The 10 commandments of neurodiversity pedagogy: ethical principles, strategies and suggestions for teachers to promote the coexistence of differences in educational contexts


Abstract:

Neurodiversity pedagogy recognizes and enhances, on an educational level and from an inclusive perspective, individuals' different cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning modes, considering neurodiversity as a natural manifestation of human biodiversity. The general purpose of the contribution is to spread a culture of neurodiversity in educational and training contexts to improve the quality of education and life for everyone in school and society. The contribution presents ethical principles and related strategies that educational professionals can adopt and embrace to foster the coexistence of differences. Specifically, embracing the idea of participatory research, a questionnaire was developed and administered to 106 stakeholders to gather their views and opinions on what has been dubbed "The 10 Commandments of Neurodiversity Pedagogy." Through the reflective thematic analysis of the collected data, a user-led categorical model emerged that is consistent with the 10 commandments and helpful in stimulating reflection and educational practice from the perspective of neurodiversity pedagogy.