Integrate strength-based and neurodiversity affirming approaches into school evaluations

Traditional school psychology training relies on deficit-based models, leaving practitioners without resources to conduct evaluations that reflect student strengths and neurodivergent identities. Essentials of Strength-Based and Neurodiversity Affirming School-Based Evaluations is the first book to integrate these two assessment approaches, grounded in positive psychology research and insights from neurodivergent individuals leading the neurodiversity affirming movement.

The book introduces strength-based tools including the CRI-Youth, CYRM-R, MIGDAS-2, SWAN, Values Youth Survey, and Clifton StrengthsExplorer alongside techniques for neurodiversity affirming interviewing and observations. These evidence-based strategies enable practitioners to create balanced evaluations that are both legally defensible and representative of all students' abilities, promoting positive mental health and academic success.

Readers will also find:

• Practical methods for shifting from pathology-focused assessment roles to practices that emphasize student strengths, capabilities, and identity
• Guidance on equity and inclusivity in assessment practices that have historically marginalized students with disabilities in school settings
• Strategies for reimagining special education services to harness strengths identified during the evaluation process for individualized support planning
• Frameworks for incorporating neurodiversity affirming language and perspectives into psychoeducational reports, recommendations, and team communications
• Approaches to supporting diverse student populations through inclusive assessment practices that reflect cultural and neurological differences accurately

Written for school psychologists seeking to transform their evaluation practices, this book also serves special education teachers, service providers including SLPs, OTs, and LCSWs, special education administrators, and clinical psychologists who conduct or contribute to school-based assessments of neurodivergent youth.

Kelsie Reed, PhD, is a nationally certified school psychologist in Maryland and founder of The Strength-Based Collective. She earned her Ph.D. from Loyola University Chicago in 2020 and practices in Prince George's County Public Schools. Dr. Reed co-authored Hacking Deficit Thinking and supports educational organizations at local, state, and national levels, advancing strength-based practices and educational equity through research, policy, and advocacy.

Breea Rosas is a nationally certified school psychologist and licensed educational psychologist in Los Angeles, practicing full-time in a local school district. She holds an Educational Specialist degree from Central Washington University. Through ND Affirming School Psychologist, Breea offers professional development, consultation, and direct services, teaching school psychologists, service providers, and educators to implement neurodiversity affirming practices.