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Neurodiverse Universe Blog
Tweets by @Dr_Armstrong
Mission and Goals —————————————————————
Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D.
Executive Director
"So much of what goes on in our society works to pressure people into meeting rigid expectations for behavior, learning, and development. The reality, though, is that individuals grow and learn in remarkably different ways. When we allow people to develop according to their natural rhythms, and learn in their own unique way, we make it possible for them to achieve a sense of meaning in their lives, and enable them to share their remarkable gifts with the broader culture, thus making the world a better place in which to live.''
The American Institute for Learning and Human Development is dedicated to cultivating this vision by advocating for developmentally appropriate practices and rich learning environments in education and parenting. It seeks to accomplish this mission by providing timely, practical, and cutting-edge information to educators and parents through the medium of conference presentations, professional development workshops, and training programs, as well as through the dissemination of books, articles, videos, and postings via a broad range of social media channels. The Institute strives to become a significant voice in education articulating the need for people of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive in a wide diversity of ways.
Dr. Armstrong writes and speaks on five key topics:
Over the past 10 years, the concept of neurodiversity has emerged from the disability community to become a major force in the understanding of individuals with brain differences, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and intellectual disabilities. Just as we speak of the benefits of biodiversity and cultural diversity, so too, we need to appreciate the strengths of those with mental health labels. Dr. Armstrong is one of the key voices currently articulating a neurodiversity perspective on human growth and learning. Learn More...
Harvard professor Howard Gardner has suggested that the idea of a single intelligence, or “I.Q.” is far too limited, and that eight different intelligences need to be considered in any accounting of an individual’s full potential. Dr. Armstrong has been the leading figure in the world in translating Gardner’s theory into practical applications for children, parents, teachers, and adult learners. Learn More...
Every child comes into life as a genius, full of creativity, wonder, playfulness, and wisdom. Dr. Armstrong has been a major advocate for the child as a natural genius, and in his books and speaking engagements has articulated twelve qualities of genius, three factors that shut the genius down, and five ways to reawaken the genius in both children and adults. Learn More...
The push for higher academic achievement as measured on standardized tests has created a crisis in education where teachers are forced to cheat to boost test scores, stressed-out students take performance drugs to study harder, and policy makers narrow the curriculum to emphasize reading, math, and science to the detriment of the arts, history, social science, physical education, and vocational training. Dr. Armstrong is a strong critic of these trends and seeks to change the educational discourse by arguing for the development of the whole child and a focus on key developmental goals for early childhood education, elementary school, middle school, and high school. Learn More...
ADD/ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders in children and adolescents. Dr. Armstrong has been a vocal critic of this medical diagnosis, believing that other factors including developmental, educational, and creative factors need to be taken into account before a diagnosis is made. He proposes fifty non-drug strategies to improve behavior and attention span, to be used in addition to, or instead of, traditional medical interventions. Learn More...
Each of us is on a unique journey through life that encompasses many significant crossroads and pathways. In his book The Human Odyssey, Dr. Armstrong synthesizes a wide range of material from anthropology, sociology, psychology, literature, religion, and brain research to articulate a model of human development that encompasses twelve different stages, each with its own unique gift to humanity. In The Best Schools, he applies many of these insights to education. Learn More...
The American Institute for Learning and Human Development is pleased to announce its association with Medex International who will serve as its exclusive agent for training seminars in the Middle East.
