Episode 105: Building Neurodivergent Friendly Classrooms: Creating Educational Change [featuring Erica Whitfield]

The education system in the United States has been mainly geared toward creating a neurotypical learning environment, but not everyone absorbs and processes information in the same way. In this episode, I talk with Erica Whitfield, a therapist and passionate visionary for creating neurodivergent-friendly schools. We explore the significance of movement in learning and processing information. Both children and adults can benefit from incorporating movement into their educational experiences. Erica sheds light on the importance of validation, patience, and understanding, particularly for neurodivergent children, to prevent meltdowns and foster a supportive learning environment. Here are three key takeaways: 1️⃣ Pursue your dreams: Erica encourages us to explore the dreams we haven't even imagined yet. By taking steps towards what truly aligns with us, we can experience joy and fulfillment in our lives. 2️⃣ Redefine education: We discuss the impact of segregating children into same-age peer groups and the consequences of imposing arbitrary learning timelines. Erica quotes Carol Black, highlighting the need for a shift in educational approaches and acknowledging the importance of movement in learning. 3️⃣ Embrace change: Erica shares her journey of pivoting and making hard decisions to create space for new pursuits. She reminds us that entrepreneurship is a journey of evolution and adaptation, and it's okay to change course as our passions and interests evolve. One thought-provoking moment from the podcast was when Erica asked listeners to share a word they'd never heard before. This exercise is a reminder that there are worlds of knowledge and dreams that we have yet to explore and imagine. To address the challenges faced by parents seeking inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly education, Erica is forming a team of like-minded individuals. This diverse team, comprising parents from different educational backgrounds, aims to raise awareness, advocate for change, and create classrooms that genuinely support every child's unique needs. Lastly, we explore the importance of pivoting and adapting as entrepreneurs. The realization that pursuing certain activities may no longer serve our goals can open up new avenues for creativity and fulfillment. By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing change, we teeter on the line between fear and comfort, allowing ourselves to reach new heights in our profession. 🎧 More about this episode here: atppod.com/105 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ✈️ Learn about Retreats 🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community 🗨️ Join the free All Things Private Practice FB Community ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad & Heard! ✨ The Receptionist for iPad: I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option. ✨ Heard: I want to thank Heard for sponsoring this episode. Through easy-to-use software and awesome support, they help therapists manage their bookkeeping, taxes, payroll, and more, with affordable monthly and annual plans. They even help therapists set up a bank account, form a business entity, and open a retirement plan. Schedule a free consultation today at joinheard.com/atpp and use code ATPP at checkout, to get your first month for free.