Terminology
'Autistic learner' is an example of what type of language
Identity first language
Normal/Abnormal
Neurotypical/Neurodivergent
Fix them
Support them
Who determines what type of language is used to identify folks? (Identity first vs. person first)
The individual themselves
That student is too loud
This student has difficulty with regulating their volume
Terminology for providing consistent emotional support
Coregulation
Symptoms
Traits/ Characteristics
Autism awareness
Autism Acceptance/Appreciation
What contributes to stereotypes with neurodiverse individuals?
Physical attributes, social differences, pathology paradigm
This student has consistent bad behavior
This student has difficulty with class expectations as set by the teacher and requires additional support in [form] to have full access to the curriculum
Neurodiverse term for 'weakness'
Challenges
Frequent escaping from classroom or school
Eloping
Obsessions
Special/fixed interests
Why is society shifting from the medical model to the social model?
Neurodivergence has become a paradigm, where culture, social expectations, and community have become and integral part to folks identity. It's more than a diagnosis that can be invalidating and something to be 'cured'
This student is interrupting too much
The student is making connections to the material presented. Although, the student has difficulty with response inhibition in a larger classroom setting.
Diversity among minds
Neurodiversity
Verbal/Non-verbal
Speaking/ Non-speaking
Challenging behavior
Specify and describe the beahvior and the reasoning as a result of the environment/ support
What makes the terminology verbal/non-verbal different than speaking/non-speaking?
When discussing a person who is speaking, we are acknowledging that a person is using a set language with words and phrases that indicate a concise message. When discussing a person who is verbal, but non-speaking, we are acknowledging that they can use verbal cues (i.e., grunting, laughing, groaning) to communicate.
The student won't stop talking about dungeons and dragons and it's annoying other students
The student has a special interest in dungeons and dragons and uses it to connect with classroom content or make connections to the material, which I can more clearly connect with modeling and support.
When people with different experiences of the world interact with one another they will struggle to empathize with each other
Double Empathy Problem
High-functioning vs. Low-functioning
Low support needs vs. high support needs
iPad for speech
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Speech generating device, alternative form of conversation
Why do we use the terms needs instead of functioning?
A person functions at differing levels in different environments. Taking the perspectives of what their level of supports needs gives a more accurate representation of how much support a person needs to be independent, not how they function generally.
The student is low-functioning
The student requires additional support needs to access their environment