June 18, 2024, eSchool News: Here’s how schools can better support neurodiverse students
During Autism Pride Day, school therapy experts debunk common misconceptions about neurodiverse students in the classroom
The number of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities is on the rise, specifically those diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Today, a staggering nearly one in 10 children have a developmental disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
A key factor driving diagnoses is the increased public awareness surrounding the spectrum of symptoms of these neurotypes. The number of Google Searches for both “autism symptoms” and “ADHD symptoms” has increased by over 135 percent in the last five years, from April 2019 to April 2024.
Common misconceptions and a lack of awareness about neurodiversity can significantly hinder neurodiverse children in the classroom. In turn, this can create unwanted barriers to their learning, success and overall well-being. This is why it is vital to employ professionals who are trained to help create the environments these children need.
To meet the demands and needs of these neurodiverse students, school districts are on the hunt for special education professionals. As schools face a nationwide shortage of qualified professionals, countless students lack the support they need to thrive academically and socially. To help educators address neurodiversity in the classroom for Autism Pride Day on June 18, school therapy and teacher staffing agency, here are some best practices to ensure all students can become successful learners.
Five ways that schools, educators, and communities can support neurodiverse students in the classroom:
1. Implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Each student has a unique way of processing information, and research shows that multi-sensory learning helps improve memory retention and overall understanding of the subject matter.
The UDL framework, which offers visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic learning methods, helps remove potential hurdles in the learning process and caters to the diverse needs of all students, including those with neurodevelopmental disorders.
2. Consider individualized support . . .
3. Foster social-emotional learning . . .
4. Utilize multi-sensory classroom design . . .
5. Include inclusive books in classroom libraries and reading lists . . .
Embracing neurodiversity in the classroom fosters a culture of empathy, respect, and acceptance. When schools prioritize the support and acknowledgment of neurodiversity, they create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment for all students.
By embracing neurodiversity in the classroom, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.
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