Learn About NILN

There is no ‘one way’ for a human brain to be ‘normal.’ At NILN, we train on inclusive practices that respect neurodiverse and autistic people.

Our Story

Background History

Recognizing the significant potential of museums as community spaces for learners of all abilities and interests, the Institute for Learning Innovation partnered with SciTech Institute and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center on a multi-phase National Science Foundation (NSF – 2005901) grant-funded project focused on enhancing inclusion for people with autism.

A Sustainable Model

Building on the successful development of a Community of Practice with 4 museums in Arizona, our team created a hybrid learning curriculum. We are expanding to 3 additional states and 12 additional museums across the United States to create regional and national peer networks around neuroinclusion.

NILN Values

Inclusion

Ensuring that people of all abilities can participate fully.

Neurodiversity

A range of intersectional brain function and behaviors.

Choice of Language

Different preferences for person or identity-first.

Evolving Practice

Our team will continue to reflect, learn, and change.

Learning

Seeking current understandings of autism and neurodiversity.

Community

Connecting peers, advisors, and learners with shared goals.

Representation

Intentional leadership with neurodiverse and autistic people.

Timeline of NILN

Foundational moments from our project and organizational history.

2020

National Science Foundation funding awarded

Our team supported the creation of a regional Community of Practice among staff at 4 museums in Phoenix, Arizona.

2021

Customized Onsite Training

We led the first cohort of museum staff through customized training focused on inclusion and autism.

2022

Conference Presentations

Findings from our work were presented to research and professional colleagues.

2023

AZ museums’ plans for inclusion

Final Community of Practice session held to discuss each museum’s cumulative project focused on autism inclusion.

2024

Additional funding from National Science Foundation

Building on the onsite training conducted at Arizona museums, our team created a hybrid curriculum to extend reach.

2025

Custom Online Learning

We welcomed a cohort of 12 museums across 3 more cities in the United States to join their peers in learning and practicing neuro-inclusion.

“Participating in the Neuro Inclusive Learning Network has been a transformative experience for the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Through our collaboration with professionals… and the invaluable insights of individuals with lived experience, our team deepened its understanding of what true inclusion looks like in practice. This partnership reinforced that the most meaningful progress happens when museums listen closely to their communities and intentionally create spaces where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and able to fully participate.”

-Alison Stoltman, Deputy Director, Arizona Museum of Natural History