Neurodiversity at SU Webinar: (Re)designing Courses Based on Students’ Interests

Presented by Brett Ranon Nachman, assistant professor in Adult and Lifelong Learning at the University of Arkansas and director of research for College Autism Network.

How can faculty members leverage autistic college students’ strengths and interests in the classroom? This interactive session is grounded in research and practice to illustrate transferable teaching techniques that support not only autistic and disabled learners, but also all students. Attendees will come away embracing the strengths, skills, and differences associated with autism, identifying how to more adeptly teach autistic learners, and pinpoint ways to make assignments and activities and more accessible and engaging.

Dr. Brett Ranon Nachman serves as an assistant professor in Adult and Lifelong Learning at the University of Arkansas and director of research for College Autism Network. As an autistic autism/higher education researcher, Brett is committed to illuminating the unique and holistic experiences that autistic college students face. He is co-principal investigator of a longitudinal and nationwide study of autistic college student success that recently garnered a $500,000 grant from the Spencer Foundation. He has published his work in journals including The Review of Higher Education, College Student Affairs Journal, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, and Community College Journal of Research and Practice. His honors also include being awarded a K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award from the Association of American Colleges and Universities, a grant from The FAR Fund, and an ECMC Foundation Postsecondary CTE Research Fellowship. In his free time, Brett enjoys producing episodes of his Disney podcast, planning future trips, organizing game nights, reading, and working out.

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