ODD - Oppositional? Defiant? Or Just Misunderstood?

On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Jeff Horwitz about the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its application in education. UDL focuses on creating learning environments and experiences that are accessible and beneficial for all students, regardless of their learning styles or abilities. How can UDL be implemented in both classroom and home settings? What are some common barriers to implementing UDL, and what are some strategies to overcome them? What’s the role of technology in supporting UDL practices? It’s a deep dive into UDL, on episode 215.

TAKEAWAYS

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) aims to create inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of all students.

• UDL can be implemented in both classroom and home settings, promoting autonomy and agency in student learning.

• Barriers to implementing UDL include resistance to change, lack of time, and perceived lack of training.

• Small changes and incremental adjustments can make a significant impact in implementing UDL.

• UDL fosters collaboration and empathy among students, promoting diverse perspectives and strengths.

• Technology can be a powerful tool in supporting UDL practices, providing options for engagement, accessibility, and personalization.

• Parents can advocate for their children by sharing their insights and experiences with educators, and by collaborating to create a supportive learning environment.

• Teachers should approach UDL with a growth mindset, recognizing that success is measured by meeting the needs of all learners.

To learn more about the Neurodiversity University courses for educators, click the link, and get in touch with us through the contact page if you have questions.

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Jeff Horwitz is a 20-year educator and has been an administrator at independent schools in St. Louis since 2013. Prior to becoming an administrator, Jeff taught kindergarten through third grade in public and private schools. Jeff is passionate about providing students with opportunities for learning that will prepare them for the increasingly automated world we live in through collaborating with teachers, and using student-centered techniques. Jeff is an advocate for project-based learning and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). When Jeff isn’t immersed in schools, he’s spending time with his two kids, cooking, golfing and playing music with friends.

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Friendships and relationships can be hard for neurodivergent people, especially if they experience lagging social skills, or struggle with executive function. Emily Kircher-Morris is joined by Caroline Maguire, author of Why Will Nobody Play With Me?, and they discuss the challenges and importance of neurodivergent friendships, particularly for individuals with ADHD. They talk about the lack of support for ADHD kids in developing social skills, and the negative impact it can have on their self-esteem. They discuss ways to build confidence and replace negative self-talk with positive thoughts. During a time when online friendships often outnumber in-person ones, they talk about ways to achieve a balance. A quest for meaningful relationships, on episode 214.

Takeaways

• Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD, often face challenges in developing and maintaining friendships due to executive function weaknesses and a lack of social skills practice.

• Rejection sensitivity dysphoria is a common experience for neurodivergent individuals, leading to intense reactions to perceived slights or exclusion.

• Building confidence is crucial for developing friendships, and it can be achieved by focusing on strengths, celebrating small wins, and replacing negative self-talk with positive thoughts.

• Shared interests and activities provide opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to connect with like-minded peers and develop authentic relationships.

• While online friendships can be valuable, it is important to encourage a balance between online and in-person relationships to fully support social development.

To learn more about the Neurodiversity University courses for educators, click the link. If you have any questions or need help getting started, get in touch with us through the contact page.

Join the Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy & Support Group on Facebook!

Caroline Maguire is the founder of a revolutionary social emotional learning methodology that helps teach social skills to children, teenagers, and young adults. She holds a Masters degree in Education with a concentration in SEL training, and is the founder and director of The Fundamentals of ADHD Coaching for Families training curriculum at ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA). Caroline is also a former coach for the Hallowell Center in Sudbury, Massachusetts. In addition to coaching and training, she is the author of Why Will No One Play With Me?, the winner of the Best Parenting and Family Book 2020 as awarded by American Book Fest, and a co-collaborator on the newly released HowToSel.com – a daily social emotional learning platform anyone can incorporate into daily life.

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On episode 213, Emily is joined by Matt Lowry, host of the Autistic Culture podcast. They discuss the concept of autism as a neurotype and culture, Matt shares his personal experience as an autistic individual, and they discuss the importance of understanding autism in a non-pathologizing way. They also discuss the need for neurodiversity affirming evaluations and therapy, as well as the challenges of balancing autistic identity and social adaptation. It’s a challenge to create a life that matches your neurological makeup, and finding a supportive community can be key.

This episode is brought to you by the Council for Exceptional Children, dedicated to high-quality education that is inclusive and equitable for individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. Attend their Annual Convention & Expo, March 13-16, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register now at cecconvention.org/, and if you’re a school principal, receive free registration by using the code 24CEC100.

Here’s a link to check out the courses Emily talks about in the Neurodiversity University.

