How to Teach Neurodiversity in Schools: Affirming Practices for Counselors & Educators
Introduction: Why Teaching Neurodiversity Matters
Have you ever wanted to talk about neurodiversity in your classroom or counseling office, but felt unsure about how to start? You’re not alone! Many educators and school counselors recognize the importance of discussing neurodiversity but worry about saying the wrong thing or not having enough knowledge.
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to be an expert! You just need to be an open and affirming advocate. Understanding neurodiversity helps all students feel seen, valued, and supported. By embracing neurodivergent-affirming practices, we can create a more inclusive learning environment where every child thrives.
What is Neurodiversity? A Simple Explanation for Educators
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brains and the way people think, learn, and process information. Just like biodiversity in nature, neurodiversity includes a range of cognitive styles, strengths, and challenges.
A neurodivergent person has a brain that functions differently from what society considers "typical." This includes conditions like ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and Dysgraphia. Instead of viewing these as deficits, neurodiversity-affirming practices recognize them as differences that contribute to the richness of human thinking and problem-solving.
The #1 Mindset Shift: Neurodiversity Is Not a Deficit
One of the biggest shifts educators and counselors can make is moving from a deficit-based perspective to a strength-based perspective when working with neurodivergent students.
Instead of thinking, “This student can’t focus,” we can reframe it as “This student processes information best with movement and breaks.”
Instead of “This student struggles with reading,” we can say, “This student learns best with audiobooks and hands-on activities.”
By adjusting our mindset, we create an environment where neurodivergent students feel understood, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Highlight Neurodivergent Success
Seeing successful ND individuals can help students recognize their own strengths and potential. ND representation grows confidence, normalizes differences, and shows their unique way of thinking can lead to incredible achievements.
5 Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices for Schools
✅ 1. Use Strength-Based Language
Words matter. When we shift the way we talk about neurodivergent students, we shift how they see themselves. Instead of focusing on struggles, we highlight strengths and differences.
Instead of: "Struggles with eye contact."
Try: "Communicates in ways beyond eye contact."
Instead of: "Hyperactive and disruptive."
Try: "Energetic and creative thinker."
✅ 2. Normalize Different Learning and Processing Styles
Not all students learn the same way, and that’s okay! Creating a neurodiversity-affirming classroom means offering flexible learning options like:
Alternative seating (wiggle seats, standing desks)
Visual supports (charts, written schedules)
Movement breaks and fidgets
Allowing students to write, draw, or verbally explain ideas
A quiet, still classroom isn’t the only productive classroom. Learning looks different for everyone!
✅ 3. Teach Neurodiversity as a Strength, Not Just a Challenge
Many students hear about ADHD, Autism, or Dyslexia only in terms of what’s "hard." But neurodivergence also brings incredible strengths like creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance.
One way to introduce this in your school? Teach neurodiversity using a simple, engaging lesson. My Neurodiversity Lesson on Neurodivergence Acceptance provides a great starting point!
✅ 4. Support Self-Advocacy Skills in Neurodivergent Students
Many neurodivergent students struggle to express what they need. Teaching self-advocacy skills empowers them to confidently ask for accommodations and support.
Ways to build self-advocacy:
Model phrases like "I focus best when I can stand up."
Teach students about their learning styles
Use role-playing to practice speaking up for needs
Want a ready-made way to teach self-advocacy? My ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia Mini-Lesson Series encourages discussions designed to help students recognize their strengths and needs.
✅ 5. Encourage Open Conversations and Questions
A lot of educators fear talking about neurodiversity because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. But avoiding the conversation does more harm than good. The best thing you can do? Be open and honest.
Here are some simple ways to start the conversation with students:
"Some people’s brains work really fast, and others need more time to process. Both are okay!"
"Some people focus best when they doodle or move. Let’s try it!"
"Everyone’s brain works differently—what helps you learn best?"
If you need a structured way to teach this, my Neurodivergent Mini-Lesson Bundle provides a great way to start these conversations in a kid-friendly, engaging way.
Neurodivergent Mini Lesson Series: Teaching ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia/Dysgraphia
This Neurodivergent Mini Lesson Series makes it easy to teach your students about ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia/Dysgraphia. Take the myths and the mystery out of neurodivergence with these straight-forward, kid friendly explanations to build understanding, empathy, and acceptance.
How to Confidently Teach Neurodiversity in Your School
Teaching neurodiversity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is starting small—introducing affirming language, making small classroom adjustments, and having open conversations with students.
If you’re looking for an easy way to begin, my Neurodivergent Mini-Lesson Bundle includes everything you need to confidently teach about ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and more. The lessons are:
✅ Kid-friendly and engaging
✅ Perfect for whole-class or small group counseling
✅ Designed to help neurodivergent students feel seen and valued
Check out the Neurodivergent Lesson Bundle here!
By embracing neurodiversity-affirming practices, we create schools where all students—neurodivergent and neurotypical—feel supported and understood. Let’s start the conversation and celebrate the beauty of different minds!