All Things Private Practice Podcast Episode 105: Building Neurodivergent Friendly Classrooms: Creating Educational Change [featuring Erica Whitfield]
The education system in the United States has been mainly geared toward creating a neurotypical learning environment, but not everyone absorbs and processes information in the same way.
In this episode, I talk with Erica Whitfield, a therapist and passionate visionary for creating neurodivergent-friendly schools. We explore the significance of movement in learning and processing information. Both children and adults can benefit from incorporating movement into their educational experiences. Erica sheds light on the importance of validation, patience, and understanding, particularly for neurodivergent children, to prevent meltdowns and foster a supportive learning environment.
Here are three key takeaways:
1️⃣ Pursue your dreams: Erica encourages us to explore the dreams we haven't even imagined yet. By taking steps towards what truly aligns with us, we can experience joy and fulfillment in our lives.
2️⃣ Redefine education: We discuss the impact of segregating children into same-age peer groups and the consequences of imposing arbitrary learning timelines. Erica quotes Carol Black, highlighting the need for a shift in educational approaches and acknowledging the importance of movement in learning.
3️⃣ Embrace change: Erica shares her journey of pivoting and making hard decisions to create space for new pursuits. She reminds us that entrepreneurship is a journey of evolution and adaptation, and it's okay to change course as our passions and interests evolve.
One thought-provoking moment from the podcast was when Erica asked listeners to share a word they'd never heard before. This exercise is a reminder that there are worlds of knowledge and dreams that we have yet to explore and imagine.
To address the challenges faced by parents seeking inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly education, Erica is forming a team of like-minded individuals. This diverse team, comprising parents from different educational backgrounds, aims to raise awareness, advocate for change, and create classrooms that genuinely support every child's unique needs.
Lastly, we explore the importance of pivoting and adapting as entrepreneurs. The realization that pursuing certain activities may no longer serve our goals can open up new avenues for creativity and fulfillment. By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing change, we teeter on the line between fear and comfort, allowing ourselves to reach new heights in our profession.
🎧 More about this episode here: atppod.com/105
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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad & Heard!
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.
✨ Heard:
I want to thank Heard for sponsoring this episode.
Through easy-to-use software and awesome support, they help therapists manage their bookkeeping, taxes, payroll, and more, with affordable monthly and annual plans. They even help therapists set up a bank account, form a business entity, and open a retirement plan.
Schedule a free consultation today at joinheard.com/atpp and use code ATPP at checkout, to get your first month for free.
Mentioned in this episode:
Resilient Mind Counseling
It's Patrick. Some of you may know that I own a group therapy practice in North Carolina, Resilient Mind Counseling. We specialize in supporting the Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and Black, Brown, and Asian communities online and across North Carolina. We also have limited in-person openings at our offices in Asheville and Cary. We really love working with clients who are coming to terms with both Autism and ADHD discoveries later in life or questioning, as well as the intersections of race, gender, identity, and orientation. All of our therapists have lived experience and identify as AuDHD, Autistic, or ADHD. Our team of affirming therapists offers a safe, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, inclusive, and accessible space where you can show up exactly as you are—no masking, no judgment, and no need to make eye contact, just real connection and healing. We accept most commercial insurances like Blue Cross Blue Shield, United, Aetna, and Med Cost, as well as self-pay options. We currently have openings for new clients. Visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com. You can also text or call our HIPAA-compliant phone line at (828) 515-1246, or email us at scheduling@resilientmindcounseling.com.
The Receptionist for iPad
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking. Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.