449: How to Thrive Teaching Neurodivergent Students

One of the most powerful webinars we’ve ever run at TopMusic was a session with educator Selena Pistoresi, focused on how to support neurodivergent students. The response from teachers around the world was incredible, so I’m sharing a replay of that webinar here on the podcast. Selena offers practical, compassionate advice that challenges some of the traditional ways we approach behavior, motivation, and lesson structure. And it’s all grounded in a deep respect for the unique ways our students experience the world.

• Tim introduced the Spotlight theme for February: teaching neurodivergent students.
• The importance of shifting language and mindset when supporting neurodivergent students.
• The value of understanding student behavior as communication was highlighted.
• Selena outlined the difference between compliance and true learning.
• She encouraged teachers to move away from reward systems toward intrinsic motivation.
• Practical strategies for flexible lesson plans and routines were shared.
• The importance of regulating the teacher's own nervous system was discussed.
• Selena offered examples of co-regulation techniques to support student needs.
• She recommended viewing meltdowns and shutdowns as opportunities for support.
• Suggestions for adapting teaching materials for different sensory and cognitive needs were explored.
• Teachers were encouraged to create a safe and inclusive learning space.

Links Mentioned

• Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.
• Join our Spotlight Session with Bec Stewart here.
• Find out more about Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students Course here.
• Check out all TopMusic Courses here.
• Join our Lite Plan here to watch the webinar.

Member Links

• Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students in 2024 Webinar Replay
• Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students Course

Today's Guest Selena Pistoresi has been a piano teacher for over a decade. Selena blogs over at Notablepiano.com and is the author of the Milestone Method. She owns Cultivate Music Studio, a studio in San Jose, California, where she specializes in working with students with special needs. She equips teachers all over the world with the mindset tools and curriculum to teach students with special needs and to help their studios flourish. Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership.

TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL