Embrace Student Strengths
By Kara Ieva, Ph.D., and Jennifer Betters-Bubon, Ph.D. | March 2025
Human brains have evolved in numerous ways, resulting in neurodiversity – wide variation in neurological differences that include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, mental health and many other conditions. As neurodiversity continues to increase, schools urgently need to shift to a strengths-based approach that highlights the diverse talents, skills and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals, while also using their strengths to support other areas of growth. With such an approach, school counselors can support the brain’s role in students’ abilities to attend, regulate, learn and address their overall wellness.
How? Simply put, school counselors serve as frontline advocates and allies for neurodiverse learners. We can employ a multitiered approach to create an inclusive community where kids can be themselves, learn skills that keep them engaged and be able to self-advocate. All initiatives should support the following tenets:
At the core, Tier 1 is all about recognizing and celebrating the neurodiverse learners’ unique strengths and abilities. You can serve as a leader in your school to foster a culture of acceptance and inclusion through classroom lessons that promote neuro-identity, regulation skills and learning tools. Ongoing school-wide professional development and training for all school staff will be critical to enhance knowledge and skills in effectively supporting neurodiverse learners. Finally, you can empower neurodiverse students to advocate for themselves and leverage their strengths to overcome challenges and achieve success within and beyond the classroom.
Tiers 2 and 3
For students who need additional exploration or support, work with mental health teams to tailor interventions and accommodations to address neurodiverse students’ brain-based needs through small-group support or individual counseling. Throughout, collaborate across disciplines and personalize support strategies to ensure student success.
Given the changing landscape of education and the evolving nature of students’ brains, a strengths-based approach can best support students’ academic, career and social/emotional growth. Working across tiers, school counselors can serve as leaders in embracing neurodiversity and working together to create inclusive environments to unlock every student’s full potential.
Kara Ieva, Ph.D., is a professor at Rowan University. She can be reached at ieva@rowan.edu. Jennifer Betters-Bubon, Ph.D., is an associate professor and department chair at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. She can be reached at bettersj@uww.edu.
How? Simply put, school counselors serve as frontline advocates and allies for neurodiverse learners. We can employ a multitiered approach to create an inclusive community where kids can be themselves, learn skills that keep them engaged and be able to self-advocate. All initiatives should support the following tenets:
- Everyone learns differently
- Everyone uses different tools to learn and/or regulate
- Students are collaborators of their own learning
Tier 1: Universal Support
At the foundational level, school counselors work to create inclusive environments that foster a sense of belonging and acceptance for all students. Universal support can include:- Awareness and acceptance workshops: Organize schoolwide awareness campaigns, workshops and events to educate students, teachers and staff about neurodiversity and foster empathy, understanding and acceptance within the school community. Topics might include the impact of trauma on the brain, types of neurodiversity or executive functioning.
- Classroom lessons: Provide lessons tied to the ASCA Student Standards to all students, to help them navigate challenges such as anxiety, social interactions and self-esteem issues. Students can also learn about their brain, learning style and wellness, including supports and coping strategies.
- Social/emotional learning (SEL) programs: Facilitate SEL programs promoting emotional regulation, social skills development and self-awareness among all students. These support neurodiverse learners in navigating social interactions and building positive relationships.
- Inclusive classroom practices: Collaborate with teachers to ensure classrooms are inclusive. Offer insights into neurodiverse students’ unique needs, and suggest accommodations and modifications to facilitate learning, such as using visual aids and incorporating multisensory learning activities.
- Supportive learning policies: Work with school administrators to implement policies and practices that create supportive learning environments for all students, including neurodiverse students. This may include providing sensory-friendly spaces, flexible seating arrangements and access to assistive technologies. Also work to create restorative discipline practices that take into account brain development and best practices.
- Family engagement: Offer guidance and resources to caregivers to support their child’s educational journey. By fostering open communication and providing workshops on neurodiversity, you can empower families to become effective advocates for their children.
Tier 2: Targeted Interventions
In Tier 2, school counselors provide targeted interventions for neurodiverse students who require support beyond universal strategies. These interventions may include:- Small-group counseling: Focus sessions specific, common issues among neurodiverse students, such as anxiety management, social skills development and self-advocacy. Group counseling provides a safe space for neurodiverse students to connect with peers facing similar challenges. These sessions also promote self-awareness and a sense of belonging.
- Strengths-based assessments: Conduct assessments to identify neurodiverse learners’ unique talents, skills and interests. Use results to tailor support strategies that build on students’ strengths.
- Individualized strength plans: To develop these, collaborate with teachers and parents of neurodiverse students. Plans should outline goals, accommodations and support strategies based on the student’s strengths and preferences. These plans empower students to take ownership of their learning and maximize their potential.
- Peer mentoring programs: Establish peer mentoring programs pairing neurodiverse students with supportive peers who can offer guidance, friendship and encouragement. These promote social inclusion and a sense of belonging.
- Transition planning: Help neurodiverse students navigate transitions between grade levels, schools or postsecondary education. This includes support with academic planning, career exploration and transition-related skills such as self-advocacy and self-determination.
Tier 3: Intensive Support
At Tier 3, school counselors provide intensive support for neurodiverse students who require specialized interventions to address academic or social/emotional challenges. This may involve:- Referrals to external resources: As needed, connect neurodiverse students and their families with external resources, enrichment activities and specialized services, such as therapists, psychologists and community support organizations. These referrals ensure students receive comprehensive support beyond the school setting.
- Referrals for individual counseling: Provide personalized support to neurodiverse students, helping them navigate challenges such as anxiety, social interactions and self-esteem issues. Through one-on-one sessions, students can develop coping strategies and build resilience. Keep in mind, of course, that long-term counseling isn’t the school counselor’s role; refer students out for Tier 3 support when necessary.
- Referrals for strengths-based counseling: Refer neurodiverse students for strengths-based counseling and services to build resilience, self-confidence and coping skills. Focusing on strengths and positive attributes can empower students to overcome challenges and achieve goals.
- Family and community engagement: Collaborate with families, community agencies and other partners to provide wraparound support for neurodiverse students. This may involve connecting families with resources and services, facilitating support groups and advocating for community inclusion and accessibility.
- Crisis intervention: Collaborate with school, district and community mental health personnel to arrange for support and crisis intervention for neurodiverse students experiencing acute emotional distress or behavioral challenges.
Takeaways
Tier 1At the core, Tier 1 is all about recognizing and celebrating the neurodiverse learners’ unique strengths and abilities. You can serve as a leader in your school to foster a culture of acceptance and inclusion through classroom lessons that promote neuro-identity, regulation skills and learning tools. Ongoing school-wide professional development and training for all school staff will be critical to enhance knowledge and skills in effectively supporting neurodiverse learners. Finally, you can empower neurodiverse students to advocate for themselves and leverage their strengths to overcome challenges and achieve success within and beyond the classroom.
Tiers 2 and 3
For students who need additional exploration or support, work with mental health teams to tailor interventions and accommodations to address neurodiverse students’ brain-based needs through small-group support or individual counseling. Throughout, collaborate across disciplines and personalize support strategies to ensure student success.
Given the changing landscape of education and the evolving nature of students’ brains, a strengths-based approach can best support students’ academic, career and social/emotional growth. Working across tiers, school counselors can serve as leaders in embracing neurodiversity and working together to create inclusive environments to unlock every student’s full potential.
Kara Ieva, Ph.D., is a professor at Rowan University. She can be reached at ieva@rowan.edu. Jennifer Betters-Bubon, Ph.D., is an associate professor and department chair at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. She can be reached at bettersj@uww.edu.