Supporting Neurodiversity in the Classroom

Whether you’re neurodivergent or neurotypical, your brain functions differently to the next person’s. The ‘diversity’ aspect of neurodiversity highlights that we’re not all the same and we process information in very different ways. Human diversity is what makes us interesting after all!

In the classroom, you’ll have children with a wide range of needs. It’s important to create a learning space that caters for those diverse needs - an inclusive and adaptable classroom environment that supports neurotypical and neurodivergent students alike.

A ‘one size fits all’ approach doesn’t suit students with such a variety of needs. However, you can create more inclusive learning environments with careful consideration and planning. Here, we’ll share learnings on how to support neurological differences and sensitivities in the classroom.

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a scientific diagnosis. It explains the natural variations in how human brains work and process information differently. Neurodiversity spans a wide spectrum of conditions including autism spectrum disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia, dyslexia, developmental language disorder, Down syndrome and Tourette’s syndrome.

It’s estimated that neurodivergent people make up around 15% of the UK population. That’s a really significant proportion. And as more neurodivergent children receive an official diagnosis, it’s important to understand and support their learning needs.

Common challenges faced by neurodivergent people, particularly those with autism or ADHD, include:

• Sensory experiences: bright lights and loud noises can feel overwhelming.

• Social situations: group work and whole class discussions can be difficult.

• Executive function differences: aspects like planning, organisation, prioritisation and focusing attention can be challenging.

How do you make a classroom neurodivergent-friendly?

The concept of neurodiversity is driving change in learning environments. That’s changes in teaching strategy from differentiation to adaptive. And it’s an evolution of the physical space to make more inclusive classrooms. The crux of inclusive classrooms is that they meet the needs of all children - neurodivergent and neurotypical. Done well, that will have a positive impact on everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.

That’s what we’ll explore here.

Provide movement breaks

As humans, we’re not designed to sit still for hours on end. Yet that’s what we expect of young people in schools. But if you’re a neurodivergent pupil, particularly one with ADHD, sitting stationary doesn’t come naturally. You feel the need to fidget and move.

That’s to be encouraged. Studies have shown that physical activity improves cognitive development. Movement breaks allow pupils to release excess energy and refocus their attention. Using fidget toys can help with this too.

Our solution:

The Ricochet wobble stool has been created to encourage fidgeting and movement. Instead of sitting rigidly, you can be active whilst seated on it. In addition, it’s durable and appropriate for all ages as well as being easy to reposition around the classroom environment.

Make considered colour choices

Being confronted by a plethora of bold patterns and bright colours can be overstimulating for neurodivergent children. Even white and yellow can be too bright and tiring on the eyes for autistic students for example.

Consider the colour palette used across the whole school. Muted tones will create a more tranquil and serene environment. Instead of stimulating or even overloading the senses, you’ll help to calm and comfort students.

Our solution:

The Ricochet, Postura+, Hatton products have been mindfully crafted to provide visual stimulation without overwhelming the senses. Their thoughtful colour palette of muted hues is tailored for neurodiverse learners, fostering concentration, enhancing creativity and creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Minimise the clutter

Keep the learning environment ordered and organised. This will help to minimise distractions which will really help neurodiverse learners in particular.

An inclusive classroom may also need to include assistive technology for example. That will need to be stored away securely at the end of the day or that learning activity.

Our solution:

Be clever with your storage solutions. Make sure everything has a place, and that it’s clearly labelled and easily identifiable. Encourage students to tidy up after themselves. That encourages independence amongst students and empowers those with learning disabilities.

Ensure your space is sensory friendly

Just as there are multiple senses, there are multiple ways that neurodivergent students can feel sensory overload. We’ve already mentioned colour and clutter. But think about light, sound and texture too.

Our solution:

Encourage natural lighting in your classroom. That means carefully positioning furniture so as not to block light sources. Incorporate soft furnishings to tone down sounds. Provide noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to reduce loud sounds too.

Embrace different learning styles

Our neurological differences mean that we all prefer different learning styles. Some are visual learners who benefit from diagrams, videos and visual aids. Others lean towards aural processing and love hearing stories or having discussions. Kinaesthetic learners like crafts and hands-on activities, whilst digital learners engage best with interactive technology.

Our solution:

That’s why it’s important to have flexibility in your classroom layout. Being able to move furniture to cater for different learning activities creates a more dynamic environment.

Create relaxation zones

When neurodivergent students feel overwhelmed, it’s good to have a designated breakout area. Ideally, it’s somewhere quiet they can retreat to and feel comforted, perhaps with their noise-cancelling headphones.

Versatile learning spaces

Adaptability and flexibility is key when creating inclusive classroom environments that cater to individual and group needs. As we’ve said before, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution. But having furniture that can be moved into a different configuration or seats that can be stacked away, empowers teachers to adapt the space according to needs.

Similarly, having seats on castors means that pupils can spin around to collaborate in groups. Or they can adjust the settings to suit their preferences.

Our solution:

With a diverse group of young people, it helps to offer a range of seating options - standing desks, wobble cushions and mats to use as and when needed. The aim is for pupils to learn in the most effective way possible.

We’re committed to innovation and inclusion. Consequently, our products are designed to transform traditional classrooms into dynamic, future-forward spaces. We’ve built in adaptability to our products including Ricochet stools, Ruckus chairs, Intellect Wave rocker, Meet4 on castors, Scrum flip-top tables and walls.

Encourage unique strengths

A great way to engage a student - regardless of their neurological difference - is to play to their unique strengths. Talk to them about a subject they’re passionate about and you’ll bring out an enthusiastic response. That helps students to feel valued and included.

You may have an autistic child that’s a great statistician and able to quote historical dates or football data. Dyslexic students often excel in activities that require them to problem-solve. And many neurodivergent children are wonderfully creative, expressing themselves beautifully in art, music, dance or literature, for example.

Designing learning experiences around interests, encourages neuro-inclusivity. An adaptable, versatile classroom environment promotes neuro-inclusivity. Careful consideration of the classroom layout, sensory environment and furniture used promotes neuro-inclusivity.

Read more about embracing neurodiversity in the classroom environment

Future forward classrooms

We’re a forward-thinking team that’s passionate about creating inclusive spaces. It’s crucial that we embrace neurodiversity and cater for the wide range of student needs. That foresight, passion and care inform our craftsmanship and innovation.

Explore our product range specifically designed for those with special educational needs - Ricochet, Ruckus, Intellect Wave, KI-nk Tables, Meet4 Tables & Scrum Tables.