Matt Lowry is an Autistic adult, parent of an Autistic son, and a Licensed Psychological Practitioner who works exclusively with Autistic clients, performing neurodiversity-affirming Autism evaluations and providing Autistic Centered Therapy (AuCT) - a form of therapy that he helped create. Matt works hard to expand autistic access and inclusion through his professional work as well as his advocacy work co-hosting The Autistic Culture Podcast. Among his latest projects, he is currently helping to create an Autistic-friendly, Autistic-run, medical facility in his home state of Kentucky.

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On episode 212, Emily Kircher-Morris and Jess Lahey discuss the importance of understanding and supporting neurodivergent students. Jess highlights the need for teachers to question traditional teaching methods and adapt their practices to meet the diverse needs of their students. They talk about the value of formative assessments, peer-to-peer teaching, and creating an inclusive learning environment. They also explore the overlap between substance abuse and learning differences, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support. They discuss the need for teachers to gradually release responsibility to students, and empower them to advocate for themselves. Open-minded, reflective, and responsive classrooms best serve the individual needs of students.

Takeaways:

• Question traditional teaching methods and adapt practices to meet the diverse needs of students.

• Use formative assessments to gauge student understanding and provide targeted support.

• Create an inclusive learning environment that values peer-to-peer teaching and individual learning styles.

• Recognize the overlap between substance abuse and learning differences, and provide early intervention and support.

• Gradually release responsibility to students and empower them to advocate for themselves.

This episode is brought to you by the Council for Exceptional Children, dedicated to high-quality education that is inclusive and equitable for individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. Attend their Annual Convention & Expo, March 13-16, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register now at cecconvention.org/, and if you’re a school principal, receive free registration by using the code 24CEC100.

If you see value in rethinking education and building a stronger classroom, consider joining the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub! It’s a group built for educators, and we’ll open registration again soon! Sign up to be alerted, and join us for the learning, sharing, and fun!

Jessica Lahey is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed, and The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. Over twenty years, Jess has taught every grade from sixth to twelfth in both public and private schools, and has written about education, parenting, and child welfare for The Washington Post and The Atlantic, and her biweekly column, The Parent Teacher Conference, ran for three years at the New York Times.

She also designed and wrote the educational curriculum for Amazon Kids’ award-winning animated series The Stinky and Dirty Show, and was a 2019 Pushcart Prize nominee. She co-hosts the #AmWriting podcast from her empty nest in Vermont.

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The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com

On episode 211, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Brooke Schnittman, founder of Coaching with Brooke and author of Activate Your ADHD Potential. They discuss the barriers faced by ADHDers, the strengths of ADHD brains, the influence of the neurodiversity framework, the shift in our understanding of ADHD, the importance of structure and systems, her favorite tool for getting thoughts out of the head, and more. It’s a great conversation with plenty of usable advice and ideas.

Key takeaways:

• ADHDers often face barriers in trying to fit into societal expectations and meet the demands of teachers and employers.

• ADHD brains have strengths such as creativity, problem-solving, and intuition that should be explored and harnessed.

• The neurodiversity framework has influenced the understanding and approach to ADHD, emphasizing the need for structure and support tailored to individual strengths and learning styles.

• Getting thoughts out of the head and onto paper or through external processing can help with organization and reduce overwhelm.

• A message to a younger self with ADHD would be that it's going to be okay and that with the right tools and support, control can be gained over ADHD symptoms.

This episode is brought to you by the Council for Exceptional Children, dedicated to high-quality education that is inclusive and equitable for individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. Attend their Annual Convention & Expo, March 13-16, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register now at cecconvention.org/, and if you’re a school principal, receive free registration by using the code 24CEC100.

Brooke Schnittman is an esteemed expert in the field of ADHD management and support. She founded Coaching With Brooke in 2018, and offers tailored programs and strategies to support her clients with time management, organization, emotional regulation and self-advocacy. Brooke was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, and shares her passion as a public speaker and advocate. Her work has been featured on prominent media outlets such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, ADDitude Magazine, CBS and NBC, and has received a number of accolades in the ADHD community. Brooke has a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Penn State University, and a Master's Degree from New York University, specializing in Students With Disabilities.

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Book - Activate Your ADHD Potential

On episode 210, we dive into a topic that resonates with many of us: the struggle between wanting to achieve our goals, and a lack of motivation. Today, we're exploring all of it with a guest who has transformed this challenge into an art. Emily chats with Dani Donovan, a renowned author, ADHD advocate, and the genius behind those viral illustrations that have likely caught your eye on social media. Dani's groundbreaking book, 'The Anti-Planner: How to Get Stuff Done When You Don’t Feel Like It,' offers a perspective on navigating the complexities of motivation and procrastination. We'll delve into the intricate relationship between our emotions and our drive to initiate tasks, debunk the myth that procrastination is simply laziness, and give you practical tactics for overcoming those daunting challenges.

