Episode 105: Building Neurodivergent Friendly Classrooms: Creating Educational Change [featuring Erica Whitfield]

The education system in the United States has been mainly geared toward creating a neurotypical learning environment, but not everyone absorbs and processes information in the same way.In this episode, I talk with Erica Whitfield, a therapist and passionate visionary for creating neurodivergent-friendly schools. We explore the significance of movement in learning and processing information. Both children and adults can benefit from incorporating movement into their educational experiences. Erica sheds light on the importance of validation, patience, and understanding, particularly for neurodivergent children, to prevent meltdowns and foster a supportive learning environment.Here are three key takeaways:Pursue your dreams: Erica encourages us to explore the dreams we haven't even imagined yet. By taking steps towards what truly aligns with us, we can experience joy and fulfillment in our lives.Redefine education: We discuss the impact of segregating children into same-age peer groups and the consequences of imposing arbitrary learning timelines. Erica quotes Carol Black, highlighting the need for a shift in educational approaches and acknowledging the importance of movement in learning.Embrace change: Erica shares her journey of pivoting and making hard decisions to create space for new pursuits. She reminds us that entrepreneurship is a journey of evolution and adaptation, and it's okay to change course as our passions and interests evolve.One thought-provoking moment from the podcast was when Erica asked listeners to share a word they'd never heard before. This exercise is a reminder that there are worlds of knowledge and dreams that we have yet to explore and imagine.To address the challenges faced by parents seeking inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly education, Erica is forming a team of like-minded individuals. This diverse team, comprising parents from different educational backgrounds, aims to raise awareness, advocate for change, and create classrooms that genuinely support every child's unique needs.Lastly, we explore the importance of pivoting and adapting as entrepreneurs. The realization that pursuing certain activities may no longer serve our goals can open up new avenues for creativity and fulfillment. By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing change, we teeter on the line between fear and comfort, allowing ourselves to reach new heights in our profession.More about Erica:Erica is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Founder of Positive Development, LLC, a private practice for gifted, neurodivergent children and adolescents.As a bright and quirky child herself, Erica is uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges faced by neurodivergent children. She has helped hundreds of kids unleash their capabilities, transform obstacles into opportunities, and find healthy ways to express their energy and creativity.Erica has been featured on the podcasts Raising Adults, The Gifted Mind, and Adventures in Being Gifted. She has experience providing professional development to teachers of gifted students and has written numerous parenting articles published by Jacksonville Mom, the largest parenting resource in her city.Prior to private practice, Erica served as the Clinical Manager of a non-profit mental health organization and as President of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association.In the future, Erica aspires to create a school dedicated to developing the strengths of neurodivergent children.Erica also loves encouraging other therapists in private practice to think past their mental limits and step into the next stage of their professional evolution.Get in touch with Erica through her website to join my weekly newsletter where she shares tips on how to support the mental health of gifted and neurodivergent kids: positivedevelopmentllc.com–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community–––––––––––––––––––––Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!✨ The Receptionist for iPadThanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.Free Gifts for Our Listeners✨ Free Podcasting WorkbookGet a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent EntrepreneurMove Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work.Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-EntrepreneurMentioned in this episode:The Receptionist for iPad The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.