The public school system in the United States has historically been built to support the success of one type of student: a typically developing student with average intellectual ability.   And, unfortunately, any student who falls outside of this type has a much harder time thriving in a system that is not built for them.  Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, one of the largest school systems in the US, is trying to expand the success of more of their students by being one of the first systems in the country to create a neurodiversity specialist.

Join Jessica Kidwell as she talks with Kristen Haynor, Neurodiversity Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools, about this new position and how she is trying to change the culture of this school system in hopes to create a system that truly celebrates all types of students.

Key Moments:

[00:00:18] Neurodiversity in Public Schools.

[00:08:36] Neurodivergent students and equity.

[00:17:32] Understanding neurodivergent behaviors.

[00:21:56] Supporting neurodiversity in education.

About Kristen Haynor:
Kristen Haynor is the Neurodiversity Specialist for Fairfax County Pubic Schools in the state of Virginia, which is one of the largest public school systems in the United States.  Kristen, who is neurodivergent herself, is a graduate of the FCPS school system.  After graduating from Madison High School, Kristen received a bachelors degree in Biology from the University of Mary Washington, her Master’s degree in Special Education from George Mason University, and is currently pursuing her PhD in International Education.

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