School Should Be Inclusive for Neurodiverse Learners: Creating a Classroom for All Minds.

Schools can be an intimidating environment for all children and young people, and can present social and sensory challenges for those that are neurodivergent. 

Providing the right support to SEND children in the classroom is crucial to their learning and can help them to reach their full potential.

According to GOV UK, it’s estimated that 15-20% of children and young people in the UK are neurodivergent. Some forms of neurodivergence include autism, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, amongst many others.

Creating an inclusive environment for neurodiverse learners means being considerate of all pupils’ needs and ways of learning. 

Here are three strategies Teachers can adopt in the classroom to ensure it is a welcoming and inclusive environment for neurodiverse learners.

• Change your thinking and your approach.
• Empower neurodivergent children and young people.
• Teach students about neurodiversity.

Change your thinking and your approach

Just as one approach doesn’t fit all, children who are neurodivergent also require different and individual teaching strategies and shouldn’t be categorised according to their neurodiversity. Consider teaching as more than just educating, but rather as making meaningful connections and empowering students.

Get to know your students and change your approach to learning, as every student requires different techniques and styles of learning to thrive and feel comfortable. Give pupils the opportunity to work in a quiet area if they prefer, and work with pupils to meet their own specific needs and build on their strengths.

Neurodiverse learners benefit from having options as they can ensure inclusivity and security as well as offer new experiences and opportunities to learn and grow. 

Empower neurodivergent children and young people

Empowering neurodivergent children and young people is crucial to their learning and growth as it can help them develop a positive self-image, feel confident and thrive in an inclusive environment.

Be sure not to exclude, overcompensate or treat those who are neurodivergent differently to other students. Listen to neurodivergent pupils and use this feedback to ensure your school policies reflect these views. Follow pupils’ lead to help them feel safe, included and celebrated for their achievements.

It’s important to empower children and young people in the classroom so they can feel safe, act authentically and thrive in the classroom. Some neurodivergent pupils’ might struggle to take initiative and it’s important that Teachers give each child the opportunity and the means to be in charge of their own learning.

Support students’ sense of self and development by encouraging them to thrive and embrace their differences. Be patient, provide students with options and alternatives and encourage students to ask questions and be vocal about their decisions.

Teach students about neurodiversity

All students make up the diversity of a classroom and creating an inclusive environment for all learners begins with awareness. The representation of neurodivergent children in the classroom promotes equality and equity and it’s important to consider how you teach and address neurodiversity in the classroom.

Educate students to make everyone aware of the different types of neurodiversity and how it can affect people’s learning and school experience. Make all students aware of the different learners in the classroom by acknowledging and celebrating the strengths and talents of neurodivergent children in your school community.

By embracing neurodiversity and differences in the classroom all children can understand how accommodations for neurodivergent children help to facilitate learning and engagement. This can also help with different types of engagement in the future in regards to cultural and social differences.