Creating Neurodiversity Affirming Environments in Your Schools
Many individuals who have characteristics of autism, learning disabilities or other mental health conditions are embracing a new way of identifying themselves. Instead of viewing these conditions from the lens of a medical model, as a “disability” or “disorder”, they support the concept of “neurodiversity” which refers to the natural variation in brain function and cognitive styles among individuals. And instead of viewing neurodiversity as something that needs to be treated or cured, they emphasise the importance of creating environments that accommodate and even celebrate these differences in brain functioning.
Becoming Neurodiversity Affirming
- How can your school become more neurodiversity affirming? One of the most powerful things you can do is learn more about neurodiversity and how it impacts the students with whom you work, including even the language we use to refer to neurodiverse individuals.
- Schools are filled with social, emotional, physical, and sensory challenges for neurodiverse students which can cause cognitive overload and interfere with learning. This is referred to as the Hidden Curriculum, the unwritten, informal lessons, beliefs, and expectations that students learn in school through social interactions and classroom culture, rather than through explicit instruction.
- Understanding the specific needs of neurodiverse students in a particular classroom or school, educators can conduct a sensory audit.
Inclusive Practices
Using inclusive teaching practices such as Universal Design for Learning can help. Examples include providing sensory-friendly spaces with dim lighting and noise-canceling headphones, allowing different forms of participation and communication like visual schedules or assistive technology, fostering autonomy by respecting communication preferences and offering choices, removing excessive or distracting stimuli and creating opportunities for all students to excel.
Find ways to celebrate all of the unique characteristics all of your students bring to your community. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is March 17-13, 2026. Go to the Official Neurodiversity Celebration Week for a school toolkit and resources, and as we get closer to this week Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions (DECS) will be providing turn-key communication support alongside ideas for celebration.
Resources:
The Hidden Curriculum, 25th Anniversary Edition: Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations