5 Recommendations on Supporting Neurodiverse Students in Teaching & Learning

 Please Note: While attending the webinar live is free for OLC members and non-members, on-demand recordings will be available post-webinar for Professional and Institutional Members only. Consider becoming an OLC member for access to these and many other great benefits!

Unlock the potential of every student in your classroom by embracing neurodiversity in the teaching and learning environment. Diverse classrooms enrich the educational experience, encompassing students with varying neurotypes. In this dynamic presentation, we delve into the transformative power of personalizable, structured, and supportive learning environments tailored to better support neurodivergent learners.

Discover how designing and facilitating classes with neurodiversity in mind can foster remarkable outcomes, including enhanced student retention, deeper comprehension, elevated achievement, and heightened course satisfaction. By embracing an inclusive approach, we not only empower neurodivergent students but also cater to the diverse learning needs of an underserved population, thereby fostering a more equitable educational landscape.

Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the field, this presentation equips you with the tools and insights needed to create a more inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. Join us as we embark on a journey towards educational excellence through the celebration of neurodiversity!

Intended Audience: 

Faculty, Department Chairs, Program Directors, Associate and Assistant Provosts, Instructional Designers, Course Developers, Staff working in Disability Support/Academic Coaching/Tutoring

Key Takeaways:

  1. Understanding Neurodiversity: Gain insights into the diverse neurotypes present in your classroom and the unique learning preferences they entail.
  2. Personalizable Learning Environments: Explore strategies for creating flexible and adaptable learning structures that accommodate individual differences and preferences.
  3. Supportive Teaching Techniques: Learn practical techniques for fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom culture that celebrates neurodiversity.
  4. Enhancing Student Success: Discover evidence-based approaches to optimize learning outcomes and promote the academic success of neurodivergent students.
  5. Fostering Inclusive Excellence: Embrace the role of inclusive teaching practices in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education.
Speaker Bio
Sherri Restauri
Sherri Restauri, PhD

Faculty, Department of Psychology – Coastal Carolina University

Dr. Sherri Restauri is a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Coastal Carolina University, where she teaches upper-level courses in Developmental Psychology, including special focus on Child Psychology, Adolescent Development, and Gerontology. In her role as a developmental psychologist, she advocates for enhanced understanding of short- and long-term impacts of trauma, as well as provides training and support to faculty, staff, and other professionals regarding a trauma-informed perspective in best supporting others. In addition to her role as a faculty member, Sherri previously served in Digital Learning administration in Higher Education for over 20 years, aiding universities in successfully launching and supporting successful digital learning as well as digital access and inclusion programs. Dr. Restauri received the 2021 OLC Gomory-Mayadas Leadership Award in Higher Education for her contributions and in recognition of her leadership in the online education community, including her work on digital equity, accessibility, and online best practices in teaching and learning. Serving now as a full-time educational consultant as well as a part-time faculty member, she is actively involved in assisting campuses and organizations across the globe with enhancing digital access, inclusion, and equity opportunities for learners of all ages, backgrounds, and neurotypes.