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.
