If you've been following our narrative on social media over the last few months you know we've been talking about how schools and mental health professionals can come together to collaborate within the framework of inclusive classrooms that celebrate neurodiversity. If you missed the first blog post in this series, check it out here: https://www.magnificentminds.ca/post/neurodiversity-in-the-classroom
Now that you're up to speed, let's ruffle some feathers shall we? Let's look critically at some of the practices that are occurring right now in the education and therapy sphere, including those that are bringing us closer to our values (of respect for neurodiversity) and those that are leading us away from our values. As a professional in the field I am able to offer insight into how and why these philosophies and practices developed, how they hinder or further our pursuit of respect for neurodiversity and also offer some practical strategies to do a little better when it comes to how, when and why we educate. Listen, I'm not someone who shows up with problems and doesn't offer solutions--so if you're willing to jump aboard the pursuit of pivoting in favour of reducing the systemic barriers in place for neurodivergent folks, if you're willing to feel a little uncomfortable as you think critically about some practices you have probably been implementing for years and you're willing to walk away with actionable steps for not just talking the talk, but also walking the walk when it comes to creating a community where neurodiversity is a primary goal (not a reactionary measure)... then let's connect.
Start your journey here, on this podcast: https://www.magnificentminds.ca/podcast/episode/32046a64/ableism-in-schools