Understanding and Teaching Students with Neurological Disorders

This course provides information and tools, essential for all school personnel, to create a supportive environment to successfully teach children and adolescents with co-occurring neurological and emotionally based disorders. Current estimates indicate that 20% of school-­aged children, K-­12, have one or more neurological conditions, and of these, most have multiple diagnoses. The course will cover 5 areas: 1.) the foundations necessary for academic and social success 2.) Awareness, impact, and classroom strategies to target neurological and emotional disorders 3.) Awareness, impact, and classroom strategies to target academic issues related to these disorders 4.) Behaviors linked to these disorders and assessment and management strategies for the classroom 5.) School-­based services, parent communication, and possible socially related issues. Through class discussion, reflection, readings, and assignments, students will examine the impact of neurological and emotional disorders on learning in America. Texts listed below are required for this course. Required Text to be uploaded under "Content" on the Canvas Site: Packer, Leslie E., Pruitt, Sheryl K., Challenging Kids, Challenged Teachers: Teaching Students With Tourette's, Bipolar Disorder, Executive Dysfunction, OCD, ADHD, and More, 2010. Required Text: Kircher-Morris, E., & Morin, A. (2025). Neurodiversity-affirming schools: Transforming practices so all students feel accepted and supported. Free Spirit Publishing, an imprint of Teacher Created Materials. Location: Online Fitchburg State University - 3 graduate credits