Neurodiversity Book Club — "Every Last Word"

This class is taught in English.

Learners will experience acceptance of their own unique neurotype and personality, and have the opportunity, through reading and discussion, to see the world through another's experience.

This discussion may provoke some difficult questions around students' own feelings of inclusion and exclusion, however it is not intended as mental health counseling therapy for anyone. While this is a safe space to bring up questions and anxieties, we will not be delving into personal experiences or attempt to treat or provide therapy in any way.

I am neurodiverse myself, having four decades of life experience on the autism spectrum, and I am an autism coach, helping autistic and other neurodiverse kids and their families find and remove the hidden barriers to success and then build positive life experiences. I am also a certified teacher with several years of experience teaching middle and high school.

I also am a graduate of the Great Books Program at St. John's College, a school where every single class, in every single subject, is taught in small group, socratic seminar discussion style, so I have extensive experience leading and participating in small group discussions on difficult, unfamiliar, and sometimes uncomfortable topics. As a high school teacher, I led my students in socratic seminar discussion regularly on a wide variety of books and topics.

Please read the entire book before the class meets. Learners may read via a paper book, e-book, listen to an audiobook, or have someone read it to them—all learning styles are welcome. 

Students are invited to participate in our small group discussion to whatever extent, and in whatever way, they feel comfortable. No formal assessment is given to provide a low-pressure opportunity to engage with literature and peers.

1 hour per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.