As an educator, supporting students’ unique needs is essential to fostering a positive learning environment and a safe space for them to be themselves. Understanding a student’s needs and providing the resources they need to thrive is vital in nurturing the next generation of scientists, doctors, artists, and anything they can dream. But how can you support the needs of neurodivergent students in school?
Keep reading to learn how to support neurodivergent students in school.
Understanding the Needs of Neurodivergent Students
One of the first steps in supporting neurodivergent students is understanding what “neurodivergent” means. The term “neurodivergent” is a non-medical term describing people whose brains work differently than others. Some of these differences can include learning disabilities, medical conditions, or mental conditions. As Cleveland Clinic describes, the word “neurodivergent” is a way to describe people using words other than “normal” and “abnormal.” There is no “normal” way of describing people and how their brains work, as every person thinks differently.
Some of the most common forms of neurodivergence that you may encounter in the classroom are Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism, or ASD) and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Understanding the differences between students within the classroom can be a learning experience for you and your pupils. It is essential to teach with the utmost empathy and inclusivity for everyone, including accommodations for neurodivergent students.
Providing Thoughtful Solutions
To help support neurodivergent students, it is essential to provide thoughtful solutions to address their needs. Giving students the space or time they need when learning can allow a neurodivergent student to thrive. Here are some common factors to consider to have a neurodivergent-friendly classroom:
Some neurodivergent students may have sensory sensitivities, such as sensitivity to sound, light, or touch. To make your classroom sensory-friendly, you can:
- Use softer lighting or natural lighting instead of harsh fluorescent overhead lighting
- Provide a quiet space for students within the classroom or in another room
- Providing fidget toys or other sensory tools
- Clearly labeling areas of the classroom, materials, etc.
Edutopia, a blog discussing student education for educators, suggests that another way to support neurodivergent students is to break down large tasks into smaller steps. Some students may find tasks overwhelming, especially because time management, organization, and focus can be something they struggle with. Some ways to help students struggling with these obstacles include:
- Utilizing checklists
- Using rubrics
- Using a calendar to organize specific times to complete the steps of a project or paper
Additional Support for Neurodivergent Students
When supporting neurodivergent students, parents and educators must work together to meet their needs. Having a conversation with parents about their child can help educators identify what methods of teaching would work best for them and allow them to thrive in the classroom. This can mean using an individualized education program (IEP), which helps measure the student’s growth and lists the accommodations they need.
Child Mind Institute, an organization providing resources to families and educators alike about children’s mental health, suggests that a way for parents to help support their neurodivergent student at school is to create an “About Me” letter of introduction. This letter can include things about the student, such as:
- What is their child good at, academically or otherwise?
- How does their child show stress, and what is the best way to approach them?
- What things are more difficult for their child?
Take Care
Supporting neurodivergent students in school can help them thrive in the classroom. Using, with compassion and empathy is essential to facilitate a supportive environment for all students. Understanding students’ specific needs and providing thoughtful solutions can help make a positive impact on their time at school and reduce obstacles they may face while learning. By keeping these differences in mind, parents and educators can help neurodivergent students learn at their own pace and to the best of their ability.
If you’re interested in learning how to further support someone who is neurodivergent, read more at Ferry Godmother Productions.