In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin explore what it really means to implement strengths-based instruction. They share personal stories and professional insights to unpack common misconceptions and help educators move beyond surface-level approaches to recognizing student strengths.

Emily and Amanda are joined by Kareem Neal, an award-winning educator and inclusion advocate who brings over 25 years of experience as a self-contained special education teacher. Kareem shares how focusing on student strengths—not just interests or academic labels—can transform school communities and expand how we define success.

Key topics include:

• How educators can shift beyond interest-based instruction to holistic strengths-based practices

• The importance of recognizing non-academic strengths like adaptability, resilience, and authenticity

• Why inclusion requires a mindset shift—not just a placement decision
  Kareem’s “class swapping” model and how it builds respect and connection between students

• Practical ways to highlight strengths in neurodivergent students and use them as a foundation for growth

Resources mentioned:

• Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools online courses – Learn more

• Learn more about Kareem Neal

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles – CAST UDL Guidelines