What is neurodiversity? According to Merriam-Webster, the first definition listed is, “individual differences in brain functioning regarded as normal variations within the human population.”
This blog offers educational content; not medical advice. Please, consult a healthcare professional for personal mental health concerns.
One of the main tenets of effective teaching is to be able to reach and challenge all learners, regardless of how their brains work. But, what about how neurodivergent (ND) educators approach teaching?
Neurodivergent educators are arguably primed, generally speaking, to be able to reach diverse types of brains.
Not only do they often possess unique perspectives in teaching, learning, and problem-solving; but also an innately high capacity to compassionately understand. These factors can help mitigate bias, in terms of teacher-held expectations.
Many teachers who identify as neurodivergent, just as those who do not, understand the value of creating an inclusive classroom. Adapting teaching styles to diverse learning needs is a common practice across the board.
They can also work to include education around neurodiversity just as they do with other types of diversity, thereby building a culture of acceptance and respect.
Teaching is an incredibly demanding profession for any person. Yet, those who identify as ND face the added burden of dealing with unique, often largely invisible, challenges.
There is the question of advocating for one's needs via accommodations requests, done either through an explicit disclosure; or, through more indirect ways of speaking to supervisors.
In private schools, teachers might fear retaliation for making such a request. And either way, teachers in any type of learning institution balance weighing the risks and benefits. Questions arise like, “Will my principal think less of me?” These are real concerns.
Still, some would argue that disclosing a diagnosis can ultimately help students who are also affected by the same conditions. Having a vocal, strong role model can definitely make a positive impact on students' confidence and therefore, achievements.
In summary, neurodivergent teachers often:
- have a positive impact on neurodivergent students, in addition to neurotypical
- bring unique perspectives in teaching and problem-solving
- create an inclusive classroom and mitigate bias for themselves and others
- adapt teaching styles to diverse learning needs
- deal with an added mental load including the fact that the struggles are often invisible
- weigh the benefits and risks associated with making direct, or indirect, disclosures
- underperform by not having appropriate accommodations in place
- struggle to meet demands put in place by a culture that does not value brain-based or body-based (i.e., ableism) differences
What do you think? What strengths and challenges would you add to the list?
