Weekly Recap: Why Most Neurodivergent Students Aren't "Choosing" Noncompliance
+ Understanding PDA & Summer Professional Development SALE
Hey, Y’all!
This morning I have the honor of presenting at the Family and Community Engagement Summit hosted by the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). WCPSS is the 15th largest school district in the country and is also where I grew up. I graduated from WCPSS and my boys attend WCPSS magnet schools. I’m so excited to share my talk: “How Anxiety Impacts Learning and What We Can Do To Help” available in both English and Spanish for all who attend.
For all other updates on where to find my work online this week just keep reading, listen to this week’s podcast with Dr. Casey Ehrlich on Understanding PDA, and TEACHERS don’t miss the coupon code for on-demand professional development on sale now!
Let’s Stay Connected,
~Dr. Emily
On the blog….
Simply put, children don’t do everything we ask them to do when we ask them to do it. We often assume it’s because they didn’t understand what we said so we repeat ourselves, sometimes in a louder voice. If that doesn’t work, our own frustration grows which inhibits our ability to remain emotionally regulated and problem-solve what to do next.
So, what does this look like in a classroom?
On the podcast….
PDA most commonly stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance, but Dr. Casey Ehrlich prefers to call it Pervasive Drive for Autonomy or Protective Demand Avoidance.
In this episode, Dr. Ehrlich unpacks why understanding PDA and nervous system responses starts with supporting children's drive for autonomy and equality.
If you're looking to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for neurodivergent children, listen at the link below!
Parent Workshops…
Registration is open for May & June Parent Workshops!
THIS COMING FRIDAY, May 3rd, we will be talking about Executive Functioning Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids & Teens
In June we will be talking about Summer, Siblings, & Screens!
Professional Development for teachers…
The Neurodiverse Classroom® SALE! (6+ hrs of PD)
Teachers, I know you want professional development that is worth your time. I created this training just for you! Hear what your colleagues are saying…
“This course provided many useful tools for understanding and teaching our neurodiverse students. Dr. Emily, you have such a passionate mindset in helping not only our neurodiverse population but the support and understanding for the teacher with these students.”
“The way you organized information and created structures that can be used for supporting teachers/students was very helpful.”
“I really appreciated the last lesson that had ideas on how to manage situations and the scripts are very helpful - so often we run out of ideas and get stuck so this is useful.”
COUNTDOWN-TO-SUMMER SALE!
Enroll before May 31st and receive 20% off AND have access to the 3 LIVE Consultation Calls with Dr. Emily in June. (The on-demand course + all consultation calls = 9 hours of PD) Here are the dates!
Friday June 21st | 1:00pm ET / 10:00am PT
Wednesday June 26th | 10:00am ET / 7:00am PT
Friday June 28th | 1:00pm ET / 10:00am PT
Parents: You can purchase the on-demand course for your child’s teacher by entering their school email address at check-out.
Teachers: Ask your administrator now about funding for this professional development opportunity! Share the info at the link for more details.
For schools…
Bring me to your school to talk neurodiversity, mental health, and reframing behavior with educators!
If you’re a school administrator who loves watching students thrive, but your teachers need more guidance to meet the needs of such a diverse group of learners, I’m here for you.
If you’re excited about the opportunity to create a school culture where your entire staff feels confident in supporting the neurodivergent needs and mental wellness of all students, you’re in the right place!
Become a paid subscriber on Substack!
Come join the Learn with Dr. Emily community on Substack!
Paid subscribers receive access to all blogs, community advice threads, and Q&A with me in the Substack app chat. Together, we are learning to support neurodivergent kids and teens growing up in a world that wasn’t built for them. Join us!