I offer a variety of guest facilitation and consulting services related to neurodiversity in education. My past clients include Barnard College, University of Vermont, Molloy University, Davidson College, Notre Dame, College of DuPage (IL) and St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Drawing on my experience as a faculty developer and teacher of disability studies, as well as on my own experiences as a neurodivergent student and teacher, I help educators develop a foundational understanding of neurodiversity as it applies to higher ed. My programs all begin with the history and politics of neurodiversity. Participants learn the histories and definitions of key terms related to neurodiversity, how we may encounter neurodiversity in our higher ed contexts, and some teaching approaches that align well with neurodiversity.

I often work with partners in one of the following formats (or a combination of/variation on these). Both remote and on-site programs are possible. Please contact me to discuss bringing one of these offerings to your campus or organization.

An Introduction to Neurodiversity for Educators

1 or 1.5 hour workshop

Neurodiversity, or the naturally occurring variation in human cognition, is becoming a popular topic in higher education and adjacent fields as more of our students identify as “neurodivergent” and neurodiversity gains recognition as an important component of DEI initiatives. But what is neurodiversity, and what is the history and political importance of this concept? This workshop will introduce educators to the basic terminology of the Neurodiversity paradigm (including the terms “neurodivergent” and “neurotypical”) as well as the history of neurodiversity as a social justice movement with roots in the Autism rights movement. With connections to the broader disability rights and justice movements as well as psychiatric survivors and Mad Pride movements, neurodiversity challenges our fundamental assumptions about normality. After this historical and political context, the workshop concludes with applications to teaching and learning, including an introduction to a neurodiversity-informed approach to Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Neurodiversity for Educators: History, Theory, and Practice

Half-day workshop

This program begins with the above introductory talk, and continues with case-study activities designed to explore the myriad and sometimes unexpected ways that neurodiversity manifests in educational settings. A final reflection activity will provide participants the opportunity to consider their own relationship to neurodiversity (as a teacher or in their personal lives) and consider how neurodiversity may inform their teaching and learning going forward. A sample schedule includes:

• 1.5-hour introductory talk and Q+A
• 1-hour case-study activity conducted in pairs or small groups
• 45-minute reflection and planning activity

Semester-long Neurodiversity for Educators Series

I am available to join your campus, consortium, or organization for a multi-session program on neurodiversity in education, including workshops that discuss the history and context of neurodiversity, how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be used as a pedagogical model to respond to neurodiversity, and how a neurodiversity perspective can be brought to classroom “pressure-points” such as class discussions, labs, and group assignments. I include the option for individual instructors or groups of instructors to meet with me to discuss the implementation of strategies from the workshop series. This program can be conducted in any modality (on-site, remote, or a combination). Learn more and see a sample schedule

Neurodiversity for Educators Asynchronous Short Course

Four-module asynchronous learning experience

Participants work through four asynchronous modules on the following topics. An optional “kick-off” or “wrap-up” talk or discussion with me can be included with this program. Learn more

1. Neurodiversity history, theory, and key terms
2. Lived experience: Learning from neurodivergent students and staff
3. Neurodiversity in higher education: Law, policy, and beyond
4. Applications in course design and teaching