Understanding Disabilities and its Effect on Behavior
Is your team struggling to distinguish between misbehavior and a student’s disability?
Too often, students with ADHD, Autism, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are met with discipline instead of support. Help your staff recognize how disabilities manifest in the classroom so they can respond with strategies that foster growth, not punishment.
Professional Development Outcomes:
Reflect on past moments when students may have been disciplined for behaviors rooted in their disability.
Learn how ADHD, Autism, and ODD commonly present in student behavior—and why traditional discipline often falls short.
Identify targeted strategies and best practices for supporting students based on their individual needs.
Are your teachers unintentionally punishing students for behaviors they can’t control?
2-Hour Understanding Disabilities and its Effect on Behavior Agenda
Discuss the realities schools are currently facing when it comes to student behavior and support for diverse learners.
Take a closer look at how disabilities like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder often show up in the classroom.
Explore practical, research-informed strategies educators can use to meet students’ needs with empathy, clarity, and consistency.
Are your teachers struggling to distinguish between misbehavior and disability-related challenges? When educators misinterpret the manifestations of ADHD, Autism, or ODD as defiance or disengagement, students miss out on the support they truly need. This training empowers teachers to recognize the difference, respond with evidence-based strategies, and create a classroom environment that fosters understanding, inclusion, and student success.
What’s Included?
120 - 180 minutes Interactive Session
Interactive Handout & Resource
1 Pre-Facilitation Meeting
1 Debrief Meeting
Optional Add-Ons:
School Observation and Feedback
Strategy Practice & Feedback Cycle
About Your Facilitator
Diana Williams is a strategic and innovative educator with years of experience advocating with families of students in special education. She works to ensure that students receive the proper supports and accommodations to be academically successful within public charter schools. Starting her career as a K-2 teacher in Camden, New Jersey, she has spent the last 5 years working asa Special Education administrator in Brooklyn, NY. Most notably, Diana serves as the Assistant Director of Special Education for KIPP New Jersey and has previously spearheaded the founding and expansion of the special education department at Ivy Hill Preparatory Charter School in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to the work she does within the school, Diana also has served as a graduate advisor and adjunct for teachers seeking special education certification at the Relay Graduate School of Education. She has also consulted for schools throughout the country expanding their special education program and offerings. Diana earned her Master of Teaching degree and from the Relay Graduate School of Education and her B.A. from American University. She currently holds her general education certification in grades K-6 in New Jersey and New York, as well as her special education certification in New York.
