Between 2020 and 2022, students everywhere had to adjust to a major health crisis. While many of these students made a successful transition, those with autism and dyslexia missed out on the hands-on teaching they required. For autism schools Calgary, Alberta stood out as a model for others to follow. As educators, we often encounter unique challenges when teaching neurodiverse students, such as those with Autism, Dyslexia, and ADHD. These students may not follow the conventional path of learning but are equally capable of excelling in their own unique ways. When students with learning disabilities are denied hands-on support, outcomes tend to be worse than students who are less neurodivergent.
Understanding Neurodiversity
As per the report published in the British Medical Bulletin in 2020, between 15 and 20 per cent of the global population is neurodiverse. The term ‘neurodiversity’ refers to the variation in human brain functions and behaviours. Neurodiversity includes conditions such as Autism, Dyslexia, and ADHD. These individuals may process information differently, but this doesn’t make them less intelligent or capable. It is important to remember that as educators, our role is to adapt our teaching methods to accommodate the diverse learning needs of our students.
Identifying the Challenges
Teaching neurodiverse students can be challenging due to their unique learning needs. For instance, students with ADHD may have difficulty focusing and may be easily distracted. They might need regular breaks during the class to help them relax and cope with the demands of the school day.
Autistic students, on the other hand, may face challenges with communication, transitioning from one activity to another, and may have unique reactions to sensations. Dyslexic students often struggle with reading accurately, understanding sentences, and may face difficulties maintaining focus.
The first step towards creating an inclusive learning environment is to understand these challenges and adapt our teaching methods accordingly. It is also essential to focus on the strengths of the student rather than the weaknesses. As the famous quote often attributed to Albert Einstein goes: ‘Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.’
Planning Sensory Breaks for Students with ADHD
Regular movement and sensory breaks can help students with ADHD relax and cope with the demands of a school day. Teachers should also understand the child’s difficulties with executive functioning — the ability to plan, set goals and feel motivated — to avoid becoming impatient or expecting more than a student is capable of.
Establishing a Routine for Autistic Students
Establishing a routine and creating a visual timetable can make an autistic child feel secure and limit anxiety about transitions. Teachers should also consider the learning environment and remove or reduce any stimuli that cause discomfort to the student. Communication should be clear and simple, avoiding metaphors and rhetorical questions.
Incorporating Multisensory Teaching Methods for Dyslexic Students
Multisensory teaching methods can be beneficial for dyslexic students. These methods involve using creative visuals, songs, dance, and tactile techniques such as forming letters and words using sand or textured fabrics. Using technology such as spellcheckers, text-to-speech software, and audiobooks can also help dyslexic students develop their reading skills.
The Rising Trend of Brain Training
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in ‘brain training’ (as reported by NBC News) programs that claim to rewire the brain to enhance memory, sharpen thinking, or decrease challenges associated with various disorders. These programs use targeted games and exercises and have become a part of a fast-growing $2 billion global brain technology market.
While these programs may offer some benefits, it is crucial to approach them with caution as many make claims that go beyond what they can scientifically prove. These personalized programs can be expensive and families should be aware of the potential costs involved.
The Role of Technology in Supporting Neurodiverse Students
Technology can play a crucial role in supporting neurodiverse students. Startups have developed various tools and resources to help these students navigate complex social environments at home and school. For instance, a video game called ‘Social Cipher’ (reported in August, 2023 by Business Insider among others) helps neurodiverse kids aged 10 to 15 with topics like making friends at school, dealing with emotions, and setting boundaries.
Another startup, ‘Floreo’, uses virtual reality to help neurodiverse children learn behavioral and academic skills. Such technologies can offer scalable solutions for schools struggling with the demands of supporting neurodiverse students.
Adapting Instructional Materials
Instructional materials play a crucial part in the learning process. However, most of these materials do not account for the diverse learning needs of students. Adapting these materials can enhance the learning of neurodiverse students. Some of the adaptations include simplifying written directions, presenting a small amount of work, blocking out extraneous stimuli, highlighting essential information, providing additional practice activities, developing reading guides, and providing a glossary in content areas.
The Role of Robots in Teaching Neurodiverse Students
Robots (as reported by New York Magazine) have been found to be effective in teaching neurodiverse students. For instance, a robot named Jibo was used in a study to model social-gaze behavior and provide feedback and guidance during interactive games played on screens. The results showed that students responded positively to learning from robots, possibly due to their nonjudgmental nature.
The Cost of Specialized Learning Programs
While there are various support and strategies available for neurodiverse students, parents should be aware of the potential costs involved. Medical insurance may not always cover the cost of necessary therapists and many schools may require parents to pay for one-to-one learning assistants for their child.