This informal CPD article ‘Why Neurodiversity Knowledge IS crucial and should NOT be compromised’, was supplied by Uzma Akser, Director and Founder of Coaching and Consulting (UACC), who offer coaching and training services to organizations and communities, as well as life skills training and coaching for individuals with disabilities.
“As our classrooms become more diverse, it’s crucial for educators to be equipped with the tools and knowledge to create truly inclusive environments. The challenges faced by general education teachers in supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) highlight the urgent need for improved training, collaboration, and resources. Let’s advocate for comprehensive professional development programs that empower teachers to navigate inclusive classrooms effectively”.1
This quote was taken from a recent study published in August 2022 - “Barriers general education teachers face regarding the inclusion of students with autism”.
The results in the study showed that general education teachers often lack specialized training on how to engage with students with ASD. They often have few opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in the special education field and struggle to create an inclusive environment due to lack of resources.
This would prepare educators to work swiftly in a classroom, provide solutions to various scenarios that may take place and move towards creating an inclusive classroom environment. We cannot stress this enough in today's diverse classrooms.
The importance of collaboration
The critical need for working with other professionals who are supporting the learner or learners is vital. We see collaboration as key as the lack of resources or an opportunity to work with other colleagues can become challenging for educators.
Despite the educators wanting to do their best placing certain accommodations or modifications down for their learners they can often find this extremely testing. It is important to empower educators to navigate inclusive classrooms effectively not only by increasing awareness and understanding but through working towards what inclusive education should look like and how to truly make a difference in the classroom setting.
Practical knowledge that increases understanding of what neurodiversity is, how teaching strategies can be modified, what tools can be used and what accommodations and modifications can be provided to educators to create a more inclusive learning space.
This recent study emphasizes how difficult it is for general education teachers to serve kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in an effective manner because of a lack of resources, opportunities for collaboration, and specialized training.
Training programs provide the opportunity for educators to gain practical knowledge which looks at how to adapt teaching methods/styles, look at what adaptations may be needed and what resources may be provided to the learners. Educators and other professionals must work together to create an inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed and thrive.
In conclusion, the need to shift to an inclusive learning environment is becoming more and more evident as we now understand that every learner is unique. We should assist educators with this learning opportunity to confidently assist learners in an education setting. Through awareness and acceptance, we are moving towards an inclusive culture where every neurodivergent is not only seen but also valued.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Uzma Akser Coaching and Consulting (UACC), please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
References:
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9443958/
