RESOURCES
Educators
Students can have different needs, educational backgrounds, attention spans and interests, language abilities, cultural backgrounds, and many more. As an educator, it is very important to create a learning environment that enabled students to meet their educational goals. For students that are neurodivergent, being expected to learn and process information in the same way as their neurotypical peers often result in frustration. Creating goals based on the student’s needs can be a great way to create a learning environment that is better suited for the individual needs of students.
Neurodiversity in Education. Trends Shaping Education Spotlight 12
OECD Publishing
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This resource is a great introductory resource for educators and parents. It provides an overview of neurodiversity in education, introduces the idea of creating inclusive classrooms and adapting personalized education, highlights risks for neurodivergent students, and informs us about the transition of neurodivergent students from education to the workplace. This article provides a great overview of the presence of neurodivergence in education and provides ways for an educator to adapt their teaching. One thing that I loved about this article is that it concluded with a “towards the future” page that highlighted how schools, workplaces, and the community itself can really help support individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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PBS Kids and Autism Awareness
By: Reading Rockets
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It is great to see that a show that I watched when I was a kid, Sesame Street, now includes a character with Autism. I particularly loved the interaction that highlighted the “different ways to say hello” which was a great way to show children that we all communicate in different ways. Another reason that I loved this webpage was that it included games and activities that were related to these shows, many of which are favorites for children everywhere!
Other Children's Books to Check Out!
These children’s books are a great resource for educator that would like to read more children’s books about Autism to their classroom. The children’s books that I have recommended are all ones that I have personally read. Some children’s books fail to capture Autism with a realistic approach that is easily relatable to young children. I have included some fun books that can help create a discussion about what Autism is and helps young children better understand how it feels to experience the world from a neurodivergent point of view. “All My Strips,” is a great book that teaches kids with Autism to accept and love themselves for who they are. “Noah Chases the Wind” does a great job of highlights that neurodivergent kids think, feel, and process things differently than other kids. “A Friend Like Simon” does a great job of showing kids that they can and should try to find ways to be friends with and include neurodivergent kids. “My Brother Charlie” is a great introduction to siblings about Autism and does a great just focusing on the good and the things that neurodivergent children can be good at.
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