The Present Child and Nuerodivergence
Take a moment to think back to when you were a student. Did anyone ever tell you that you weren’t trying hard enough, that you were just lazy, or that your behavior was a result of needing to move more?
For me, the topic of neurodivergence in the classroom is deeply personal. Throughout my school years, I struggled—whether it was focusing in class or completing homework, it was always a source of stress and anxiety. My interactions with teachers, administrators, and peers led me to believe that I wasn’t smart enough, wasn’t trying hard enough, or was just lazy. It wasn’t until two years ago that I began working with someone who recognized I was neurodivergent, struggling with executive dysfunction. This understanding transformed my life, allowing me to develop confidence and acquire skills that help me function in ways that align with how my brain works. I only wish a teacher had recognized this earlier.
School comes with a lot of expectations regarding behavior and performance, but these expectations aren’t universally effective. Our education system is designed to cater primarily to neurotypical individuals—those who develop and process information in ways that align with established norms. But not everyone follows these same developmental timelines, and many think and learn differently. As educators, we often don’t provide the necessary support for these differences.
As educators must ask ourselves: Are our classrooms truly meeting the needs of all our students? Often, the answer is no, because our education system has trained us to support a specific type of brain. While we aren’t qualified to diagnose neurodivergence, we can and should create classroom environments that are supportive for all students. If you notice a child exhibiting neurodivergent behaviors, it’s important to document those observations and consult with your supervisor for further assessment.
To better serve all of our students, we’ve put together a list of simple, inclusive changes that teachers and schools can implement. These strategies support both neurotypical and neurodivergent learners by recognizing that everyone learns differently. Creating a space that embraces these differences is the first step toward building an inclusive learning environment.
Allow room for movement:
As adults, we often feel the need to control situations by enforcing rules, such as sitting quietly at desks or on the rug with hands in laps. While structure can be helpful, rigid expectations can hinder a child’s development. Sometimes, flexibility and responsiveness to children’s needs are more important.
Provide fidgets during circle time:
Expecting young children to sit still and quiet is a challenge for most, especially those who are neurodivergent. Supporting these children with tools like fidget toys, weighted blankets, or wiggle seats helps them feel more comfortable and included. These small accommodations show students that you’re invested in their success and want them to be part of the group.
Incorporate mindfulness:
I often talk about mindfulness because it’s such a powerful tool (see our other blog post “A Child’s Place in Mindfulness" for more on this!). Mindfulness can help children with impulse control, emotional regulation, and behavior management. By making mindfulness a routine part of the classroom experience, students can learn how to regulate themselves over time.
Foster open conversations:
As humans, we sometimes shy away from discussing our differences. But talking openly about how everyone learns differently can break down barriers. Normalizing these differences fosters acceptance and helps remove stigmas in the classroom.
Support children’s autonomy:
Adults often think they know best, but each person—child or adult—knows their own needs better than anyone else. While children may not always be able to express those needs verbally, they often communicate them through actions and behaviors. It’s important to listen and adapt when something isn’t working. Flexibility is key to creating a space where children can thrive.
Creating an inclusive learning environment is vital. There are so many children who would benefit from having supportive adults who recognize and accommodate their learning differences. By fostering these skills early on, we equip children with tools they’ll carry with them throughout their lives.
—-Tamara Joseph.
