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In this episode, I talk with Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, about how to create neurodiversity-affirming schools. Drawing from her dual background in education and mental health—as well as her personal experience with ADHD—Emily breaks down how schools can shift from deficit-based models to strengths-based, inclusive practices that actually work. We talk universal design, accommodations that empower (not enable), navigating school systems with private evaluations, and why changing the language we use might be the most powerful intervention of all.
Topics Covered:
- What “neurodiversity-affirming” really means
- The role of universal design in inclusive classrooms
- Why deficit-based language harms students—and how to reframe it
- Accommodations that promote independence vs. enablement
- Building metacognitive skills through collaborative planning
- How private evaluation recommendations translate (or don’t) into school settings
- Common pitfalls in IEP/504 expectations
- The importance of including neurodivergent educators in systemic change
- Sensory accommodations and overlooked supports
- Staying hopeful amidst resistance to change
Cool Things Mentioned
- The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
- Reverb report-writing software
- Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools by Emily Kircher-Morris & Amanda Morin: Buy on Amazon
- Neurodiversity Podcast (hosted by Emily): www.neurodiversitypodcast.com
- Limited series podcast Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Listen on Spotify
- Lives in the Balance (Ross Greene): www.livesinthebalance.org
- Dr. Ross Greene’s book The Explosive Child: Buy on Amazon
Featured Resources
I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!
PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.
TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing
The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!
I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!
About Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC
Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin are the co-authors of Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported. Emily is a licensed professional counselor and educator who specializes in supporting neurodivergent individuals in both clinical and school settings. Amanda is an educator, author, and advocate with expertise in universal design for learning and inclusive educational practices. Together, they provide practical strategies to help schools create environments where neurodivergent students feel understood, valued, and supported.
Get in Touch & Resources:
- Emily’s Websitehttps://emilykirchermorris.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmilyKircherMorris
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykm_lpc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/NeurodiversityPodcast
- Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/theneurodiversitypodcast/
- Amanda’s Website: https://amandamorin.com
- Amanda’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaMorinTeaches
- Amanda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandarmorin/
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!