Understanding Neurodiverse Communication Empowerment Through the Lens of Special Education Teachers

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Diversity and Disruption Toward Equitable and Inclusive Education (Table 28)

Abstract

Utilizing a critical disability theory lens, I conducted an instrumental case study through observations and interviews with six special education teachers. My findings revealed evidence of the celebration of neurodiversity and oppressive normativity. This paper describes the way special education teachers celebrated neurodiversity and approached oppressive normativity. The findings of this study can lead to further development of the special education practice that I observed, which I termed neurodiverse communication empowerment. The findings have implications for increasing training in developmental, relationship-based, strength-based, and passion based pedagogy, listening to autistic voice, and providing mainstream and inclusion teachers with opportunities to observe in strictly neurodiverse classrooms to better their practice.
Keywords: neurodiversity, autism, special education

Author

• Caitlin Sweetapple, Shrub Oak International School