Neurodiversity
This term describes the idea that all brains think, learn, and experience the world differently.
What is neurodiversity?
Autistic people often use these to help them feel calm, focused, or regulated.
What are stims?
What does ADHD stand for?
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
What is one positive trait of ADHD?
Creativity, high energy, adaptability, or quick problem-solving.
This support strategy helps students by showing steps or expectations visually.
What is a visual schedule (or visual support)?
This word describes people whose brains work in ways that are considered typical.
What is neurotypical?
This term describes intense interests that autistic people may know a lot about and discuss for long periods of time.
What are special interests?
Myth or Fact: People with ADHD can't focus on anything
Myth: People with ADHD may hyperfocus, which means doing this for long periods, and can interrupt routine.
Name one strength associated with autism.
Deep focus, pattern recognition, creative problem-solving, or strong memory.
This type of movement — like tapping, doodling, or fidgeting — can help ADHDers concentrate.
What is Fidgeting/Stimming/Regulating
What is a common misconception about autism and socialization?
That autistic people don’t want friends—many do but may socialize differently
How does autism affect communication?
Some autistic people may prefer direct communication, struggle with small talk, or use different body language.
What is one common challenge faced by students with ADHD?
Difficulty with sustained attention, organization, or impulse control.
Name one famous person with ADHD or Autism
ADHD: Albert Einstein, Simone Biles, Will Smith...
Autistic: Greta Thunberg, Eminem, Elon Musk...
This type of break helps students regulate their bodies and emotions.
Movement Break
What is literal thinking?
This type of communication difference means someone may take language literally.
This term describes the intense, overwhelming reaction some autistic people experience when sensory input becomes too much for the brain to process.
What is sensory overload?
This term is for when someone with ADHD struggles to start a task even if they want to.
What is task initiation
What are the 3 types of ADHD?
Inattentive, hyperactive, mixed
What are some strategies you can do to support yourself or a classmate who is dysregulated?
Talk to an adult, find a calm or quiet space, use sensory tools, practice mindfulness or breathing techniques, use your LevelUp! strategies, ask for help.
This term describes the pressure to behave in neurotypical ways to avoid judgement or exclusion and can lead to burnout
What is Masking?
This long‑term consequence of masking describes the exhaustion, burnout, and loss of identity that can occur when autistic people hide their traits to fit in.
This ADHD related difficulty means someone may act before thinking or find it hard to wait there turn.
What is impulsivity?
True or False? Neurodivergent people are more likely to experience anxiety and depression.
True
Who are two people you can go to in this school for support?
Joey, Nick, IEP case manager, your favorite teacher...