With the number of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities on the rise, educators and parents can bring awareness and debunk misconceptions about childhood neurodiversity.
Diagnoses of learning and developmental disabilities, specifically attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, are on the rise. Today, a staggering nearly one in 6 children have a developmental disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
A key factor driving diagnoses is the increased public awareness surrounding the spectrum of symptoms of these neurotypes.
Common misconceptions and a lack of awareness about neurodiversity can significantly hinder neurodiverse children in the classroom. This can create unwanted barriers to their learning, success and overall well-being. Employing trained professionals to help create the environments these children need is vital.
As schools face a nationwide shortage of qualified professionals, it has become more difficult to meet the demands and needs of these neurodiverse students. This has left countless students abandoned from the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
Embracing neurodiversity in the classroom can foster a culture of empathy, respect and acceptance. When schools prioritize supporting and acknowledging neurodiversity, they create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Here are five best practices for educators to address neurodiversity in the classroom and ensure that all students can become successful learners.
5 ways to support neurodiverse students in the classroom
Implement Universal Design for Learning
Each student has a unique way of processing information, and research shows that multi-sensory learning helps improve memory retention and overall understanding of the subject matter.
In utilizing a UDL framework — which offers visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic learning methods — educators can help remove potential hurdles in the learning process and cater to the diverse needs of all students, including those with neurodevelopmental disorders.
One example that can be easily implemented in the classroom is providing flexible workspaces for groups or individualized instruction.
Focus on individualized support
Paying attention and learning about students’ strengths and barriers can benefit both students and teachers in the classroom. Knowing these aspects of a student can help teachers develop a personalized learning plan and strategy that addresses their unique needs, benefiting their education and success. This may include offering additional time for assignments, providing visual aids or using assistive technology.
Foster social-emotional learning
By ensuring students frequently engage in group activities and cooperative learning, educators can encourage positive peer interactions and provide opportunities for students to build friendships and develop their social skills.
Creating time for social-emotional learning also introduces mindfulness and empathy, which are core components of SEL. As many neurodivergent students may have difficulty managing their emotions and feelings, providing SEL teachings can improve the quality of their learning and interactions in the classroom.
Create a multisensory classroom design
To accommodate different learning preferences and sensory needs, classrooms can incorporate designated quiet spaces, natural or soft lighting, calming colors and sensory objects. This can also include differentiating types of instruction such as videos with captions or hands-on learning exercises that support neurodiverse students’ strengths.
In addition, using visual aids, such as daily schedules and timers, can be particularly helpful for students with autism or ADHD who might struggle with timekeeping and prolonged focus.
Include books on neurodiversity in classroom libraries and reading lists
By actively pursuing and incorporating inclusive books, such as books with neurodiverse characters or those with disabilities, teachers expose students to varied perspectives, experiences and challenges that may differ from their own. This helps to break down stereotypes and promote a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where students who identify with these characters feel seen.
By embracing neurodiversity in the classroom, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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