Neurodiversity Resources
Melissa Jackson, Neurodiversity Advocate
For years, neurodivergent people have been misunderstood, underestimated and made to feel ashamed of their differences. It’s past time to leave behind the outdated stigmas and stereotypes associated with neurodivergence that hold people back from fulfilling their highest potential.
The research is starting to catch up to what many of us have known for years: this is a diverse community of exceptional individuals with so much to contribute when they are supported and celebrated instead of being forced to conform to the way things have always been done in a neuronormative society.
What does it mean to be Neurodivergent?
Here’s the truth: There is no such thing as a normal or abnormal brain, but simply differences in neurowiring. Every human brain is as unique as our fingerprints. We can respectfully acknowledge these differences according to two categories: neurotypical and neurodivergent. Neurodivergent individuals may be given a broad range of labels from dyslexic to ADHD to autistic, to name a few. These are just some examples of different neurowirings that can exist under the neurodivergent umbrella.
Growing up as an undiagnosed dyslexic child with ADHD, I took on so much of the messaging about what was WRONG with me rather than what was right. Once I became an educator and then a parent to two neurodivergent children, I decided that it was time to get involved and change the narrative in this community by pursuing my Masters in Cognitive Diversity in Education, where I have been on the front lines of change.
Services
Suport for Families and Children
I support families by evaluating neurodivergent students from a holistic educational lens, honoring the individual gifts and talents of the student along with their areas of needed support. When we work together, you’ll be provided with the language, tools, and resources you need to optimally advocate for your child's success in the classroom and beyond.
Support For Neurodivergent Parents
Millions of neurodivergent adults grew up in an outdated system that marginalized them and their gifts, and we’re all still experiencing the repercussions of that today. I believe no one should have to walk this path alone, which is why I work with my adult clients to reframe neurodiversity and develop actionable solutions to thriving and rising in a neuronormative culture.
Strength-Based Strategies & Approaches
I work with all of my clients through a strength-based lens, regardless of age. Every person has a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses, and the key is to acknowledge and lead with those strengths first. This is the key to appropriately supporting challenges, while also building confidence and ushering in you or your child’s greatest potential.
TESTIMONIALS:
“I learned so much more about my child through these practices. I feel like I learned a whole new layer to him and we have connected even deeper. My child seems more regulated and focused and therefore more receptive”.
“Applying the strength-based strategies helps in our home to avoid frustration and pushback. Working with what my child enjoys and is comfortable doing makes such a difference.”
”This helped immensely. I was aware that my child needed movement incorporated into her learning routine, but didn't realize how important it was until learning the strategies and seeing them implemented.”
Could Your Child Be (2e)?
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