Neurodiversity in the classroom : strength-based strategies to help students with special needs succeed in school and life

This book by best-selling author Thomas Armstrong offers classroom strategies for ensuring the academic success of students in five special-needs categories: learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders.

A new concept on human diversity has emerged over the past 10 years that promises to revolutionize the way educators provide services to students with special needs: neurodiversity. Just as we celebrate diversity in nature and cultures, so too do we need to honor the diversity of brains among our students who learn, think, and behave differently. In Neurodiversity in the Classroom, best-selling author Thomas Armstrong argues that we should embrace the strengths of such neurodiverse students to help them and their neurotypical peers thrive in school and beyond.

This innovative book focuses on five categories of special needs: learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders. For each category, Armstrong provides an in-depth discussion of

* The positive attributes associated with that category,

* Acclaimed neurodiverse adults who have excelled in their chosen fields,

* Computer programs and applications that allow students with special needs to overcome obstacles and achieve success,

* Rich networks of human resources both inside and outside of school that educators can draw upon to support the social and emotional lives of neurodiverse students,

* Innovative learning strategies that are tailored to each student's unique strengths,

* Future career paths for which a student's particular gifts might be a good fit,

* Modifications in the school environment that allow for seamless inclusion of neurodiverse students in the regular classroom, and

* Timely information about how to integrate the strategies and assessments for each category with the Common Core State Standards.

It's time that we focused on celebrating rather than pathologizing our students with special needs so that they can fully realize their potential in school and life. This practical and thought-provoking book will inspire teachers and administrators everywhere to make sure that all students with special needs get the support and strength-based instruction they deserve.

"A new concept on human diversity has emerged over the past 10 years that promises to revolutionize the way educators provide services to students with special needs: neurodiversity. Just as we celebrate diversity in nature and cultures, so too do we need to honor the diversity of brains among our students who learn, think, and behave differently. In Neurodiversity in the Classroom, best-selling author Thomas Armstrong argues that we should embrace the strengths of such neurodiverse students to help them and their neurotypical peers thrive in school and beyond. This innovative book focuses on five categories of special needs: learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders. For each category, Armstrong provides an in-depth discussion of: The positive attributes associated with that category; Acclaimed neurodiverse adults who have excelled in their chosen fields; Computer programs and applications that allow students with special needs to overcome obstacles and achieve success; Rich networks of human resources both inside and outside of school that educators can draw upon to support the social and emotional lives of neurodiverse students; Innovative learning strategies that are tailored to each student's unique strengths; Future career paths for which a student's particular gifts might be a good fit; Modifications in the school environment that allow for seamless inclusion of neurodiverse students in the regular classroom; and, Timely information about how to integrate the strategies and assessments for each category with the Common Core State Standards. It's time that we focused on celebrating rather than pathologizing our students with special needs so that they can fully realize their potential in school and life. This practical and thought-provoking book will inspire teachers and administrators everywhere to make sure that all students with special needs get the support and strength-based instruction they deserve."--Publisher's description By looking at the positive strengths of your students with special needs, you can help those students flourish, ensure their success, and align their instruction to Common Core State Standards. One of our most popular authors, Thomas Armstrong, shows you the steps you need to take to establish a more favorable, productive learning environment for five special needs categories: (1) Learning disabilities; (2) ADD/ADHD; (3) Autistic spectrum disorders; (4) Intellectual disabilities; and (5) Emotional and behavioral disorders. Explore the strengths, talents, and abilities of students with these special needs, and learn how to construct a positive day-to-day learning experience that fits the unique needs of each child. Armstrong explains why applying these strength-based concepts makes it easier to align instruction of special needs students with the Common Core State Standards. And he provides you with examples of how to teach and assess specific English language arts and mathematics standards for students with different special needs. Even if you rarely deal with special needs students, taking account of your students' neurodiversity is an essential new insight for your practice Teach Like a Champion 2.0 is a complete update to the international bestseller. This teaching guide is a must-have for new and experienced teachers alike. Over 700,000 teachers around the world already know how the techniques in this book turn educators into classroom champions. With ideas for everything from classroom management to inspiring student engagement, you will be able to perfect your teaching practice right away. Neurodiversity: The New Diversity -- The Multiple Talents Of Students With Learning Disabilities -- The Joys Of Adhd -- The Gifts Of Autism -- The Strengths Of Students With Intellectual Disabilities -- The Bright Side Of Kids With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders -- The Strength-based School. Thomas Armstrong. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 162-176) And Index. Just as we celebrate diversity in nature and cultures, so too do we need to honor the diversity of brains among our students who learn, think, and behave differently. In this book the author argues that we should embrace the strengths of such neurodiverse students to help them and their neurotypical peers thrive in school and beyond.