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Rethinking Behavior in the Classroom

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

Release Date: 03/13/2025

The Connection Between Neurodivergence and Mental Health show art The Connection Between Neurodivergence and Mental Health

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin explore the intersection of mental health and neurodivergence. They reflect on how unmet needs and unsupportive environments can lead to anxiety, depression, and school avoidance—and how affirming approaches can foster resilience and well-being. They’re joined by Dr. Andrew Kahn, licensed psychologist and Associate Director of Expertise and Strategic Design at Understood.org. Drawing from both his professional experience and personal neurodivergent identity, Dr. Kahn shares insight into how...

info_outline Neurodiversity-Affirming IEPs and 504s show art Neurodiversity-Affirming IEPs and 504s

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin dive into how educators can shift IEPs, 504 Plans, and personalized learning plans from compliance-focused documents to strength-based frameworks. They discuss the importance of incorporating student voices and considering their unique strengths and needs. Emily and Amanda are joined by Karen Brown, Director of Gifted Education at Paradise Valley Unified School District. With over 35 years of experience, Karen shares innovative, practical approaches for creating inclusive, affirming learning...

info_outline Neurology Justifies Strengths-Based Supports show art Neurology Justifies Strengths-Based Supports

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin explore what it really means to implement strengths-based instruction. They share personal stories and professional insights to unpack common misconceptions and help educators move beyond surface-level approaches to recognizing student strengths. Emily and Amanda are joined by Kareem Neal, an award-winning educator and inclusion advocate who brings over 25 years of experience as a self-contained special education teacher. Kareem shares how focusing on student strengths—not just interests or...

info_outline Setting the Stage for Neurodiversity-Affirming Communication show art Setting the Stage for Neurodiversity-Affirming Communication

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin explore what it means to communicate in ways that support and empower neurodivergent students. They reflect on their own experiences and highlight how language, tone, and intention shape our relationships with learners. Emily is joined by Meg Wolf, a twice-exceptional educator and founder of Neurodiverse Connections. Meg brings both professional insight and lived experience to the conversation, sharing how we can shift from correction and compliance to curiosity and collaboration. Key topics...

info_outline Supporting Sensory Needs in Schools show art Supporting Sensory Needs in Schools

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris explore how sensory experiences impact student learning. They discuss how classroom environments can either support or hinder students’ ability to focus, regulate emotions, and access learning—and what educators can do to create spaces that work for all learners. Amanda and Emily are joined by Keri Wilmot, a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. Keri specializes in supporting children and families through sensory integration strategies and is the author of Wired...

info_outline Building Emotionally Competent Classrooms show art Building Emotionally Competent Classrooms

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin explore what it means to build emotionally competent classrooms. They discuss how educators can develop their own emotional competence to foster healthier learning environments and support neurodivergent students more effectively. Emily and Amanda are joined by Juliana Urtubey, 2021 National Teacher of the Year, who shares her insights on how emotional competence impacts both educators and students. Juliana, a nationally board-certified teacher and advocate for inclusive education, highlights...

info_outline Rethinking Behavior in the Classroom show art Rethinking Behavior in the Classroom

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris explore classroom behavior management through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. They reflect on traditional behavior systems, their impact on neurodivergent students, and how educators can shift toward more supportive practices. They are joined by Elizabeth Sautter, a speech-language pathologist, author, and trainer specializing in social communication, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. Elizabeth shares her journey of evolving her practices, including revising her well-known "Whole...

info_outline Camouflaging, Masking, and Authenticity for Neurodivergent Students show art Camouflaging, Masking, and Authenticity for Neurodivergent Students

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris explore the complexities of masking, camouflaging, and authenticity in neurodivergent students. They discuss why students engage in these behaviors, the cognitive and emotional costs, and how educators can create environments that support choice and self-expression. Amanda and Emily are the authors of Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported and bring deep expertise in supporting neurodivergent learners in education. Key Topics: The...

info_outline Supporting Neurodivergent Learners with Universal Design for Learning show art Supporting Neurodivergent Learners with Universal Design for Learning

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how it can transform classrooms into inclusive, supportive environments for all students. They discuss practical ways educators can shift their teaching approaches to better serve neurodivergent learners without creating extra work—while benefiting every student in the room. Emily and Amanda are joined by Allison Posey, Senior Content Editor and Learning Designer at CAST, an organization at the forefront of UDL implementation. Allison shares her...

info_outline Understanding and Confronting Ableism show art Understanding and Confronting Ableism

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin take on a challenging yet vital topic: dismantling ableism in education. They explore how ableism is often unintentionally built into school systems and classroom practices and discuss the importance of reflecting on our biases to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments for neurodivergent students. Emily and Amanda are joined by Tim Villegas, Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and founder of Think Inclusive. Tim shares his insights...

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In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris explore classroom behavior management through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. They reflect on traditional behavior systems, their impact on neurodivergent students, and how educators can shift toward more supportive practices.

They are joined by Elizabeth Sautter, a speech-language pathologist, author, and trainer specializing in social communication, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. Elizabeth shares her journey of evolving her practices, including revising her well-known "Whole Body Listening Larry" materials to be more inclusive and affirming for neurodivergent learners.

Key Topics:

  • The unintended harm of traditional behavior management systems

  • The emotional impact of compliance-driven models on neurodivergent students

  • Why educators need to unlearn outdated behavior practices

  • Shifting from short-term compliance to long-term skill development

  • Elizabeth Sautter’s evolution in supporting neurodivergent learners

  • Emphasizing regulation over compliance in the classroom

  • How educators can model a growth mindset and adapt their practices

Resources Mentioned:

  • Make Social and Emotional Learning Stick by Elizabeth Sautter – Order here

  • Zones of Regulation – Learn more here

  • Whole Body Listening Larry resources – Updated materials

  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools by Amanda Morin & Emily Kircher-Morris – Order here

  • Educator training and consultation with Amanda & Emily – Find out more