Latest / Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor / What challenges do neurodivergent people face in education?

Transcript

What challenges do neurodivergent people face in education? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Many neurodivergent people face challenges in education, and these experiences are common.
• 0:07
  SPEAKER_00: Schools, colleges, and universities are often built around one way of learning, communicating and behaviouring.
• 0:13
  SPEAKER_00: When someone thinks, processes or experiences the world differently, a gap can open up between what they need and what that setting offers.
• 0:21
  SPEAKER_00: Uncommon challenges include sensory differences such as noisy classrooms, bright lights, and crowded corridors.
• 0:28
  SPEAKER_00: Uncertainty can be difficult too, such as unexpected changes to routine or the move between schools, colleges, and university.
• 0:35
  SPEAKER_00: Social situations can feel hard and some people feel misunderstood or left out by peers and staff.
• 0:41
  SPEAKER_00: Limited understanding of neurodiversity can lead to behaviour being misread as laziness or defiance, and meltdowns or shutdowns can end up being penalised or punished.
• 0:50
  SPEAKER_00: Over time, this can build into anxiety and school distress, and for some difficulty attending a toll.
• 0:57
  SPEAKER_00: Now, a helpful way to see this is to think of a left-handed person handed a pair of right-handed scissors.
• 1:02
  SPEAKER_00: They will struggle, and the struggle comes from the tool.
• 1:05
  SPEAKER_00: As many neurodivergent people spend years assuming the difficulty came from them.
• 1:10
  SPEAKER_00: So try to separate the challenge from your ability.
• 1:13
  SPEAKER_00: Ask yourself which parts of learning feel hardest and what about the environment, the instructions, or the timing is making themselves.
• 1:21
  SPEAKER_00: Then look at what already works.
• 1:23
  SPEAKER_00: Think of a lesson, subject, or day that went better than usual.
• 1:27
  SPEAKER_00: What was different, who was there, how was information given, and what helped you settle, as these details show you what you need so that you can ask more of it.
• 1:36
  SPEAKER_00: And practical ways to support yourself with this may be to write down the specific things that make learning harder, such as noise, unclear instructions, last-minute changes, or time tasks.
• 1:47
  SPEAKER_00: Then speak to a trusted teacher, the special educational needs coordinator, or the student support team about adjustments.
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_00: Examples can include a quieter space, having written instructions, advanced notice of changes or extra time.
• 2:02
  SPEAKER_00: You can also keep a note of what helps so you can build on it.
• 2:05
  SPEAKER_00: You can also plan breaks into your day and prepare for transitions by asking for information in advance or visiting a new setting beforehand.
• 2:14
  SPEAKER_00: Also telling someone you trust how things are going, and if you are a parent or carer, joining in in these conversations alongside your child.
• 2:22
  SPEAKER_00: Now, if you need to seek extra help, you can speak to your GP if anxiety, low mood, or avoiding school or college are building.
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_00: Therapy can help with the stress that comes from years of being misunderstood.
• 2:33
  SPEAKER_00: And if you are a parent or carer in England, your local special educational needs and disabilities information, advice and support services offer free impartial guidance.
• 2:43
  SPEAKER_00: At college or university, the disability or wellbeing service is a good starting point.
• 2:48
  SPEAKER_00: There are also neurodivergent charities and peer communities that can also help you feel less alone.
• 2:53
  SPEAKER_00: And you can go back to the app's resources on neurodiversity, educational challenges and transitions for further support around this topic.
• 3:00
  SPEAKER_00: And if you are thinking about harming yourself and feeling safe, then please seek urgent help by contacting your local emergency number or a crisis help by.