The Neurodivergent Preschooler | Short Course

This short course aims to provide educators and caregivers with essential insights into recognizing signs and symptoms of neurodivergence in preschool-aged children. By understanding these indicators, you can better support the diverse needs of neurodivergent children in preschool settings.

This course is not based on medical advice and we do not make diagnoses. But this is a short course to make you more aware of neurodiversity in toddlers and what to look for in the preschool years.

Course Content:

Chapter 1: Introduction to Neurodiversity

Lesson 1: What is Neurodiversity?

Lesson 2: Neurotypical vs. Neurodivergent

Lesson 3: Brain development and neurodiversity in preschoolers

Lesson 4: The Neurodivergent Umbrella

Chapter 2: Autism

Lesson 1: What is Autism?

Lesson 2: Children with Autism may exhibit

Lesson 3: What are the symptoms of Autism?

Lesson 4: How is Autism treated?

Lesson 5: Supporting an Autistic Child in a Preschool Setting

Chapter 3: ADHD

Lesson 1: What is ADHD?

Lesson 2: Why Do So Many Children Have ADHD?

Lesson 3: Is the ADHD Brain Different?

Lesson 4: Can You Tell if a Toddler Has ADHD?

Lesson 5: Key Signs of ADHD in Toddlers

Lesson 6: How does ADHD get diagnosed?

Lesson 7: How do we support a child with ADHD in the preschool setting?

Chapter 4: Sensory Processing Disorder

Lesson 1: The hidden senses

Lesson 2: How common is SPD?

Lesson 3: The Three Main Types of Sensory Processing Disorder

Lesson 4: What do SPD look like?

Lesson 5: What is Sensory Processing Disorder ( SPD)?

Lesson 6: How do we help a child with SPD in the preschool classroom?

Chapter 5: Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder )

Lesson 1: What is Dyspraxia (DCD)

Lesson 2: What does a diagnosis of Dyspraxia (DCD) mean for a child?

Lesson 3: Who Does Dyspraxia Affect?

Lesson 4: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)?

Lesson 5: How is Dyspraxia Diagnosed?

Lesson 6: How do we help a child we suspect has dyspraxia in the preschool classroom?

Chapter 6: Developmental Language Disorder

Lesson 1: What is Developmental Language Disorder?

Lesson 2: Can you diagnose a child under 5?

Lesson 3: What are the signs of DLD in preschool children?

Lesson 4: How and when is DLD diagnosed?

Chapter 7: Selective Mutism

Lesson 1: What is Selective Mutism?

Lesson 2: What are the signs and symptoms of Selective Mutism?

Lesson 3: How do we help a child with Selective Mutism?

Chapter 8: Stimming

Lesson 1: What is Stimming

Lesson 2: Types of Stimming behaviour

Lesson 3: Triggers of Stimming

Lesson 4: Stimming in Autism

Lesson 5: ADHD and Stimming

Lesson 6: Is it normal to stim without being neurodivergent?

Lesson 7: Accommodating children with stimming behaviour in the preschool

Chapter 9: Observational Strategies

Lesson 1: Importance of observing children’s behaviour in various contexts: during free play, group activities, transitions, and interactions with peers.

Lesson 2: Utilizing checklists and screening tools to gather information about children’s developmental milestones and potential neurodivergent traits.

Lesson 3: Collaborating with parents and other professionals to gather comprehensive insights into a child’s behaviour and needs.

Chapter 10: Creating inclusive environments

Lesson 1: Designing preschool environments that accommodate diverse sensory needs: providing sensory-friendly materials, quiet spaces, and visual supports.

Lesson 2: Implementing strategies to support social interaction and communication skills: visual schedules, peer buddy systems, and structured routines.

Lesson 3: Tailoring instruction and activities to accommodate different learning styles and abilities: multisensory approaches, individualized support, and positive reinforcement techniques.