Seven Tips for a Neurodivergent-friendly Learning Environment

1. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment

• Reduce Overstimulation: Use soft lighting, minimize background noise by setting expectations as a group at the start with a group charter, and ask students to bring their noise-reducing headphones if possible.
• Sensory Breaks: Allow students to take short breaks to manage sensory overload.

2. Use Visual Supports

• Visual Schedules: Display daily schedules and instructions visually to help students understand what to expect. Maybe you could print off the agenda for people to help them with concentration.
• Visual Aids: Use charts, diagrams, and color-coded materials to support learning.

3. Offer Movement Breaks

• Movement Breaks: Incorporate short, structured movement breaks to help students release energy and refocus.

4. Embrace Different Learning Methods and Styles

• Multisensory Teaching: Use a combination of visual, auditory, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning preferences.
• Chunking Information: Break down complex information into smaller, manageable chunks.

5. Foster Strengths and Interests

• Personalized Learning: Tailor assignments to align with students’ interests and strengths to keep them engaged.
• Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and celebrate achievements to build confidence and motivation.

6. Structured and Predictable Environment

• Consistent Routines: Maintain a predictable classroom routine to help students feel secure.
• Clear Instructions: Give clear, concise instructions and check for understanding regularly – perhaps you may do this by using a Student Tutor – maybe ask a student each time to be the Tutor and help with managing the noise and discipline. You could offer small token of appreciation at the end.

7. Collaborative Learning

• Group Work: Use small group activities to encourage peer support and social interaction.
• Peer Mentoring: Pair neurodiverse students with supportive peers for collaborative tasks. Maybe you could formalise a buddy scheme or a small group and invite them to create their own “charters” or “mission”.

These tips are mainly found here:

References

• MyTutor Blog. (n.d.). Practical tips for tutors on how to support neurodiverse students. Available at: https://www.mytutor.co.uk/blog/tutors/tutor-resources-tutors/how-to-support-and-tutor-neurodiverse-students/
• University of Warwick. (n.d.). Toolkit for personal tutoring for neurodiverse students. Available at: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/academy/activities/learningcircles/neurodiversity/toolkit/neurodiversitytoolkitpersonaltutoring/
• Edumentors. (n.d.). Understanding individual strengths and weaknesses, employing diverse teaching strategies, and fostering a growth mindset. Available at: https://edumentors.co.uk/blog/how-to-tutor-neurodiverse-students/

David Ross, Lecturer in Inclusive Education