Why Most Language in Special Ed Fails Before It Starts
Most of us are using language we inherited—not chose.
No one teaches you how to talk about neurodivergence.
Not clearly. Not respectfully. Not in real life.
So we pick up what’s modeled:
- 📄 Old reports
- 🗘️ District templates
- 🏫 Systems built decades ago
And those systems taught us to say things like:
- ❌ “Noncompliant”
- ❌ “Low functioning”
- ❌ “Not appropriate for this setting”
| Instead of this… | Try this… |
|---|---|
| “He’s nonverbal.” | “He’s nonspeaking and communicates using gestures, facial expressions, and AAC.” |
| “He’s a flight risk.” | “He leaves the area when he feels unsafe, overstimulated, or trapped.” |
| “He’s not cut out for this class.” | “He needs the right supports to thrive in this class.” |
| “Low functioning.” | “Thrives with consistent visual supports and flexible routines.” |
| “Noncompliant.” | “Communicates distress or confusion in the only way they know how right now.” |
All you need is a handbook that shows you how to shift one sentence at a time—and gives your whole team the confidence to do the same.
This Handbook Is Changing Classrooms (and Families)
G-g Shryer: Excellent! Whether you're brand new to teaching children with learning differences or experienced, this book gives updated research and new suggestions on how to make a positive difference. Highly recommend!
04/09/2024
Deidre Reed: Absolutely brilliant. I needed this book 52 years ago. Life could have been so much better.
Karen DeHaven: Excellent psychoeducational resource. This is now our #1 resource for helping kids and their parents see neurodiversity as a beneficial variation, not a deficit. Easy to read & great visuals.
Heidi S: Awesome handbook for EVERYONE — not just teachers, but also parents and youth leaders. I keep it on my desk to refresh my approach. THANK YOU!
Change the conversation. Change the outcome.
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