The Center for Neurodiversity, Learning, and Wellness (CNLW) offers a multi-faceted program of educational services, professional training, research, and community engagement intended to promote a greater understanding of neurological diversity in our culture.
We provide an ongoing schedule of community events, classes and private sessions that directly empower students of all ages with the cognitive, social, and emotional tools they need to become powerful self-advocates. We also offer a broad range of workshops and certificate training programs that help professional practitioners increase their ability to serve and include students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, behavioral challenges and other neurological differences in all aspects of society.
Whether your interest in neurodiversity is personal or professional, we invite you to learn more about what we have to offer. The CNLW is a program of the University of La Verne LaFetra College of Education.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity acknowledges the full range of naturally occurring variations in cognition, learning, behavior, and socialization that exists within the population. It equally values those with neurological traits which are more common (neurotypical) alongside those with neurological differences like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other mental diagnoses that occur less frequently (neurodivergent).
According to Thomas Armstrong, author of Neurodiversity in the Classroom, “the idea of neurodiversity is really a paradigm shift in the way we think about those in special education. Instead of regarding these students as suffering from deficit, disease, or dysfunction, neurodiversity suggests that we speak about their strengths.”
All programs offered by the CNLW are aimed at empowering neurodivergent students of all ages to recognize and develop their unique strengths while gaining the skills and accommodations needed to maximize cognitive function, emotional regulation, physical health, and social inclusion. The center also creates lifelong inclusion opportunities by training professionals across all fields (education, healthcare, mental health, human resources, and community-based service providers) to provide optimal environments and services that accommodate a neurodiverse population.
