Roundtable:

A Needs Analysis of Neurodiverse Students in the Quebec K-11 Educational System

Julie Corrigan, Concordia University

Laura Del Giacco, Concordia University

Gabriella Buggé, Concordia University

In this roundtable, we will present the results of our needs analysis regarding the barriers and supports for neurodivergent students (e.g., students who experience dyslexia, Autism, ADHD) experienced by educational stakeholders (e.g., students, teachers, parents) in the Quebec educational system. In particular, we will analyze these barriers and supports using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of both public policy documents and academic literature, considering the needs of both Quebecois neurodiverse students in general, and those specific to the English speaking community. This roundtable will begin with an overview of the results of our needs analysis. Then, Laura Del Giacco (ESL educator and doctoral student at Concordia University) will contextualize the results further by highlighting her research and experience, drawing on the unique challenges and opportunities involved in teaching English as a second language to students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Next, Gabriella Buggé (orthopédagogue, doctoral student at Concordia University) will describe her research and experiences as a dyslexic supporting dyslexic students, and as a former elementary school teacher. Finally, Dr. Julie Corrigan (Associate Professor, Concordia University, former high school teacher, mother) will connect her research regarding universal design and justice-oriented assessment practices as one path forward to providing success for all, regardless of students’ biopsychosocial profiles or minority language status.