Monthly Archives: February 2010

A Key Concept for Neurodiversity: Niche Construction

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Thomas Armstrong

In my forthcoming book Neurodiversity:  Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Other Brain Differences, I explore the idea of niche construction as a way of thinking about neurodiversity.  When I suggest that neurodiverse individuals, such as those … Continue reading →

Posted in Neurodiversity | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Temple Grandin Speaks at TED Conference

Posted on February 24, 2010 by Thomas Armstrong

On Friday, February 12, 2010 Temple Grandin presented at the cutting-edge TED Conference in Long Beach, California.  She shared some unique insights about being autistic, putting special emphasis on the ability to think in pictures and to home in on … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Neurodiversity | 5 Comments

CRSTE Cyberconference 2010: The Strengths of Those With Disabilities

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Thomas Armstrong

I was a special education teacher for several years, and during my time teaching, I became aware that not enough emphasis was being placed on the strengths of children who had been sent to my special classes.  This made me resolve … Continue reading →

Posted in Neurodiversity, Special Education | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

CRSTE Cyberconference 2010: Labeling of Neurodiverse Students in Special Education

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Thomas Armstrong

Yesterday I talked about "blurring the boundaries" in categories (e.g. learning disabled, gifted etc.).  As one participant in our cyberconference put it:   " Nobody experiences disability 100% of the time, in every situation; nor is someone ALWAYS "gifted and talented".   Consequently, from … Continue reading →

Posted in Neurodiversity, Special Education | 6 Comments

CRSTE Cyeberconference 2010: Reflections on Participants’ Comments

Posted on February 21, 2010 by Thomas Armstrong

I'm happy to have received some comments already from participants in the CRSTE Cyberconference 2010, and would like to make some reflections on them in this post.  One issue that came up was the deficit-oriented paradigm that is too often used in … Continue reading →

Posted in Neurodiversity, Special Education | Tagged , | 3 Comments