5 Features of Remote Learning That Benefit Neurodivergent Students
byCorissa Hennessey
5 min to read
Some students fit just fine into a traditional brick-and-mortar school environment; however, other students, especially those who are neurodivergent, may require an alternative learning arrangement that can allow them to grow and truly thrive.
Understanding Neurodivergent Learning Needs
What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent?
“Neurodivergent” is an umbrella term used to describe the strengths and challenges in how a person’s brain may work. There are various reasons a person would be considered neurodivergent including medical conditions and learning differences, such as a number of conditions including, but not limited to, the following:
Autism spectrum disorder
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Dyslexia
Tourette syndrome
Down syndrome
Students who are neurodivergent have neurological differences in how their brains function. In other words, their brains work differently from people who are considered “neurotypical” and have standard neurological functioning.
Common Challenges in Traditional Schools
In a traditional school setting, neurodivergent students may encounter obstacles to learning, such as
Bullying
A learning pace that’s too fast
Overstimulation caused by loud noises or bright lights
Online school options for neurodivergent students can help remove the obstacles that make it hard for them to learn and do their best.
5 Key Features of Remote Learning That Support Neurodivergent Students
1. Consistent, Predictable Learning Environment
Familiar routines can help neurodivergent students feel more secure and confident in their learning environment because they know what to expect and are less likely to get distracted or overwhelmed during the day by unexpected changes.
Virtual learning for neurodivergent children provides a sense of familiarity for students because online public schools like Connections Academy® allow families to create and maintain a consistent and predictable learning experience in their own homes by controlling the frequency of breaks and the level of interaction with others all while their student receives engaging and personalized lessons to match their educational needs.
2. Flexible Scheduling and Pacing
In brick-and-mortar schools, students are expected to follow fixed schedules that might not suit a neurodivergent student’s preferred learning pace. Since neurodivergent students often have different needs than neurotypical peers, one of the remote learning benefits of neurodivergent students is the built-in flexibility online learning allows.
Because many online students can start, stop, or pause the school day whenever they like, having flexible learning hours allows more opportunity for families to schedule appointments, tutoring, rest, extracurricular activities and additional coaching.
3. Customized Learning Experiences
Online school for neurodivergent students can also allow teachers and Learning Coaches to tailor each student’s learning experience to support their strengths and expand upon their student’s learning by including their student’s particular interests to help make learning more fun and accessible.
4. Reduced Sensory Overload
Neurodivergent students can get overwhelmed by sights, sounds, or other sensory input, which can cause stress, anxiety, and trouble focusing.
Virtual learning for neurodivergent children can allow these students to learn in a sensory-friendly environment in which overstimulation is minimized or even eliminated. Families with neurodivergent students learning at home can:
Use fidget toys to help students concentrate
Remove distractions that interfere with focus such as electronics or other children in the home
Fill the room with natural light to help boost mood
Incorporate movement as a way to revitalize
Employ visual elements like pictures or charts to help convey information in different ways
5. Enhanced Parent Involvement
Parental involvement can affect their child's academic and interpersonal well-being and play a key role in the success of neurodivergent students by actively taking part in their child's education.
At Connections Academy-supported schools, parents, or another trusted adult, are often their child’s Learning Coach and can have ongoing communication with teachers and staff, report learning issues that need to be addressed and play a key role in helping solve them.
Is Remote Learning Right for Your Neurodivergent Child?
Whether neurodivergent or neurotypical, your child deserves every opportunity to succeed—in the classroom and in their future. But deciding what learning environment could be best for your child isn’t always easy. Discovering the benefits of online school for neurodivergent students often lies in the answer to some common questions to ask yourself and your student:
Does your child have need frequent break or extra support to stay on task?
Does your child need additional support when interacting with peers?
Does your child have unique learning needs that require personalized learning?
Is your child easily distracted by loud noises, especially in a crowded classroom?
Does your child have difficulty navigating the hallways of a traditional school?
Does your child need personalized support to learn and keep up with the curriculum?
If you’re looking for an experienced, high quality online school your child, download our free eGuide to explore your options.
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