Skip to main content

Neurodiversity-friendly Teaching

Promote the concept of neurodiversity as a form of human variation like ethnicity, race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Column one lists considerations for neurodiversity, the second columns list strategies to employ for each consideration.
Considerations Strategy
Variety and individualization
  1. Individualize: Link to a student's interest, if possible.
  2. Provide multiple ways for students to engageĀ· with content (lecture, reading, video, online workshop).
  3. Use a variety of assessments to maximize opportunities for success.
Social groups
  1. Compose work groups intentionally and keep groups together for a stretch of the semester, assigning roles to members.
  2. Use role plays so students experience a variety of perspectives.
  3. Provide alternatives for class participation on occasion.
  4. If your course emphasizes discussion and group work, consider incorporating individual pursuits as a counterbalance.
Critical thinking
  1. Teach critical thinking terminology.
  2. Break down critical thinking tasks into manageable chunks, repeating templates whenever possible.
  3. Balance abstract and concrete material whenever possible.
  4. Be upfront about the ambiguity of certain material, and give direct, explicit explanations of subtleties whenever possible.
  5. Use multi-modal means to demonstrate abstract concepts.
  6. Ask students to write from different points of view; consider using a symbol for each point of view.
Structure
  1. Give explicit, written instructions.
  2. Adhere to classroom routines and rituals.
  3. Provide structure via course materials: Detailed syllabi, weekly schedules, grading rubrics, and assignment handouts help students stay on track.
  4. Clearly label course materials online.
  5. Be explicit about behavioral expectations for participating in class, working in groups, and instructor contact.
Stress & anxiety
  1. Notice the signs of building stress; suggest strategies, and privately encourage student to identify triggers.
  2. Adjust the sensory environment of your classroom to be more autism-friendly, e.g., install full-spectrum lighting & carpeting and turn off the LCD projector.
  3. Encourage self-monitoring through planning, goal-setting, and reflection activities.

 

Gobbo, Shmulsky, & Bower (2018). Strategies for teaching STEM subjects to college students with ASD. Journal of College Science Teaching, 47(6), 12-17.
Gobbo & Shmulsky (2013). Faculty experience with college students with autism spectrum disorders: A qualitative study of challenges and solutions. Focus on Autism and other Dev. Disabilities.
Shmulsky, s., Gobbo, K., Donahu_e, A., & Banerjee, M. (2017).- College students who have ASD: Factors related to first year performance. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability.