Global Neurodiversity

Joy Young and Tim Yoder combine storytelling and research to feature lessons learned during the nearly one hundred years of teaching experienced by these two educators.

Scroll down to read what people are saying about The Neurodiversity Connection.

Who we are

We are two constantly curious educators dedicated to advancing neuroinclusive learning communities all around the world.

Why we serve

The sum of our years of teaching experience is just shy of 100 years. Because we understand the complexities of teaching we desire to serve the educational community. We want to share our lessons learned and resources gathered as encouragement and support.

How we serve

As lifelong learners, this Global Neurodiversity site has been created as a collaborative resource where we can all share, learn, and celebrate together. We are continuing to grow in our understanding and respect for neurodiversity, and we are grateful to do so alongside each of you.

"Joy Young and Tim Yoder have captured a missing piece of the puzzle for many of us educators, coaches, employers, and parents. We must recognize the unique makeup of learners and lead them accordingly. They are "chess" pieces, not "checkers" pieces. This book is a resource to deepen your empathy and to equip you to teach with imagery, experience, and compassion. Our approach to learners may just determine their success."

DR. TIM ELMORE, Author of A New Kind of Diversity and The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership, Founder & CEO - Growing Leaders, Inc.

“The Neurodiversity Connection is a great initial step for educators who want to learn about neurodiversity for the first time and an important resource for veteran educators who want to go further in their study of this exciting, emerging field. Authors Joy Young and Tim Yoder tell great stories from their rich classroom experiences and provide a treasure trove of practical tips for helping all students achieve their full potential!”

DR. THOMAS ARMSTRONG, Author of The Power of Neurodiversity and Neurodiversity In the Classroom , Executive Director – American Institute for Learning and Human Development

“As the father of a neurodistinct adult son I have read many books on neurodiversity. The Neurodiversity Connection is an absolute gem that is relatable, content rich and practical. I wish the teachers who worked with my son could have had access to this amazing resource. It is not only a true gift to educators, but also to parents as they partner with teachers in their children's education.”

RANDY HAIN, Author of Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, President – Serviam Partners

"The Neurodiversity Connection is a wonderful resource for teachers and educators of any age group. The importance of building community, belonging, and understanding is paramount to the success of neurodistinct individuals. The Neurodiversity Connection provides insight and tools that are practical and clear. It's a wonderful addition to any teacher's toolbox for creating equality of learning and opportunity."

DANNY COMBS, Inaugural Director – Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, Founder of TACT – Teaching the Autism Community Trades

“This book highlights the extraordinary potential of diverse ways of thinking to drive innovation, creativity, and deeper learning in classrooms. With actionable strategies and compelling case studies, it challenges educators to design systems that don’t just include neurodivergent students, but celebrate their contributions as essential to the learning community.”

DR. TYLER THIGPEN, Author of The Playbook for Self-Directed Learning, CEO - The Forest School, University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Instructor

“As Galileo said, it's not possible to teach a person anything; it is only possible to help them discover it within themselves. A highly valued resource for anyone who aspires to mentor others, The Neurodiversity Connection provides the perspectives, understandings, and tools to support success for neurodiverse students, employees, and peers — not through traditional teaching but by helping others discover their own interests and motivation, and by helping them harness the abilities they already possess.”

DR. KEIVAN STASSUN, Director, Frist Center for Autism & Innovation at Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering, MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and National Medal of Science laureate

“This is a book that should be in the hands of every educator, just what is needed for working with all students. The charts, illustrations, and visuals are so clear, and the checklists are invaluable. A big toolbox in a small package of a book.”

JEANNIE BOWMAN, Former Pennsylvania Branch Chair - International Dyslexia Association, Reading Language Therapist

“REACH for this book before you TEACH your next class. These pro-tips will keep you in the zone of curiosity and out of frustration. This book is organized in a way to find tactics quickly - try them on Tuesday so you can have a better Wednesday and feel more successful, no matter the subjects you teach or the age groups you support.”

JENNIFER PRICE, Assistant Director, EY and EY Neurodiversity Location Lead – Chicago

"Joy Young and Tim Yoder have crafted a remarkable resource for educators navigating the challenges of teaching in an ever-changing landscape. The Neurodiversity Connection is an invaluable guide, offering short, digestible chapters enriched with relatable anecdotes that set the stage for understanding and action. This book not only celebrates the brilliance and diversity of neurodivergent individuals but also equips educators with the insights and strategies needed to create inclusive, supportive learning environments. A powerful and inspiring resource for anyone in education."

DR. THERESA HASKINS, TEDx Speaker – The Neuro-inclusion Revolution, CEO, Theresa Haskins Consulting for Workplace Neurodiversity

"Leveraging the combination of storytelling and research, The Neurodiversity Connection is a must read for anyone engaging with students. With a dedicated chapter to intentionally fostering student to student connections, authors Joy Young and Tim Yoder spotlight the power of relationship and how empathizing with others actually increases neural activity in the brain. This guide promotes wellness through communication and connection, two things counselors can always focus on helping students improve. Truly enlightening, this excellent resource encourages curiosity, understanding, and respect for all learners!" JOELLEN GOLDSBERRY, LPC-S, Founder, J.S. Goldsberry & Associates

“My most significant hurdles in school were not due to internal barriers, but learning environments that weren't built with all of us in mind. This is the book my teachers needed.

DAVE THOMPSON, TEDx Speaker – Rebranding the Brain: Neurodiversity at Work, Neurodiversity Employment Consultant

"I highly recommend The Neurodiversity Connection. Principals across the country would be wise to utilize this book at the beginning of the year for professional development training. Regular education teachers, in particular, would greatly benefit from the simple, concrete examples of effectively connecting with students of all capabilities and neurodiversities.

LAURA HEWA, Parent and Educator

"The Neurodiversity Connection is a valuable resource to help us “re-think” how we have responded to students in the past and how to be open to new ways of responding going forward. As the parent of a neurodistinct child, I highly value the guidance to seek input from students and parents. A partnership is far more productive than trying to understand and respond to a student you have just met. As educators, if we are willing to be flexible and do not hold fast to the traditional ways things have always been done , we open up countless opportunities for positive outcomes. Authors Joy Young and Tim Yoder say it best, 'Supporting students becomes an intoxicating journey of asking 'What am I missing?' And as we discover the often unexpected answers, the creative and innovative responses that emerge are, simply stated, indescribable.”

DR. KATHRYN LEWIS, Parent of a neurodistinct child, Former Executive Director - Greenville Arts Council, Mississippi

"This book is a MUST read for teachers! Its practical ideas and examples will spark educators' minds and help them focus on their students' learning situations to foster comfort, leading to deeper learning."

JUDY ERB, Author of Being Me is the Best Thing to Be, Former Classroom Teacher

“Joy Young and Tim Yoder have provided an excellent resource for the differences that every teacher encounters in their interactions with students. More importantly, they have provided strategies that any teacher can use to become more effective while teaching a variety of neurotypes. Their perspectives and insights provide guidance for all educators as they teach the precious human beings in their care.”

DR. DON SJOBERG, Former Superintendent Poteau Public Schools, Okla.