Finding Your Tribe: Thrive as a Neurodivergent Teacher
As a neurodivergent teacher, I'm sure you've felt the unique challenges that come with the job.
Finding others who ‘get it' can feel like a relief– like changing into your most comfiest pj's at the end of a long day.
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Our Wiring and How It Shows Up
If you're neurodivergent, you might notice things like communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, or struggles with social interactions.
Common Challenges Faced by Teachers with ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, SPD, and Other Conditions
Things like communication difficulties can make simple interactions tricky, leading to headaches with students, families, or staff. Sensory sensitivities — whether it's overbearing sounds or smells — might make a noisy classroom feel even more overwhelming.
Building Connections: Finding Your Tribe
Connecting with like-minded educators can feel like reuniting with family. As I continue to develop this blog and build out resources, that's what I'm doing.
(I'd love to hear from you about your path and the many faces you've encountered along the way!)
Support Groups and Communities
Joining a group, like our Teaching While Neurodivergent Facebook group, can be a welcome addition.
But whether it's my group or another one, these kinds of spaces let us share experiences and strategies with people who will understand without judgment.
Strategies for Finding Your Community as a Teacher
Honestly the main reason I started this blog, was because I wanted to make a space for all of us. A space like what I needed when I was still in the classroom and couldn't find.
By joining the mailing list or jumping into Facebook discussions, you can experience that unique camaraderie. My hope is that it will make your life easier: at work and beyond!
Personal Development
Doing the work to understand, accept, and support yourself is a huge part of being successful as a neurodivergent teacher. It's not just a frill, either; it's actually essential if you want to feel balanced and fulfilled in your work.
One of the best ways to do this? By connecting with others who get you. Witnessing first hand how other adults are facing similar situations can feel really validating.
Managing Stress and Building Resilience
If you're anything like me, the advice to ‘just relax' might really rub you the wrong way. We've heard it a million times, and if it were that easy, we'd all be chillin' by now, right?
Ugh, I'm getting annoyed just thinking about it!
It's not about ‘trying harder.' It's about finding what actually resonates and works for you.
Interestingly the majority of folx in the Facebook group said getting outside, even for a few minutes, is a powerful way to soothe frayed nerves.
Professional Growth Opportunities
Career advancement is possible, and there are several ways to build new skills.
If you're interested in creating a solid foundation for life as an adult with ADHD, for example, you could start by checking out local chapters or online meetings of CHADD.
If you're a woman looking to strengthen executive functions, Shannyn from EF Bomb offers a free course designed with you in mind.
Mentoring and Professional Development
Mentoring programs and professional development courses are excellent ways to enhance your skills and grow your career.
Some of the material you get in workshops to help neurodivergent students can be tweaked to fit your needs.
Read my post, “15 Achievable ADHD Accommodations Checklist” for Teachers for more information.
Advocacy and Awareness in Education
Of course, as we advocate for our own needs, we are also thinking of our students as well.
The key is to find what feels comfortable to you. If you're someone who values privacy, like many teachers (myself included), maybe you could think about ways to support from behind the scenes.
FAQs
Effective Ways to Connect with Other Neurodivergent Educators
Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can be liberating. Join online spaces like our Teaching While Neurodivergent: Support for ADHD, Autism, and Sensory Needs group. There you can share ideas, insights, and encouragement with fellow nd teachers.
Professional Development Opportunities for Neurodivergent Educators
For ongoing learning, look for training that aligns with neurodivergent needs. (See my Resources page for some of my personal favorites!)
Key Takeaways
Finding your tribe as a neurodivergent teacher goes beyond support; it's about finding people who see and uplift you. Keep sharing your unique perspective with the field. You're making a difference!