Building Neuroaffirming Classrooms

Thank you to everyone who voted on the focus for our next Tuesday Tips & Tricks series! I’m so excited to share that the majority of interest was in neurodiversity-affirming practices. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be exploring how to build neuroaffirming classrooms together.

Before we dive into this topic, it’s important to pause and clarify what we mean by the terms “neurodiversity” and “neuroaffirming practices.” Understanding these definitions lays the foundation for the work ahead and helps us approach our classrooms with both clarity and intention.

In addition to defining these terms, I’ll also share resources that highlight the autistic perspective, including books, podcasts, and social media voices. These first-hand accounts are essential. They ensure that we’re not just talking about autistic people, but learning from autistic people.

Harvard Health describes neurodiversity as "the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits."

Neurodiversity is not a medical term, but rather a movement that challenges the idea of a “normal” brain and instead calls for acceptance and celebration of all kinds of minds.

Neurodiversity is the idea that there are many different ways of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world. Neurodivergent refers to people whose brains develop or function in ways that are different from what is considered typical.

• Autism
• ADHD
• Down Syndrome
• Dyscalculia (a math learning disability)
• Dysgraphia (a writing learning disability)
• Dyslexia (a reading learning disability)
• Dyspraxia (coordination challenges)
• Intellectual disabilities
• Mental health diagnoses
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Tourette Syndrome

(This list is from the AUSM handout "What is Neurodiversity?")

You may have heard the term neuroaffirming practices and wondered what it really means. At its core, this approach is about shifting how we see and support people who think and learn differently. Neuroaffirming practices are approaches that recognize autism and other forms of neurodivergence as natural human variation, rather than disorders to be ‘fixed.’ According to Dr. Barry Prizant, author of Uniquely Human (a must-read for anyone beginning this journey), these practices focus on:

• Understanding, not controlling — seeing behaviors as meaningful communication rather than problems.
• Respecting differences — recognizing that autistic ways of communicating, relating, or processing the world are valid and human.
• Building on strengths and interests — using what brings joy and motivation to foster learning and connection.
• Prioritizing relationships — emphasizing trust, safety, and emotional well-being over rigid compliance.
• Creating supportive environments — adapting classrooms and expectations to meet the needs of autistic students rather than forcing them to conform to “typical” norms.

In short, his perspective aligns with the neuroaffirming belief that autistic people don’t need to be “normalized” — they need to be understood, supported, and celebrated.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What does this actually look like in my classroom? How can I create an environment that honors and respects all of my students while also making sure everyone can learn and succeed?” — You’re in the right place!

In the weeks ahead, we’ll dive into practical ways to build neuroaffirming classrooms. But before we jump into strategies, it’s important to start with the autistic perspective. Over the next few weeks, we’ll hear from others, including an autistic autism educator, to ground our work in lived experience.

Together, we’ll explore how small shifts can make a big difference in creating classrooms where every student feels valued and supported.

Are you interested in learning more about neurodiversity, including best practices? Below is a great start!

Books

Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant

Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price

We're Not Broken by Eric Garcia

Podcasts

Uniquely Human: The Podcast

Expands the conversation on autism and neurodiversity by amplifying the voices of autistic and neurodivergent individuals and thought leaders, providing insightful, cutting-edge, and practical information about the autistic and neurodivergent experience. Hosted by Barry Prizant and Dave Finch.

Neurodiversity Podcast

The Neurodiversity Podcast talks with leaders in the fields of psychology, education, and beyond, about positively impacting neurodivergent people. Their goal is to reframe differences that were once considered disabilities or disorders, promote awareness of this unique population, and improve the lives of neurodivergent and high-ability people.

Social Media Accounts

Louise Chandler

Autistic Writer, Speaker, and Creator | Lived experience and self advocacy

@neurodivergent_lou

Andi Putt

Autistic Speech Language Pathologist | Strategies for neuroaffirming practices and communication

@mrsspeechiep

Nikki Smit

Neurodivergent OT | Amazing insight into self-regulation and co-regulation

@nikkismittherapy

This must-read newsletter is filled with exciting events, valuable opportunities, and expert insights for educators and professionals supporting students with ASD.

Don’t miss the Communication Corner by Leah Hicks, where she shares strategies to expand communication skills in your classroom. Leah offers practical ways to help students express their thoughts, build meaningful connections, and navigate their world with greater independence. You can also browse past newsletters to find her popular one-pagers, which are perfect for sharing with colleagues!

Don’t miss out! Click the link below to access this incredible resource, and be sure to subscribe to receive the Minnesota Statewide ASD Newsletter in your inbox each quarter. Stay informed, inspired, and connected!

Check out the My Five Senses Themes First! Unit, which includes original songs, books, and activities that support students’ skill development and generalization with content that’s fun, accessible, and theme-based. These monthly units now include an expanded Social Studies suite, containing fun, theme-related activities that reinforce cultural engagement. Included in all Themes First! units are lessons, activities, and worksheets for group and independent work at a wide range of levels.

The next Themes First! release, October's Fall Festivalsis ready to prep!

💡Print all the activities you plan to use for the upcoming month as soon as they become available. Put printed activities in a "prep" area equipped with a laminator, file folders, Velcro, labels, and baggies. If you have a large laminator, laminate all the activities at once! When you and your team have a few minutes to spare, laminate, cut, and Velcro. It helps to organize activities in trays by "Needs to be Prepped" and "Finished." Don't forget to teach your team how to prep the activities and to model this new expectation. Check out the How to Prep a Month-Long Themes First! Unit below.

STAR Media Center Updates: Themes First

STAR Media Center Updates: Routine Essentials

Welcome Back! 9/2/2025

2023-2025 Tuesday Tips & Tricks

Feel free to reach out anytime with questions or concerns—I’m happy to help! You can contact me by email or phone, and I’m also available for quick Zoom chats on Fridays from 7:30–8:00 AM and 3:00–3:30 PM. If those times don’t work for your schedule, just send me an email, and we’ll find a time that works best for both of us.

Use the link below to ask questions about this week's Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks and/or give suggestions on future topics.