Insights from Kara Dymond on Autism and Student Engagement


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Kara Dymond is the author of The Autism Lens & Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom. She is a teacher, autism consultant, university lecturer and co-host of the Autistic Tidbits & Tangents podcast. 

 

Understanding the autistic brain 

The value of a brain-based understanding of the needs of neurodivergent students. 

 

Letting your students choose their tasks 

Does that essay assignment really have to be an essay? Empower your students to choose how they do their work in ways that prepares them for the real world. 

 

Focusing on what your students are able to do 

The danger of letting neurodivergent students feel like they’re a problem. How to emphasize the positive. 

 

How to talk to parents about autism 

Understanding the anxiety that parents feel and how to use positive language to build healthy, productive relationships. 

 

How to talk to your class about autism 

Even young students can understand that everyone’s brain is different. Recommendations for how to talk about autism in terms that neurotypical students can get their heads around. 

 

Practical advice for new educators 

You don’t need to know everything to make your classroom inclusive. And why it’s not always a good idea to deal with challenges in the moment. 

 

The state of today’s classroom 

The case for supporting professional development, even when resources are limited. 

 

The underground railroad 

Never assume your students understand metaphors and other descriptive language. Kara Dymond shares her own experience. 

 

Living with autism before a diagnosis 

Kara Dymond brought an 8,000-word description of what she was experiencing to her diagnostic appointment. “I have to be prepared,” she says. “I have to control what I can.” 

 

Learning from your students 

How Kara Dymond’s experience helping her autistic brother with his homework showed her the value of learning from neurodivergent students. 


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