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Jun 10, 2024
Neurodiverse learners, such as people with autism and ADHD, sometimes struggle with traditional learning environments due to their individual learning styles and social/cognitive differences.
For many, traditional school settings are physical spaces with overwhelming sensory stimuli, such as excessive noise, problematic lighting, or uncomfortable temperature, which can be quite stressful and reduce focus for a neurodivergent student.
Recent studies have shown that granting neurodivergent students control over their learning environment is essential for their academic growth.
A remote learning environment can provide solutions for learning barriers that can otherwise keep students who are neurodivergent from enjoying the learning process and meeting their full potential. Remote learning fosters an environment that can offer a positive learning experience, providing a learning space that is accessible, familiar, customizable and consistent.
Project-based remote learning is an excellent way for neurodiverse individuals to engage and communicate effectively, enhancing their problem-solving skills and helping them learn to work as a team. Online group chats, video conferences, and course message boards help students build social skills without the anxiety of face-to-face interaction. This provides positive social interactions for the student and allows appropriate communication with their teacher and peers.
Online learning also provides the opportunity for parents to engage in their child’s education experience. They can keep track of their progress and collaborate with educators to ensure students have the best possible support, leading to a greater sense of security and confidence for both the parent and student.
The advantages of online learning greatly outweigh the disadvantages, but it’s important to remember that a “one-size-fits-all” approach isn’t beneficial for students who require specific learning needs to support their strengths. Not all online platforms offer the resources required to support neurodiverse individuals. Online educators need to employ strategies such as, flexible learning times, a variety of learning resources such as videos, discussion boards and offline projects to provide individualized learning experiences to those students who find it difficult to concentrate in a typical school – based learning environment. You should explore schools who provide a set up that is inclusive to all students.
What an online school should provide to support neurodiverse learners.
Clear expectations for assignments so learners can plan and complete their work.
Flexible deadlines and grading policies to give learners more control over their own learning.
Encourage open dialogue between students and instructors – this allows for more personalized approaches to learning.
Additional resources such as audio recordings, video tutorials, and discussion boards.
A safe space for students to ask questions, share ideas, and gain support from other learners in the course.
Visual aids to explain concepts as often as possible.
Use elements of gamification to make completing course milestones more rewarding and engaging.
Components of tasks can be broken down into smaller, more manageable chunks.
When possible, provide multiple options for learners to demonstrate their mastery of the material (e.g., written papers, presentations, videos).
Provide additional resources for students who require extra academic support, such as tutoring or specialized software programs.
Summary
Overall, a remote learning environment eliminates many of the barriers neurodiverse students face in a traditional school environment, enabling them to thrive academically. Research shows that granting neurodivergent students control over their learning environment is vital to their overall learning experience and self-confidence. However, it is important to note that there are also potential downsides to learning exclusively online. Remote learning often requires significant support from families and students needs to employ a level of self-sufficiency and be able to manage their own learning schedules. Remote learning can also limit social interactions. While video conferencing accommodates for remote communication, it still challenges establishing genuine emotional connections. Students can feel lonely or long for their friends when they are not physically present in the classroom.
If you feel that your child would benefit from an online learning environment but worried how it could impact their social skills, explore different options. If you’re unsure about committing fully online, speak to a course administrator or guidance councillor for advice about how your child’s needs will be met. You can start by enrolling them up for one or two courses and take it from there. Alternately with online learning being flexible and accessible at any time, students can complete online courses alongside their regular school hours. Online schools often provide a summer program, which can also be beneficial if you want to see how your child engages with an online program.
For more information, resources for this article are listed below.
https://cielo24.com/2023/06/embracing-neurodiverse-learners-remote-learning/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/elearning-high-impact-learning-experience-learners-anita-murphy-