Maybe They're Not 'Bad' Kids, They're Just Neurodivergent

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RsG6zlv0jLTM7nK1CIR3VgjK4W57S5qVnxmlCVmqaMA/edit?usp=sharingFollow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugnSummaryIn this episode, I chat with Shakela Strawberry, a mom, special-education teacher and non-profit founder who is a dedicated advocate for neurodivergent people. Shakela shares her journey from being a mother to an advocate and educator, highlighting the challenges faced by neurodivergent children in the education system. She discusses her nonprofit, A.D.E. (Audacity to Dare to Educate), which empowers neurodivergent folks. We talk about the complexities of mental health, especially as it relates to Black and otherwise melanated youth. She also speaks to the importance of having empathy as a parent and an educator. This leads to discussions such as how depression often manifests as anger in young Black men. Shakela shares alarming statistics about neurodivergence in education and its relationship to juvenile detention. She also discusses the importance of recognizing the strengths of neurodivergent people and the historical context of education for marginalized communities. This is a really good episode for parents, educators and those who felt the school system treated them more like a problem to fix than a human whose needs deserved support.Key PointsNeurodivergence is often misunderstood and misrepresented in education.Labels can be harmful and do not define a person's abilities.Neurodivergent individuals have unique strengths that should be embraced.Parents can educate themselves on how to support their neurodivergent children.Understanding the root cause of behavior is crucial for effective parenting.Community education is essential for understanding neurodivergence.Empathy can be cultivated through experiential learning and simulations.The school-to-prison pipeline disproportionately affects neurodivergent youth.Accommodations like audiobooks can significantly aid learning for neurodivergent students.A world where people are free to accept themselves without stigma is crucial to empowering neurodivergent individuals.Helpful Links:A.D.E. website: www.audacitytodaretoeducate.orgFollow A.D.E. on Instagram: a_d_e_labA.D.E. on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audacitytodaretoeducate/Email Shakela: [email protected] me to speak or as your personal coach! sheldongayisbugn.comFree GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNGND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.appUmbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/Keywordsneurodivergence, advocacy, education, dyslexia, special education, creative learning, equity, awareness, empowerment, depression, minority youth, parenting, school-to-prison pipeline, accommodations, giftedness, diversity, communityIntro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.