Proud To Learn Differently: Diving Deep into Neurodivergent Education

Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited

Mike and Chaya sit down with Lindsay Rice, a passionate educator and advocate, to explore some often-overlooked complexities in the classroom. Delving into Lindsay's personal experiences as a neurodivergent individual and as a parent of neurodiverse children, she shines a light on an education system that often fails to accommodate diverse minds, and how a harrowing kindergarten experience fueled her desire to change the narrative around neurodiversity.

We Also Cover:

• Understanding Neurodivergent Behaviors in Educational Settings
• Communication Barriers
• Expressing Emotions In a Safe and Constructive Way for All Student Types
• Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and Its Impact on Students
• How Implementing Simple Strategies, such as Joyful Movement, can Benefit Learners of All Ages
• The Science of Dopamine and How To Harness It In The Classroom
• The Critical Need of Discovering Your Personal Method of Emotionally Regulating

Quotes:

• "A lot of our neurodivergent students don't have the words yet to explain what they're going through."
• "If us as neurodivergent adults don't feel comfortable making sure that we spread that narrative, then the same traumas are just going to be repeated."
• "Kids don't learn from people they don't like and from people they don't trust."
• "We need to make sure that we're creating spaces where kids feel seen and heard, not just managed.
• "You can't get made fun of for something you're proud of."

About Lindsay Rice:

Lindsay is an experienced educator with over 11 years of teaching and currently teaches 3rd grade at Ohio Avenue Elementary School in Columbus. She’s a powerful advocate for neurodivergent learners, drawing from her own experiences with ADHD and autism, as well as being a parent to three neurodivergent children.

Lindsay has presented for renowned organizations like the NEA, NSTA, and ATE, and is deeply involved in initiatives aimed at building inclusive classrooms and shaping policy to better serve all students, especially those from neurodiverse and culturally diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about preparing preservice educators to support neurodivergent scholars and is currently working with NEA’s Leaders for the Just Schools Program to further that mission.

Connect with Lindsay:

• https://dear-neurotypical-adult.blogspot.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-rice-2150b0199/
• https://x.com/lindsaymrice17

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!

Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
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