There are many unspoken rules and expectations that neurotypical individuals pick up on and learn in their everyday lives. But for some people, understanding these unspoken norms of behavior and social interactions can be difficult. That is why it is incredibly important, especially as special education teachers, that we understand what the hidden curriculum is and how we can help our students be more successful with it. Dr. Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., is joining us today to talk all about the hidden curriculum.

Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., formerly a professor at the University of Kansas, is the recipient of the Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Professional Award, the Princeton Fellowship Award, The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome (GRASP) Divine Neurotypical Award, and the American Academy of Pediatrics Autism Champion. Brenda has made over 3000 presentations all over the world and has written more than 300 articles and books on ASD. In addition, she collaborated with the three organization who identified evidenced-based practices in autism. Further, in a survey conducted by the University of Texas, she was acknowledged as the second most productive applied researcher in ASD in the world.

Brenda is sharing some incredible insight on the hidden curriculum meaning, how we can teach it, why it’s beneficial for everyone to be taught it, and how not understanding it can negatively impact our students with autism.

03:21 - The hidden curriculum meaning and what exactly it is

07:56 - How we can teach the hidden curriculum and help our literal learners be successful with it

11:00 - Examples of how not understanding the hidden curriculum can have a negative impact on autistic individuals when interacting with the community

16:06 - How not understanding the environment they're in and how it differs from another environment can affect autistic individuals

21:45 - The challenges experienced by individuals who are unable to observe the environment in a way that allows them to absorb information

Show Notes: http://autismclassroomresources.com/episode215

Resources:

• The Hidden Curriculum 25th Anniversary Revised Edition: Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations
• Join the Autism Classroom Resources' Free Resource Library
• Get more information about the Special Educator Academy
• Join the Free Facebook Group

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