University of Oklahoma Press
Classroom Mindscapes
An Introduction to Neurodiversity for Educators
By Dr. Sarah E. Silverman
Series: Teaching, Engaging, and Thriving in Higher Ed
Series Editors: James M. Lang and Michelle Miller
About the Book
Classroom Mindscapes covers the concept, terms, and history of neurodiversity for college faculty and staff — including its relationship to disability and its role in higher education. It’s written for educators who want a grounded introduction to the topic and haven’t had a clear place to start.
Neurodiversity and disability are related but distinct concepts, and the book works through that distinction carefully. One of its central arguments is that the existing disability accommodation system, while important, doesn’t fully address the needs of many neurodivergent students and staff. Silverman introduces a framework she calls “teaching in the neurodiversity paradigm” — an approach centered on navigating the varied and sometimes competing needs of students and teachers, rather than on individual accommodations alone.
The book pays particular attention to specific “pressure points” — moments in the classroom where neurodiversity tends to surface, such as group work, participation expectations, and lab activities. Throughout, Silverman draws on her own experience as a neurodivergent educator and faculty developer to ground the discussion in practice.
Key Themes & Classroom Pressure Points
Group Assignments
How collaborative work can be a pressure point for neurodivergent students — and how to design around it.
Class Participation
Rethinking participation expectations that disproportionately disadvantage neurodivergent learners.
Labs & Practical Activities
Navigating hands-on learning environments with neurodivergent students in mind.
History of Neurodiversity
Where the concept came from, how it evolved, and its relationship to disability studies.
Disability & Accommodations
Why the current accommodation system doesn't always serve neurodivergent students — and what to do instead.
Teaching in the Neurodiversity Paradigm
A practical framework for navigating and negotiating multiple, sometimes contrasting student needs.
Praise for Classroom Mindscapes
“Silverman's writing is thoughtful, funny, and has the right dose of nuance . . . She gives us the knowledge and guidance to build our capacity for complexity and treat all students with respect and humility.”
“Classroom Mindscapes will prove incredibly helpful to higher ed instructors at every level, and at every stage of their careers. It is a work of history, critical disability studies, educational studies, and pedagogical development. I could not be more appreciative of and delighted by this text.”
“Timely and human-centered…Classroom Mindscapes will help educators be more aware of the needs of neurodivergent learners. No other book manages to give as comprehensive a look at neurodiversity, its history, and its impact on higher education. As a multiply-neurodivergent educator and lifelong learner, I appreciated the blend of research and reflective narratives, along with the tangible suggestions and invitations for using its lessons.”
Get the Book
University of Oklahoma Press · September 2026
Series: Teaching, Engaging, and Thriving in Higher Ed
Edited by James M. Lang and Michelle Miller
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