An Autistic Teacher Explains the Neurodiversity Movement (And Why It Matters for Your Students)

Episode 117 of the Empower Students Now podcast, hosted by Amanda Werner, titled "An Autistic Teacher Explains the Neurodiversity Movement (And Why It Matters for Your Students)" was published on April 4, 2026 and runs 23 minutes.

April 4, 2026 ·23m · Empower Students Now

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Summary

What is neurodiversity — and why should teachers care? In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, host Amanda Warner — a certified meditation teacher, 16-year classroom veteran, and AuDHD educator — breaks down the neurodiversity movement in plain language for teachers. You'll learn what neurodiversity actually means (and what it doesn't), where the movement came from, its core principles, and what it asks of educators. Amanda also tackles common misconceptions, like the idea that n...

Episode Description

You'll learn what neurodiversity actually means (and what it doesn't), where the movement came from, its core principles, and what it asks of educators. Amanda also tackles common misconceptions, like the idea that neurodiversity denies disability or excuses behavior, and shares how understanding her own autism and ADHD diagnosis transformed the way she sees teaching, students, and herself.

This episode covers: what neurodiversity means vs. neurodivergent vs. neurotypical, the history of the neurodiversity movement and Judy Singer, the medical model vs. the social model of disability, presuming competence in neurodivergent students, "nothing about us without us" in education, why support doesn't equal cure, shifting from compliance to accommodation in the classroom, and how ableist expectations in schools can disable students.

Whether you're a general education teacher, a special education teacher, or a parent navigating IEPs, this episode will help you understand the neurodiversity movement and apply it in your classroom.

Resources for teaching neurodiversity to your students are linked below.

00:00 Welcome and Overview
02:17 Host Perspective
02:57 Defining Neurodiversity
03:27 Neurodivergent vs Neurotypical
05:08 Not a Diagnosis
05:24 Origins and Paradigm Shift
07:43 Core Principles
08:36 Disability and Environment
11:49 Presume Competence
13:18 Nothing About Us
14:31 Support Not Cure
15:07 Teacher Mindset Shift
16:26 Common Misconceptions
17:58 Personal Neurochemistry Story
21:29 Wrap Up and Resources

Editable Slides to Teach about Autism + Bonus Slideshows!

8 Outstanding Videos to Spark Discussion About Neurodiversity in Your Classroom

Amanda's Favorite Neurodiversity Affirming Podcasts:

The Neurodiversity Podcast

Full-Tilt Parenting

Divergent Conversations

Uniquely Human

Meet My Autistic Brain

Hyperfocus

My Friend Autism

Adhd Experts