The Neurodiverse Classroom

The Nervous System's Role in Learning (Part 2) - Connection and Regulation

This episode explores a nervous system responsive approach to teaching in the classroom, highlighting the importance of prioritizing connection and regulation to optimise children’s nervous systems for learning.
Key Take Aways
Identifying behavioural signs children are outside of their window of tolerance.
Effects of stress on the hippocampus and short-term memory.
Connection and regulation as the foundation for learning.
Building Connection with Students
One on One time - Developing empathy and understanding of each student’s unique experiences.
Welcoming emotional support tools like toys and sensory items.
Importance of micro-connections.
Empowering self advocacy in the classroom.
Check ins.
Supporting Regulation
Working with Ots and using sensory profiles to inform sensory accommodations and supports in the classroom.
Examples of classroom accommodations to reduce sensory and cognitive demands.
Providing opportunities for cognitive overload recovery.
Play as a powerful tool for nervous system regulation.
 
This Week’s Recommendations
Instagram Account: @a_different_spectrum
Emotional Wellbeing and Learning Plan
Self Advocacy Communication Book
Quiet Corner inspo on Pinterest
 
 
 

The Nervous System's Role in Learning (Part 1) - Understanding the nervous system response

In this episode we’re taking a closer look at our brain’s structures and functions, the impact our experiences have on our nervous system and the implications for learning and engagement in the classroom.
Key Take Aways
Dr. Dan Siegel’s Hand Model of the Brain
Visualizing the brain’s structures using the hand
Cortex, limbic system, and brainstem explained
Brain Integration and the Upstairs/Downstairs Analogy
The brain as a two-story house: upstairs (cortex) and downstairs (limbic system and brainstem)
Importance of brain integration for learning and engaging with others
Factors That Disrupt Brain Integration
Cognitive overload and environmental stressors
The "cliff-hanger" analogy: prefrontal cortex losing control
Flipping the Lid
The stress response: Fight, flight, freeze, fawn
Window of Tolerance
Introduction to the Window of Tolerance 
States of hyper-arousal and hypo-arousal
Impact of stress on learning and engagement in the classroom
Differences in window size and stress management
Impact of trauma, chronic stress, and neurotypes on the window of tolerance
Self Care for Teachers
As adults, the importance of prioritising our own nervous system.
Recommended Resources
Dr Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson’s book ‘The Whole Brain Child’ 
Dr Dan Siegel’s Hand Model of the Brain video 
Perth Children’s Occupational Therapy Facebook page, Instagram account,  and Downloadable Resource: Regulation Strategies for Teachers 
Say hi to Nat on Instagram 
Learn more about Nat’s work on her website 
Or Get in touch via email 
 
 
 
 

The Executive Functioning System (Part 2) - Understanding and Supporting Executive Functioning in the Classroom

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into executive functioning, focusing on how executive functioning processes develop differently in neurodivergent students, including dyslexic, ADHD, and autistic kids. We explore the key executive functioning processes—working memory, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility—while sharing practical strategies to support students in the classroom.
Key Take Aways
Recap of Executive Functioning
Definition of executive functioning system.
Key processes: impulse control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory.
Causes of executive functioning dysfunction.
Executive Functioning in Dyslexic Students
How dyslexic brains process written language.
The role of working memory in reading and spelling.
Supporting working memory development.
Technology accommodations: speech-to-text and text-to-speech.
Executive Functioning in ADHD Students
Differences in brain development for ADHD students.
Impulse control and its impact in the classroom.
Accommodations for differences in impulse control development.
Strategies for developing impulse control.
Executive Functioning in Autistic Students
Cognitive flexibility and the attachment to a desired process and outcome
Accommodating cognitive flexibility differences in the classroom.
Strategies for developing cognitive flexibility.
Whole-Class Executive Functioning Strategies
Teaching executive functioning explicitly.
Visualisation and planning.
Mindfulness.
Reflexive questioning.
Recommended Resources
Alison Clarke’s SPELFABET site for literacy resources.
A link to Kristy Forbes’ website for learning more about PDA. 
Tera Sumpter’s ‘Planting seeds with reflexive questioning’ digital resource. 
See this podcast in pretty pictures by following Nat on instagram - @the_audhd_speechie
Learn more about what Nat does by checking out her website - www.gospeechpathology.com.au

