Seeing Differently: Nurturing Neurodiversity in Early Childhood Education

6 PD hours

$75

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand neurodiversity as a natural and valuable aspect of human development, and recognize the diverse developmental profiles of neurodivergent children in early years settings.
• Apply inclusive, strengths-based strategies to support sensory needs, emotional regulation, and communication for neurodivergent children.
• Foster secure, collaborative relationships with neurodivergent children and their families, and implement accommodations that promote inclusion, safety, and belonging.

Part 1: Topics

What is Neurodiversity?

• Defining neurodiversity and shifting from deficit to difference
• Overview of common neurodivergent profiles (autism, ADHD, sensory differences, speech/language variations)

Strengths-based language and the social model of disability

Diverse Developmental Pathways

• Moving beyond typical milestones
• Recognizing unique strengths in play, communication, and regulation

Early signs that may be misinterpreted as “challenging” behavior

Building Safe and Nurturing Relationships

• Co-regulation and emotional attunement
• Responding with curiosity, not correction
• Inclusive communication strategies: visual, non-verbal, and augmentative supports

Collaborating with families and validating their expertise

Part 2: Topics

Understanding and Supporting Sensory Profiles

• Introduction to sensory processing and sensory profiles
• Identifying sensory preferences, sensitivities, and avoidances
• Environmental adaptations: reducing overwhelm, increasing regulation

Tools: fidgets, visuals, quiet spaces, movement breaks

Designing Neurodiversity-Informed Routines and Spaces

• Making accommodations without singling out
• Embedding flexibility into daily routines

Examples: flexible transitions, predictable visuals, alternate seating

Becoming a Neurodiversity-Informed Educator

• Reflecting on your own sensory and communication style
• Unpacking biases and ableism in early childhood education
• Working as a team to shift practice and advocate for inclusive care

Partnering with families to co-develop supports that work

Presenter Biographies;

Colin Morrison has over 20 years’ experience working with children, youth & families in the mental health field. Colin has served primarily as youth care worker & case coordinator for families & children in the Child & Family Day Treatment Program at the IWK. He has extensive experience in developing & implementing skill groups with children, particularly in the area of emotional regulation, & providing supportive counselling to families. Colin is currently completing a Master of Social Worker degree at Dalhousie University, & is working on a thesis related to male childhood sexual abuse, & the impacts of "toxic masculinity" on mens' help seeking behaviours. He has a keen interest in trauma focused therapy, attachment theory, mens' health, & issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Karen Carey is a Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in mental health services, case coordination, & family support. She currently works as a Clinical Access Navigator with the IWK Central Referral Mental Health & Addictions Program, where she advocates for families & ensures timely access to appropriate care pathways. Karen’s professional practice is rooted in the core values of dignity, self-determination, & social justice. She brings expertise in trauma-informed, client-centered, & anti-oppressive approaches, drawing on extensive experience in crisis intervention, case management, psychoeducation, & interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to her clinical work, Karen has facilitated professional development workshops at Mount Saint Vincent University on topics such as resilience, caregiver communication, & the impacts of stress & trauma in children. She is passionate about equipping professionals & caregivers with practical tools to support children, youth, & families in meaningful & sustainable ways.

Together Colin & Karen have seen positive & long lasting benefits for children AND families when they are provided education, strategies, guidance, empathy & support. They see effective communication & open collaboration as the key ingredients in supporting positive futures for the children & families under their care.

Registration for our MSVU workshops, along our PD brochure with full workshops details, descriptions and presenter bios is found online www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops