Learning differently

In the modern day, awareness of neurodiversity has been growing. Recognition for these individuals has allowed a more inclusive society, but classrooms are still teaching in an environment that is not inclusive. Neurodivergent students, especially young children, learn and process differently from people who are “normal.”

Classrooms lack and some even prohibit accommodations such as handheld fidget toys or sound-reduction headphones. Not having these sources available for these students, prevents them from feeling comfortable in their learning environment and from reaching their full academic potential.

Art classes, for example, that involve things like hands-on learning or bright colors are frequently seen to be courses where neurodivergent students thrive because of students being allowed to discover what works for them with the help of tools. On the contrary, classes such as math, that are commonly known as boring and difficult, see these students struggling because the lesson doesn’t allow their brain to process the way it’s wired to be. This then makes the hard struggling school and personal life many neurodivergent people experience.

In classrooms that do have sources such as fidgets or colorful work tools, these students are helped to feel comfortable and seen in their environment, which gives them more motivation to learn and participate. School teachers and staff should normalize and embrace how neurodivergent people think differently and should feel responsible for making sure all students have access to accommodations to make sure all students feel included and accepted in the classroom.

Aljoan C. Albia, Norfolk