Supporting Neurodivergent Children at School 

Supporting Neurodivergent Children at School

Jeanette Loftus 

As society recognizes neurodiversity more and we are celebrating differences, schools will play a very important part in supporting neurodiverse students. Embracing neurodiversity in schools, teachers  can create an inclusive environment that encourages learning, acceptance and awareness for everyone.

Understanding neurodiversity begins when we recognize that differences are part of human diversity. each classroom, the students have a variety of learning styles, strengths and challenges that make each student very unique. Neurodivergent students learn differently but their differences can bring so much to a classroom. When we value these differences of neurodivergent students, schools can start and work towards a supportive education for all students. 

Creating an environment that embraces neurodiverse differences requires awareness, empathy and strategies. There are many different ways schools can foster an inclusive environment. 

Teachers and school staff should all have training to learn more about neurodiversity so they are able help everyone understand the unique needs of neurodivergent students and provide them with the support they need while they are at school. It is very important to include neurodiversity awareness into a schools  curriculum. This will help students appreciate neurodivergent students and their strengths. 

It is very important to recognize that neurodivergent students can excel with different ways of teaching.  Teachers should use different types of learning strategies such as hands on learning or technology to accommodate diverse learning styles. These accommodations will not only benefit neurodiverse students but would benefit the other students too. 

Teachers that offer different ways of learning can encourage students to participate and decrease anxiety for neurodivergent students. It can be very beneficial when a teacher offers optional seating and a quiet sensory space for when children are feeling overwhelmed or are experiencing sensory overload. Schools can also encourage movement breaks throughout the day and sensory activities to help regulate neurodiverse students. 

A school should be helping students to build connections with students. This is so important in creating an inclusive school. Including different programs such as buddy systems or peer mentoring can help neurodivergent students develop social skills and create friendships. Having class discussions about neurodiversity can normalize differences and promote understanding within the school and classroom. 

Executive functioning skills help students manage their thoughts, actions and their emotions. These skills include organization, task initiation, time management and impulse control are very important for school success. Neurodivergent students may have different challenges in these areas when at school. Schools can include different strategies to support executive functioning within the school and in classrooms. 

Having a structured routine can help neurodivergent students a lot throughout their school day. Visual schedules and a  predictable classroom can reduce a child's anxiety and help a child focus much better. 

Using different digital technology and tools such as a calendar app for task management and reminders can be very beneficial for neurodivergent students. These tools can help students keep track of their school assignments, goals and dates for different school events or tasks. 

Using different visual organizers can support students when breaking down bigger tasks they have throughout the day into small manageable tasks. This can allow them to see what needs to be done and not feeling as overwhelmed with their school work load.  

Teaching students about goal setting and how to set goals that are achievable, will give students a sense of ownership over their learning. Checking in on their progress can help motivate neurodivergent students and build their confidence when they complete their goals. 

Creating a sensory friendly classroom environment that encourages movement throughout a child's day and and giving children the options for flexible seating can help students engage more while doing their school work. Options like standing desks, bean bag chairs and quiet sensory corners enable students to customize their individual workspace to their specific needs.

Schools should be offering ongoing training for teachers and staff about neurodiversity and inclusive teaching practices. This will ensure that teachers are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to support all of the students in their classroom.  

Offering student programs that educate students about neurodiversity can promote empathy and understanding among peers in school. Schools should be offering activities, workshops and guest speakers to help other students understand neurodivergent differences and encourage acceptance within the school.

Peers working together on group work together in a classroom can enhance learning experiences for all students. This will promote  diverse learning groups, neurodivergent students can share their strengths and perspectives which will benefit both themselves and their peers too.  

Validating, affirming and recognizing a neurodivergent persons unique strengths can boost their self-esteem. Highlighting when you notice their creativity, exceptional skills or their out-of-the-box thinking will help them boost their self esteem. 

Social skills development can be an area of concern for neurodivergent children at school because they may struggle with communication, understanding social cues and building friendships at school. Schools can support their social development in many different ways by offering social skills programs in their schools curriculum. These programs can be helpful for students and provide them with the tools they need to be social successfully. Through role playing and classroom discussions, students can develop these skills in a safe environment.  

Some schools offer a mentorship program and they pair neurodivergent students together with older peers or mentors who understand their challenges and that can provide guidance and support for them. These relationships encourage a sense of belonging at school and model positive social interactions.

Encouraging neurodivergent students to participate in different school clubs, sports or other extracurricular activities help neurodivergent students to practice social skills in different settings. These environments can offer an opportunity to build new friendships based on shared interests.

Creating inclusion areas that are designating spaces in a school for social activities that are meant to be for diverse students promotes an inclusive environment at school. There are a lot of different events that a school could host such as game days, art classes or quiet sensory corners for different comfort levels and interests.

Schools must provide neurodivergent students access to resources and supports. This could  include individualized education programs (IEPs), counseling  and after school support groups. Schools should invite families to participate in discussions around their child’s needs and their goals. 

School can be a very challenging time for neurodivergent children and those who have diverse neurological conditions such as sensory processing, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and more. As a parent, supporting your child’s educational journey is very important. There are many different ways you can advocate for your child, encourage an inclusive environment and help your child thrive while they are in school. 

To support your neurodivergent child you need to educate yourself about their needs. Different neurodivergent conditions come with various strengths and challenges. Understanding your child's unique strengths, interests and challenges will help you be able to advocate better with teachers. 

Many neurodivergent children struggle with sensory processing, social communication, executive functioning, and traditional learning. Understanding your child's challenges can help you find solutions for them that will encourage their strengths.

Recognizing and celebrating your child’s strengths can help their self-esteem. Encouraging their interests and hobbies outside of school can provide them with an important outlet for self-expression and benefit their confidence.

Establishing a positive relationship with your child’s teacher is very important for your child's success. Having regular communication with teachers, counselors and staff will be very beneficial for your child. Share your insights about your child’s preferences and the ways they learn. Checking in regularly with your child's teacher can help ensure that everyone is on the same page. This is important for maintaining consistency at home and at school.

If your child is eligible for special education services, work with their teacher to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan for your child. This will include your child's accommodations and modifications that will help them be successful in school. Regularly review these plans to assess if they are working and discuss any changes that need to be made. Every neurodivergent child has their own unique needs and advocating for the accommodations they need will help them succeed in the classroom.

Encourage your child's school to include sensory breaks throughout your child's day. Short sensory breaks during the day can help your child reset, refocus and improve their productivity. Sensory diets are not only for at home, but they are for at school too. Children should be following their sensory diets at school to keep them regulated. 

Celebrate your child's achievements no matter how small they are and reinforce the importance that they keep trying their best. Help your child understand their neurodivergent identity and teach them how to advocate for their own needs. Role playing conversations with teachers or peers can help them with their  communication skills so they feel comfortable to advocate for themselves.

A nurturing home environment strengthens your child's ability to cope with different school challenges. Many neurodivergent children are successful with a structured routine. Establishing a consistent homework schedule, morning routine and bedtime routine can be very beneficial for your child. 

Teach your child different mindfulness activities and sensory strategies such as deep breathing or yoga to help them manage their anxiety and sensory overload. Create a toolkit of coping strategies for your child will foster resilience and adaptability in different challenging situations when they are in school. 

When we understand and value neurodiversity, schools can create a better world where all students feel recognized, valued and empowered to succeed. We will have a more inclusive educational system when we commit to embracing the unique differences that make each student who they are.