Supporting with Compassion & Understanding

Supporting with Compassion & Understanding is a quick guide for parents and teachers on reframing how we interpret and respond to the behavior of neurodivergent learners — co-created with an Autistic BCaBA and self-advocate.

6 Ways to Support Neurodivergent Learners

• Provide Meaningful Choices — Offer options for where to sit, what materials to use, or task order to encourage participation without power struggles
• Accept All Forms of Communication — Spoken words, sign language, gestures, and AAC are all equally valid
• Recognize Stimming as Regulation — Hand-flapping, spinning, and vocalizing help learners feel calm, focused, or joyful
• Redefine Fairness — Fair means meeting each learner's individual needs, not treating everyone the same
• Support Instead of Ignore — Gentle support and co-regulation help learners feel seen and safe
• Honor Autonomy and "No" — Teaching a child to say no and listening when they do builds self-advocacy and safety

Includes a "Instead of… Try this supportive shift…" reframing guide for common challenging moments.

Who Is This For

Parents, teachers, and support staff working with neurodivergent learners who want a compassion-first lens for understanding and responding to behavior.

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