The Executive Functioning System (Part 1) - The Air Traffic Control Centre of the Brain

Our executive functioning system is a set of cognitive processes that allow us to independently engage and interact in our world and, for our school aged kids, in the classroom. 
Key Take Aways
A quick discussion of Monotropism.
Exploration of the Executive Functioning System as a set of cognitive processes.
Introduction to three core processes: Working Memory, Flexibility, and Impulse Control.
Six of the key executive functioning skills: Time Management, Task Initiation, Emotional Regulation, Organisation, Planning, and Self-Reflection.
Impact of cognitive and sensory inputs on executive functioning performance.
Examples of how different executive functioning challenges might manifest in students’ classroom behaviors.
Prefrontal cortex development and its role in executive functioning.
Neurodivergent students' unique executive functioning challenges.
Emphasis on understanding, connection, and collaboration over traditional behaviour management strategies.
The week's Recommendations
Dr Ross Green's Lives in the Balance Website
Harvard's Centre for the Developing Child Executive Functioning Resources
Tera Sumpter’s book The Seeds of Learning: A Cognitive Processing Model for Speech, Language, Literacy, and Executive Functioning.
See this podcast in pretty pictures by following Nat on instagram - @the_audhd_speechie
Learn more about what Nat does by checking out her website - www.gospeechpathology.com.au
 

The Neurodiversity Affirming Model and Schools - An Introduction

Welcome to Episode 1! In this first episode, we dive into the Neurodiversity Affirming Model - what it is, why it matters, and how it differs from the traditional medical model.
Key Take Ways Covered:
Introduction to the neurodiversity affirming model and how it fits within the education system.
Comparison between the medical model and neurodiversity affirming model.
Explanation of key concepts within the neurodiversity movement.
Prevalence of neurodivergence in classrooms (just how many neurotypical students are in your class?)
Practical resources and recommendations for teachers and clinicians.
This Week's Recommendations:
Neurowild's 'Neurodiversity Cupcakes' Infographic
'The Brain Forest' by Sandhya Menon
Bumper: A Whole Body Learner
Minds Of All Kinds Are Learning Here - Classroom Door Display (Freebie!)
References
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2789926 
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children/contents/health/children-mental-illness 
Prevalence of Developmental Dyslexia in Primary School Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 
Developmental Language Disorder | NIDCD (nih.gov)

Trailer - The Neurodiverse Classroom

I’m Nat Willacy, Autistic ADHD speech pathologist, teacher and host of The Neurodiverse Classroom podcast. The neuro-affirming movement and better understanding neurodivergent brains is my SPIN (that’s autistic speak for special interest) so join me as I deep dive into a brain based approach to supporting and empowering all children in the primary classroom.
I’ll be unpacking the paradigm shift our world is making, away from the medical model of autism and ADHD to a neurodiversity affirming model, and how that applies to the education space. I’ll be exploring the executive functioning system of the brain and the role executive functioning skills play in learning at school for both neurotypical and neurodivergent students. And I’ll be drawing on the teachings of some of the great minds in this space to highlight the importance of prioritising the nervous system to support the wellbeing, development and learning of the students in your classroom.
It’s my hope that by tuning in to the Neurodiverse Classroom, school leaders, teachers, education assistants, allied health professionals and anyone working with children in schools will be empowered with knowledge, approaches, strategies and supports that just feel right, that just feel easier, and that are more affirming and more rewarding for everyone. Our classrooms are made up of all different kinds of brains and when we truly recognise and honour that, each and every student can blossom and grow in their own unique and beautiful way.
So join me on the Neurodiverse Classroom Podcast and click subscribe today!