Neurodiversity-Inclusive Education

Course Overview

Target Audience: K-12 teachers, special education teachers, administrators, school counselors, instructional coaches
Duration: 12-15 hours total | 6 modules

Course Modules

  1. Understanding Neurodiversity in the Classroom- Paradigm shift, prevalence, strengths-based approach, challenging assumptions
  2. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – UDL principles, multiple means of engagement/representation/expression, flexible assessment
  3. Classroom Environment and Sensory Needs- Sensory-friendly design, movement breaks, flexible seating, reducing overwhelm
  4. Executive Function and Learning Support- Time management, organization, breaking down tasks, teaching strategies
  5. Social-Emotional Support and Behavior- Meltdowns vs. behavior, communication differences, bullying prevention, self-regulation
  6. Collaboration and Advocacy- Working with families, IEP/504 plans, self-advocacy skills, transition planning

Delivery Options

Option 1: Three-Day Workshop
15 hours over 3 days during summer break
Best for: Deep learning before school year, implementation planning

Option 2: Full or Half-Day Sessions
Spread across a few weeks
Best for: Release day training, sustained engagement

Option 3: Whole-School Professional Development
Customized for entire faculty over multiple sessions
Best for: Building school-wide culture, consistent practices

All formats include lesson plan development, case study analysis, classroom strategy practice, and certificate

Course Materials

For Teachers:

  • Comprehensive training manual
  • UDL lesson plan templates
  • Classroom sensory audit checklist
  • Executive function scaffolding tools
  • Visual schedule templates
  • Communication supports library
  • Self-regulation strategy cards
  • Student strength inventory
  • Certificate of completion

For Implementation:

  • Classroom environment checklist
  • Behavior response flowchart
  • Parent communication templates
  • IEP/504 accommodation ideas
  • Flexible seating arrangement guides
  • Sensory break activity cards
  • Social story templates

For Students:

  • Self-advocacy teaching materials
  • Visual supports and schedules
  • Choice boards and menus
  • Sensory regulation tools guide
  • Organization systems

Key Principles

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

  • Multiple means of engagement – Choice, relevance, collaboration options
  • Multiple means of representation – Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, written
  • Multiple means of expression- How students demonstrate learning

Strengths-Based Approach:

  • Focus on what students CAN do
  • Leverage special interests for learning
  • Build on neurodivergent strengths (pattern recognition, detail focus, creativity)
  • Presume competence always

Proactive, Not Reactive:

  • Design accessible lessons from the start
  • Anticipate sensory and executive function needs
  • Build in breaks and transitions
  • Teach skills before problems arise

Why This Training Matters

15-20% of students are neurodivergent, but many are unidentified, struggling, or masking

Traditional classroom practices often:

  • Penalize neurodivergent learning styles
  • Cause sensory overwhelm
  • Expect neurotypical social skills
  • Don’t teach executive function explicitly
  • Misinterpret meltdowns as behavior problems

Neurodiversity-inclusive practices:

  • Benefit ALL students (not just neurodivergent ones)
  • Reduce behavior issues and meltdowns
  • Improve engagement and learning outcomes
  • Create more inclusive classroom communities
  • Support students in developing self-advocacy

Learning Outcomes

By completing this training, participants will:

  • Understand neurodiversity and challenge deficit-based thinking
  • Apply UDL principles to lesson planning and assessment
  • Create sensory-friendly classroom environments
  • Provide executive function scaffolding and explicit instruction
  • Distinguish meltdowns from behavior and respond appropriately
  • Support social-emotional needs without forcing neurotypical norms
  • Implement flexible seating and movement breaks
  • Collaborate effectively with families and support staff
  • Teach self-advocacy skills to students
  • Modify curriculum and assessment authentically

Course Cost is dependent upon chosen format and number of attendees. Contact roni@divergentsupport.com for a formal quote.