Autism: A Function of Neurodiversity?

In a culture filled with changes and challenges, there is a need to support groups of people with differences. Neurodiversity is a concept where neurological differences are to be recognized and respected as any other human variation. It is truly a “brain thang”. This “brain thang” means that there are differences in the brain that cause a student to behave, respond, or react differently than a student who appears to function normally. Education should not be compartments in which one has only a mindset of “these are special education students” and “these are not special education students”. The mindset must be changed to “all students” and that they are all “our students”. The information presented in this paper will point to the fact that general education preservice educators need the concept of neurodiversity and its relationship with Autism. These preservice teachers are very likely to have students with special needs in their classrooms. They must be made aware of how to help them be successful. Indeed, oftentimes with minor modifications or adjustments, students with neurological differences can be successful in the general education classroom. It is incumbent upon the general education teacher to be knowledgeable of these strategies and willing to implement them