5 Features of Remote Learning That Benefit Neurodivergent Students

September 29, 2025 byCorissa Hennessey

5 min to read

Young studentin a white shirt reading her table along with the help of her Learning Partner at Connections Academy

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: