neurodiverse students enroll in post-secondary education, the environments within which these students learn, can either support or impede their ability to succeed. Simply put, a neurodiverse campus population means that educators recognize that all students process and learn differently and must adapt our approaches and services in order to reach and support all students enrolled on our campuses. Neurodiverse students are a growing population on today’s college campus. Their growing presence prompts new approaches to support their success and change traditional student services and collegiate experiences. This practical guide: Assists readers in better understanding neurodiverse students and the way campus services can create welcoming environments Explores the role Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Executive Functioning (EF) plays in student success, and Focuses on specific collegiate offices and services that effectively address the needs of neurodiverse learners. Chapters cover tutoring, learning supports, academic coaching, academic advising, career services, residential living, and classroom experiences that impact and assist neurodiverse college students.

A new term has emerged from the disability movement in the past decade to help change the way we think about neurological disorders; Neurodiversity. ADHD. DysleYesia. Autism. The number of categories of illnesses listed by the American Psychiatric Association has tripled in the past fifty years. With so many people affected by our growing ''culture of disabilities,'' it no longer makes sense to hold on to the deficit-ridden idea of neuropsychological illness. With the sensibility of Oliver Sacks and Kay Redfield Jamison, psychologist Thomas Armstrong offers a revolutionary perspective that reframes many neuropsychological disorders as part of the natural diversity of the human brain rather than as definitive illnesses. Neurodiversity emphasizes their positive dimensions, showing how people with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other conditions have inherent evolutionary advantages that, matched with the appropriate environment or ecological niche, can help them achieve dignity and wholeness in their lives.

The push for inclusivity has revolutionized educational practices, policies, and frameworks. Schools are no longer merely institutions that impart knowledge; they are shaping societal values, promoting social justice, and preparing students to progress. This evolution is driven by the understanding that inclusive education benefits all students, not just those with disabilities or special needs. It promotes empathy, reduces prejudice, and equips students with the skills to contribute to a complex, interconnected world. Revolutionizing Inclusive Education: Mindfulness, Neurodiversity, and Executive Functioning Skills explores the life-changing potential of inclusive education. With a strong emphasis on the word “revolutionizing,” the book challenges traditional practices and conventional thinking in the field of inclusive education. By integrating mindfulness practices, understanding neurodiversity, and developing executive functioning skills, the book offers a fresh and innovative approach to inclusive classrooms. Covering topics such as assistive technology, neurodivergent learners, and student well-being, this book is an essential resource for academicians, researchers, school administrators, educators, preservice teachers, and more.

Written for busy teachers, this practical manual defines terms, shares examples and provides evidence-based information and strategies to support the teaching of twice-exceptional students. Providing a comprehensive blueprint in an easy-to-use format, this book explains classroom techniques for differentiation with tips and advice based on research and teacher experience. The topics covered include learning disabilities, gifted and high potential education, talent development and general classroom pedagogy involving curriculum differentiation and individualised programming. It also explains, in more depth, the varying presentations of neurodiversity in the form of specific learning disabilities, autism and attention deficits in the gifted/high potential student to enable teachers to acquire more knowledge of the nuances evident in each twice-exceptional student. Case studies capture the perspectives of twice-exceptional young people who have thrived, and the book provides weblinks to a very comprehensive list of helpful, freely-available resources. This essential, practical resource will serve teachers and educators in both primary and secondary schooling, as well as pre-service educators. It will also be of interest to parents and carers.