Dani Donovan is a purpose-driven creator, author, and ADHD advocate whose cathartic comics, TikTok videos, and #NeurodiverseSquad hashtag have helped build an online community for adults living with ADHD. She’s been featured in publications like The New York Times, BBC News, and NPR, and was the closing keynote at the 2021 International ADHD Conference. Her unorthodox self-help book, The Anti-Planner: How to Get Stuff Done When You Don't Feel Like It, offers creative strategies, activities, and games to help procrastinators understand their emotions and overcome productivity roadblocks. Dani's work has encouraged thousands of people to seek diagnosis and treatment.

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What are the limits of IQ tests and scores? How can someone best advocate for gifted-affirming education for a 2e student? Why do some kids consider their neurodivergent diagnoses as failures, and how can we change that? What can we do about bullying? Plus many more questions and answers.

This is episode 209, and it’s another Ask Me Anything with Emily Kircher-Morris. To be part of it, join us on Facebook in The Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy & Support Group!

Also, registration for the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub is now open, and only for a limited time! If you’re a teacher, you definitely need to check into joining this community of educators from around the world, who are learning and sharing ways to embrace neurodiversity in the classroom. It’s hosted and moderated by Emily Kircher-Morris, and features expert guests, roundtable forums, continuing education material and much more. The deadline to register is soon, so sign up and join us!

Entering college can be a pivotal and challenging journey, especially for neurodivergent individuals. On episode 208, we look at what happens when traditional paths don't align with diverse needs. From systemic shifts in college admissions to the importance of soft skills beyond academics, we're talking about what it takes to thrive in higher education. Joining us is Elizabeth West, CEO of EWC College Consulting, who brings a wealth of knowledge on guiding neurodivergent students through their college journey.

Registration for the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub is now open, and only for a limited time! If you’re a teacher, you definitely need to check into joining this community of educators from around the world, who are learning and sharing ways to embrace neurodiversity in the classroom. It’s hosted and moderated by Emily Kircher-Morris, and features expert guests, roundtable forums, continuing education material and much more. The deadline to register is soon, so sign up and join us!

Elizabeth West is the CEO of EWC College Consulting.  She found her passion working in higher education, helping students become successful through various positions in college admissions for 10 years. After leaving admissions, Elizabeth had the opportunity to work with students for an additional 15 years, teaching them how to become transfer students. Originally from upstate New York, Ms. West moved to North Carolina after graduating from the State University of New York at Potsdam.

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Studying and learning skills are different for neurodivergent learners, and traditional teaching methods often fail to address their needs. So what happens when we rethink learning strategies to empower these students? On episode 207, we're unraveling these challenges with Gretchen Wegner, an expert in redefining study skills for neurodivergent minds. Creator of the AntiBoringLab YouTube channel, Gretchen will shed light on empowering students through innovative strategies.

Registration for the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub is now open, and only for a limited time! If you’re a teacher, you definitely need to check into joining this community of educators from around the world, who are learning and sharing ways to embrace neurodiversity in the classroom. It’s hosted and moderated by Emily Kircher-Morris, and features expert guests, roundtable forums, continuing education material and much more. You have until midnight Friday January 19 to register.

Get in touch about the Gifted & ADHD Study.

Video clip Gretchen mentioned in the interview.

Gretchen Wegner is a former middle and high school teacher who now inspires and coaches students to build executive function skills, time management, organization and study skills. Gretchen is the creator of “The Anti-Boring Approach to Powerful Studying”. She is also the inventor of the productivity toy MuseCubes. In addition to coaching, Gretchen is a public speaker, improvisational performer, lindy hop dancer, backpacker and proud resident of Oakland, California.

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On episode 206 we talk about autonomy and motivation. In a world where autonomy is key to motivation and engagement, how do we navigate this with our children, especially those who are neurodivergent? Today, we're exploring the vital role of independence and control in fostering engagement and motivation, not just in kids, but in all of us. Joining us is Ned Johnson, founder of PrepMatters and co-author of The Self-Driven Child, and What Do You Say? How To Talk With Kids To Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home.

If you're a teacher and not yet a member of the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub, we’ll be opening up registration in January. It will only be open for a limited time, so make sure you’re notified when it happens. Sign up here.

Ned Johnson is the founder of PrepMatters, an educational company that helps students find success in high school and in getting into college. A professional “tutor-geek” since 1993, Ned has spent more than 50,000 one-on-one hours helping students conquer an alphabet of standardized tests, learn to manage their anxiety, and develop their own motivation to succeed. He co-authored The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives and What Do You Say? How To Talk With Kids To Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home with Dr. William Stixrud. Ned is the host of the The Self-Driven Child podcast and his work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, BBC, and many others.

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