{"id":540,"date":"2023-04-06T18:55:32","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T18:55:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/?page_id=540"},"modified":"2025-12-17T20:29:32","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T20:29:32","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"is-style-default\"><strong>Neurodiversity in STEM<\/strong> is a network of educators, researchers, and designers studying new methods to reveal, nurture, and support STEM problem-solving talents in neurodivergent learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:18px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Mission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To embrace neurodiversity in STEM education.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We believe the talents of neurodivergent learners are crucial to innovative STEM problem solving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We believe education should change to fit the learner, not the other way around.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We believe neurodivergent learners should be part of the design and research of STEM learning experiences. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"show-more\">\n   <details>\n    <summary>\n            <\/summary>\n     <p>Our society is facing enormous challenges that beg for different types of solutions. And different types of solutions call for different ways of thinking. Unfortunately, learners who think differently are often marginalized by education systems.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>ND in STEM<\/strong> works to change education systems and embrace the unique talents of neurodivergent learners in STEM. We:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Serve learners from pre-K through adult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Span STEM disciplines, including computational thinking (CT).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Work with educators and learners to design and develop inclusive materials and resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Work with State and Local Education Agencies, museums, after-school clubs, and other educators to promote neurodiversity-forward educational experiences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Conduct rigorous research in K\u201312 classrooms, digital games, and Augmented and Virtual Reality environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Provide practical strategies and materials for parents, educators, employers, and the general public.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Our research aims to support <a href=\"http:\/\/terc.edu\/ndinstem\/resources\/glossary-2#ef\" data-type=\"URL\">executive function<\/a> (EF) for all STEM learners and address specific challenges, like sensory and attention differences, rather than focus on any one diagnosis in an effort to support inclusive learning in STEM education.<\/p>\n   <\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our People<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Meet the <strong>ND in STEM<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/about\/our-people\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"700\">team<\/a>, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/about\/our-co-designers\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/about\/our-co-designers\">co-designers<\/a>, and our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/our-collaborators\/\">collaborators<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The work of <strong>ND in STEM <\/strong>involves design, development, and research; happens in classrooms, museums, games, homes, and more; serves learners from pre-K through adult; spans STEM disciplines, as well as computational thinking; and aims to support inclusive learning in STEM education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/04\/PXL_20240313_152402167.PORTRAIT-edited-2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/04\/PXL_20240313_152402167.PORTRAIT-edited-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/04\/PXL_20240313_152402167.PORTRAIT-edited-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/04\/PXL_20240313_152402167.PORTRAIT-edited-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/04\/PXL_20240313_152402167.PORTRAIT-edited-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/04\/PXL_20240313_152402167.PORTRAIT-edited-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/04\/PXL_20240313_152402167.PORTRAIT-edited-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/about\/augmentedef\/\">AugmentedEF<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 We\u2019re designing and researching Augmented Reality (AR) supports for the attention deficit and executive function (EF) needs of post-secondary learners of STEM.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Puzzle-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3168\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Puzzle-edited-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Puzzle-edited-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Puzzle-edited-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Puzzle-edited-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Puzzle-edited-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Puzzle-edited-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/code-in-motion-by-sparks\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3149\">Code in Motion by SPARKS<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 We&#8217;re working in Los Angeles to train Community Coaches to lead computer science afterschool programs for elementary students experiencing homelessness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2023\/04\/Project-INFACT-Search-Image-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"A man explains to a boy the rules of a game with robots controlled from a tablet.\" class=\"wp-image-659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2023\/04\/Project-INFACT-Search-Image-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2023\/04\/Project-INFACT-Search-Image-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2023\/04\/Project-INFACT-Search-Image-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2023\/04\/Project-INFACT-Search-Image-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2023\/04\/Project-INFACT-Search-Image-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/about\/infact\/\">INFACT<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 We developed and researched a comprehensive and inclusive program for computational thinking in grades 3\u20138, with embedded scaffolds for supporting executive function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Available <strong>free<\/strong> to all, request access at the bottom of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/resources\/infact-materials\/\">INFACT (v1.0) Materials<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/IMG_1051-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/IMG_1051-edited-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/IMG_1051-edited-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/IMG_1051-edited-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/IMG_1051-edited-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/IMG_1051-edited-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/IMG_1051-edited-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/about\/neurovivid\/\">NeuroVivid<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 We\u2019re providing an Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) onramp to STEM careers for neurodivergent learners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1320\" height=\"880\" src=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Mission_to_Europa_Prime-edited.jpg\" alt=\"A VR still showing the view from Europa, a moon of Jupiter.\" class=\"wp-image-3146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Mission_to_Europa_Prime-edited.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Mission_to_Europa_Prime-edited-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Mission_to_Europa_Prime-edited-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/Mission_to_Europa_Prime-edited-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1320px) 100vw, 1320px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/about\/univrsal-access\/\">UniVRsal Access<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 We co-designed and researched a virtual reality (VR) STEM game for a broad audience, including players with sensory, attention, and\/or social challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"522\" height=\"348\" src=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/EF-Kids-Looking-at-Computer-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Two young children react with smiles to an unseen object.\" class=\"wp-image-3147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/EF-Kids-Looking-at-Computer-edited.jpg 522w, https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/11\/EF-Kids-Looking-at-Computer-edited-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 522px) 100vw, 522px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/about\/previous-work\">Previous Work and Closed Projects<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 <strong>ND in STEM<\/strong> was launched in 2023, but we have a long history of working in the field. Check out some of our previous work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AV°ÍÊ¿<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>AV°ÍÊ¿&nbsp;is a&nbsp;nonprofit&nbsp;made up of teams of math and science education and research experts dedicated to innovation and creative problem solving.&nbsp;At the frontier of theory and practice, AV°ÍÊ¿\u2019s work encompasses research, content and curriculum development, technology innovation, professional development, and program evaluation.&nbsp;AV°ÍÊ¿ has a passion for&nbsp;social justice&nbsp;and strives to create level playing fields for all learners, reaching millions of learners every year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more, please visit&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.terc.edu\/\">www.terc.edu<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Neurodiversity in STEM is a network of educators, researchers, and designers studying new methods to reveal, nurture, and support STEM problem-solving talents in neurodivergent learners.<\/p>\n<p>Our Mission<\/p>\n<p>To embrace neurodiversity in STEM education.<\/p>\n<p>We believe the talents of neurodivergent learners are crucial to innovative STEM problem solving.<\/p>\n<p>We believe education should change to fit the learner, not the other way around.<\/p>\n<p>We believe neurodivergent learners should be part of the design and research of STEM learning experiences.  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/about\/\">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-fullwidth.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"139,218,106,1","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-540","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=540"}],"version-history":[{"count":79,"href":"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/540\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3220,"href":"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/540\/revisions\/3220"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.terc.edu\/ndinstem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}