Overview

How do we support preschoolers who can't sit still, forget the steps, melt down during transitions, or seem to live in ""now"" and ""not now""? And what happens when the teacher has the same struggles? In this refreshingly honest and practical book, early childhood educator and consultant Kathy Gilbert shares what changed everything-an ADHD diagnosis at the age of 64 that reframed her entire career. Blending personal story, classroom strategies, and a deep respect for neurodivergent children (and adults), ""Creating Neurodivergent-Friendly Classrooms"" invites educators to rethink the way we teach, lead, and connect-with empathy, not control. Whether you're a preschool teacher who's trying to make sense of sensory needs and executive function challenges, a college professor preparing future educators for inclusive, developmentally appropriate practices, or simply a coach, mentor, or director that's supporting classroom teachers through real-world struggles, this book offers you tools, language, and a mindset shift you can use any day. Inside you'll find: Real stories from a neurodivergent educator's classroom-and life. Concrete strategies for supporting executive function, transitions, and sensory processing. Honest insights on masking, movement, self-advocacy, and the power of praise. Scripts, visual support, and classroom design ideas that benefit all children-not just those with diagnoses. You don't need to be an expert in neurodiversity. You just need to be open. Open to doing things differently. Open to what children are showing us. And maybe open to seeing yourself a little more clearly, too.

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Kathy Gilbert has over 40 years of experience in early childhood education, including 22 years as the director of the childcare center at Western Michigan University. She holds degrees in elementary education, early childhood education, and educational technology and now focuses her work on supporting educators in creating inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly classrooms. As someone diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Kathy brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her training. She's passionate about helping teachers understand how brain differences manifest in young children-and how small classroom changes can make a big difference.

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