The Gift of Brain Difference
Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.
~ Dr. Seuss
I had an amazing interview with Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. on “The Grandcoach Live” today. Dr. Armstrong, who is one of my idols in the field of education, is the author of 14 books, including In Their Own Way, 7 Kinds of Smart, The Myth of the A.D.D. Child, Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, and his forthcoming book, Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences
During the interview, he shared his research on “neurodiversity,” or brain differences, in children. Neurodiversity, a concept identified by the autism community about 10 years ago, focuses on the importance of recognizing the gifts and talents of children with autism. Dr. Armstrong’s work further captures the amazing gifts and talents of neurodiverse children, such as the mechanical, mathematical and systematical abilities of those with autism; the illustrative, artistic and kinesthetic abilities of those with dyslexia; and, the imaginative, spontaneous and change-oriented gifts of those with ADHD.
Throughout history, society has done such a disservice to children with brain differences by labeling them with less than favorable terms. As researchers like Dr. Armstrong have identified the extraordinary gifts of these children, the negative labels are being eliminated while their strengths and talents are beginning to shine.
Creating a universal design for learning, where children with ADHD, dyslexia and autism can be educated in neurodiversity classrooms with children without brain differences, can benefit all children as they learn to work together, adapt to their environment and appreciate the differences of each other. This is a phenomenal concept!
Thank you Dr. Armstrong for your research, resources and ongoing commitment to helping children experience life in a positive way. I can’t wait for the release of your new book on May 11th!
You can pre-order Dr. Armstrong’s book, Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences
Have a Grand Day!
Kay L. Fontana
“The Grandcoach”
P.S. To listen to or download the recording of the interview, go to Episode #9 of “The Grandcoach Live,” or click on the TalkShoe widget in the right column.
