Building More Inclusive Classrooms Through Connection
Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom
comes out in July!
The world expects the impossible from teachers, with so many young people in our care - all with unique needs. How do we help everyone to thrive?
Imagine a classroom where there is no 'normal' - where all brains are expected and welcomed. Students are taught about neurodiversity, metacognition, and self-advocacy alongside the curriculum and are encouraged to identify their own needs. Learning tools are taught and available to everyone!
This thoughtful guide breaks down the learning process. It's brimming with practical tips, brain-based strategies, and illustrative examples that teachers can implement in the classroom. Stories of real teachers and neurodivergent students help educators envision how to apply neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
This book invites a compassionate lens for teachers and students alike. It's the how-to of forging partnerships with students - our best resources in collaboratively problem-solving pressing classroom concerns and invisible learning needs. Everyone benefits when we plan with accessibility in mind!
Praise for Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom
“An informed autism lens will help you to envision each student with autism as they are and as they can be. Soften your focus a little on those developing areas. Instead, focus more sharply on what they are able to do and what they can bring to the table.”
— Kara Dymond, The Autism Lens
Autistic Tidbits & Tangents Podcast
Debuting August 1, 2022!
Autistic Tidbits & Tangents is a biweekly podcast, co-hosted by Kara Dymond & Maja Toudal, centered around topics relevant to autism and the lives of autistic people. We are both autistic professionals with a passion for broadening and advancing accessibility for autistic people and understanding of autism and neurodiversity. We approach our work with the combination of our personal and professional experiences.
Episodes can be found on found on Spotify, Anchor, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and with video on Youtube.
Other Site Features
The Autism Lens Now Available!
The Autism Lens helps teachers connect to students with autism and support them confidently within inclusive classrooms. Exploring communication difficulties that affect socialization and learning, this book removes the guesswork by offering practical solutions that
foster inclusion
respond proactively to student needs
prevent challenging moments
motivate
develop strengths
boost resilience
nurture independence
Based on years of conversations with teachers, support staff, parents, and students, the practical strategies in this timely book will relieve any teacher anxiety you might feel around meeting the needs of a child with autism. You will learn how to nurture, support, and engage students in creative ways. Numerous easy-to-use, classroom-tested strategies—which will benefit the entire class—are explored in this comprehensive resource.
The power of the teacher–student connection is at the heart of this book. Woven throughout are stories about real students that will encourage you to look at instruction from students’ points of view. From this perspective, you can build relationships, gain trust, and nudge children into the space where learning happens.
The Autism Lens offers new and seasoned teachers a glimpse into the classroom experiences of autistic children to better understand their strengths, needs, and potential.
This book is also an excellent resource for parents hoping to understand autistic traits and strategies to support and empower their child.
Praise for The Autism Lens
In Conversations with Kara Episode 2, Bruce Petherick had some kind words for The Autism Lens. Bruce and I first connected after he read my book as an #ActuallyAutistic teacher and as a father of neurodiverse children. Thanks, Bruce!
The Autism Lens also comes "highly recommended" by Autism Canada.
Interested in a Copy?
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“Why is independence always touted as the only end goal for autistic kids? We should emphasize interdependence equally. Support systems help us all to feel cared for, to be better able to deal with big feelings, to know we’re not alone when problem-solving, and to recognize we are no less valuable when asking for help than when helping others. Feeling a part of a community is vital to quality of life and positive mental health.”
— Kara Dymond, The Autism Lens
I’m not a fan of homework, but if your child (and you, too) are struggling to get through this time, here are some tips to make it easier on everyone!