Let's Talk About ADHD
Hannah Edwards Neurodiversity Discussion Guide
The Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway Neurodiversity Discussion Guide was developed to help educators navigate accessible and age-appropriate conversations on neurodiversity with middle and high schoolers, using Hannah’s personal lens as a girl with undiagnosed ADHD.
Expand student understanding of invisible disabilities, ableist perspectives, and barriers experienced by neurodiverse individuals. PLUS! A section for advanced readers comparing the themes to Ashley Hards's original inspiration for her novel: Hamlet!
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The guide was created for Fabled Films Press by Dawn Jacobs Martin, PhD, an Associate Clinical Professor and Director of Special Education Teacher Preparation at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Section 1: Exploring Neurodiversity & Societal Perspectives:
Guide conversations about neurodiversity and expand understanding of important terms related to disability awareness, including invisible disabilities, ableism, and person-first vs identity-first language.
Section 2: Hannah Edwards Navigates Neurodiversity
The novel highlights neurodiversity through the lens of Hannah Edwards. Use specific examples from the book to discuss the ways that Hannah’s perspective informs her actions, her views, and ultimately the progression of the book.
Section 3: Barriers & Ableism:
This section can be used to facilitate a discussion about societal barriers experienced by neurodiverse individuals. Students can explore ableist perspectives through Hannah’s experiences with teachers and the adults in her life.
Section 4: Extension for Advanced Readers - Hannah vs Hamlet:
This section can be used to explore connections between the play Hamlet and Ashley Hards's reimagining: Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway. Since students often read Hamlet at the high school level, these questions are more advanced.
–Tori Kelley, Ph.D., President and Founder of Central Florida Mental Health