About the Course
Nurturing neurodiversity in the classroom is essential for fostering inclusive and effective educational environments. This session explores the strategies and practices that support neurodivergent students. This lecture focuses on evidence based practices that enhance learning experiences and outcomes for these students while promoting their unique strengths. Key findings reveal that personalized learning plans, flexible teaching methods, and an empathetic classroom culture significantly benefit neurodivergent students. The results underscore the importance of tailored educational strategies and advocate for broader adoption of neurodiversity-affirming practices. These insights provide valuable guidance for educators and administrators seeking to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.
Objectives
Participants will list specific areas of support for the differing sensory, communication and social needs of neurodivergent students.
Participants will summarize how school administrators and teachers can cultivate a neurodiversity affirming environment in schools.
About your Instructors
Jennifer Cleveland, PhD
Dr. Jennifer Cleveland received her PhD from the University of North Texas. She has worked in various settings throughout her career including community mental health, the pediatrics department at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, and the school health program of Hospital. She has a special passion for evaluations and neuropsychological testing.
Dr. Cleveland also spent four years working as a faculty member at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in New Jersey, where she served as the administrator for a program providing support for autistic college students. She worked for UTSA’s former Counseling and Mental Health Services from 2019 – 2021 when she left to begin private practice. She currently sees adults (including neurodivergent individuals) for therapy in her practice, Sun Psychological.
Jennifer served on the executive committee of the Bexar County Psychological Association as their Early Career Psychologist representative in 2021 and 2022, and wrote her first book chapter in 2022 in the book titled, Postsecondary Transition for College- or Career-bound Autistic Students. She joined ACN's clinical team in August of 2023 and has enjoyed serving as a diagnostic team lead since that time.
Speaker Disclosure: Dr. Cleveland receives a salary from Autism Community Network.
Nicolle Reyna, MS, CCC-SLP
Nicolle Reyna received her BA in Psychology from the University of Incarnate Word and her Masters of Science in Communication Disorders from Texas Woman’s University. Nicolle also received her Texas teaching certificate in Special Education in partnership between Region 20 Education Service Center and The University of Texas-San Antonio. She spent 13 years as a special education teacher working with students at the elementary and middle school levels in various classroom settings. After completing her masters in Communication Disorders, Nicolle worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the elementary setting for three years where she worked closely with teachers to create a supportive and safe learning environment within the school as well as the classroom. Nicolle joined the clinical team at Autism Community Network in August of 2023 where she is part of the diagnostic team as well as serving as Director of Therapy.
Speaker Disclosure: Ms. Reyna receives a salary from Autism Community Network.