Affirm Ed: Neurodiversity-Affirming Consultation & School Support Services
We’ve spent 20+ years building a neurodiversity-affirming school — Now we help others do the same.
AffirmED is a dynamic, strengths-based consultation initiative created by The Hirsch Academy, a nationally recognized K–8 program in Atlanta, GA. With over two decades of hands-on experience supporting neurodivergent students, we help schools, educators, and changemakers reimagine what’s possible. Our approach centers autonomy, regulation, meaningful connection, and accessible, exciting learning.
This is not theory—it’s grounded in the real work of real classrooms for 20+ years.
Who are the Students We’re Supporting?
When we design for inclusion, every child has a place – and every child learns.
- Ages: 5-14 years old
- Learner Profiles: High-energy, low-energy, sensory-seekers, misunderstood and beautifully complex
- Neurotypes: Autism, ADHD, Sensory Differences, Apraxic, Learning Disabilities, Mood Differences and more…
Who We Support
Looking for the school where neurodivergent students truly thrive? We built it. Now let us show you how.
- Public and Private Schools
- Individual Educators/School and Program Leaders
- Families Ready to Transform Education
- Microschools, Learning Pods and Co-ops
- Changemakers/Professionals in our Community
AffirmEd: What We Offer
Option 1: Book individual coaching for personal guidance
Option 2: Join a cohort of 6 like-minded individuals pursuing similar goals
Option 3: Bring AffirmEd to your whole team for a shared learning experience
- Introduction to Neurodiversity
- Building Awareness and Capacity-Interactive
- Designing Classroom Communities
- Big Feelings in the Classroom and Beyond Needs
- Movement Matters: Supporting Regulation / Motor
- Professional Development & Coaching / Internship at The Hirsch Academy
- Ongoing Support and Evaluation
Curious to learn more? We’d love to connect with you!
Reach out to our Executive Director, Shelley Carnes, at scarnes@hirschacademy.org for more details about AffirmEd and to find out when our next information session is happening.
10 out of 10! Best Teacher Professional Development day, ever! Can AffirmEd train our parents, too?
Sharing your expertise, beautiful world/professional view, while collaborating brought to light perspectives and ideas I had not considered. They are pivotal for societal change. The school you founded and methods of operation gives inspiration and practical action steps for creation. This is useful for clinicians, educators, administrators, families, and our broader society to put into action for achieving expansive outcomes, leading to the greater good of all.
AffirmEd slides were pretty awesome! So much of this was new to me. 10 out of 10! Thank you!
Practical ideas, reminder to reframe difficult situations and the importance of centering the child’s experience and intent. Excellent all around 10 out of 10!
I will definitely recommend AffirmEd trainings! It has been a great experience learning the know-how of this amazing school and journey. It has been very helpful to know the shortcuts and what works to make students feel regulated and comfortable. Ten out of Ten for every seminar presented!
Thank you for helping us focus on what I can do for myself in the midst of big feelings in the classroom. And fun strategies of how to support my students that I can’t wait to try. Thank you. 10 out of 10!
I loved all of it! 10 out of 10! AffirmEd really painted a vivid picture for the students I work with and offered tangible strategies I can use tomorrow.