Neurodiversity: A New Approach for Students with Special Needs

Neurodiversity—a concept whose time has come—challenges educators to shift from a disability perspective to a diversity perspective, and to use strength-based strategies designed to help students with disabilities be successful in life and in school. For educators, this course encourages educators to focus on the positive assets of students with disabilities who are neurodiverse and neurotypical, and to understand how to support and provide the instruction they need. The following topics specific to teaching students with disabilities are included in the coursework: assessment, communication, strategies for students with autism, dyslexia, strength-based instructional models, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, mental illness, technology for use with students with disabilities, assistive technology, and Universal Design for Learning.