Reaching and Teaching Neurodivergent Learners in STEM: Strategies for Embracing Uniquely Talented Problem Solvers
Dr. Jodi Asbell-Clarke
ISBN 9781032562476 / Published by Routledge Eye on Education
Summary
Our society is facing enormous challenges鈥攃limate change and global pandemics鈥攂ig problems that beg for innovative solutions. We need problem solvers who are creative and systematic, who pay close attention to details, and who remain persistent until a problem is solved. We have these talented thinkers among us, but all too often they are marginalized by an education system that treats them as if they are broken. Schools tend to focus on聽fixing聽neurodivergent learners rather than revealing their unique brilliance and great potential.
Reaching and Teaching Neurodivergent Learners in STEM聽considers how neurodiversity鈥攖he different ways people learn and think鈥攎ay present an exciting opportunity to build an innovative workforce ready to tackle these challenges we face. The rates of autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodiversity are on the rise, doubling in some cases over the last ten years. Rather than considering this trend a burden,聽Reaching and Teaching Neurodivergent Learners in STEM聽argues that neurodivergent learners may actually provide the innovative talent we need in the workforce, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Drawing from thirty years of collaboration with teachers, learners, designers, and innovators; the author integrates a rich set of personal and professional stories about neurodivergent learning to illustrate theories from research from psychology, education, and neuroscience.聽Reaching and Teaching Neurodivergent Learners in STEM聽provides a rigorous, well-rounded perspective for educators and other interested readers, while offering practical strategies to support inclusive K-12 education to foster a thriving new generation of innovative STEM problem solvers.

Critics' Review
“Imagine a world where the unique STEM-related talents of neurodivergent individuals are cultivated to grow a dynamic, innovative workforce. In her groundbreaking work, Jodi Asbell-Clarke presents an empowering roadmap for educators to embrace and nurture these talents, instead of perpetuating shame and pity”.
鈥擯rofessor Sara Seager,聽Massachusetts Institute of Technology.聽
“Neurodivergent Learners in STEM” is an empowering guide for聽educators to create inclusive learning environments, expertly navigating the intersection of STEM聽education and neurodiversity and providing practical strategies to unlock the potential of neurodivergent learners.”
鈥擬atthew Farber, author of聽Gaming SEL: Games as Transformational to Social and Emotional Learning聽
“Reaching聽and Teaching Neurodivergent Learners in STEM聽is an important book for all educators.聽聽It encourages us to look at all students as having huge potential.聽聽Don鈥檛 leave behind students who think differently.聽聽They may be the leaders of their generation.”
鈥擭adine Bonda, PhD, former Superintendent
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