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. It uses the perspective of Hannah—a girl with undiagnosed ADHD—as a lens through which students can view this common developmental disorder.

Expand students’ understanding of invisible disabilities, ableist perspectives, and barriers experienced by neurodiverse individuals. PLUS! A section for advanced readers comparing the novel’s themes to Ashley Hards’s original inspiration:  Hamlet!

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.

Download the Guide!

Use the Hannah Edwards Neurodiversity Discussion Guide to jumpstart conversations on how Hannah’s experience as a middle school girl with undiagnosed ADHD informs her coping skills and decision-making throughout the book:

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 adults in her life.

Section 4: Hannah vs Hamlet
Extension for Advanced Readers
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.