Advice and resources Neurodiversity in schools

  • Child development

About the series

The following videos were developed in partnership with Brighter Futures for Children (Reading Borough Council).

They are designed to provide advice for teachers, teaching assistants, and others who provide support in classrooms for children who have a neurodevelopmental condition, such as autism, ADHD, or problems with speech and language. This advice may also be useful for children who have a learning disability.

Inclusive classrooms

Ideas on how to make small changes in the classroom to reduce sensory inputs and help children remain regulated and engaged in learning.

Alerting and calming activities in a classroom

Using strategies to help children feel calm, alert and ready learn.

Movement breaks

Using movement breaks between activities to help children reset and stay focused.

Heavy work (proprioceptive activities)

Activities using ‘heavy work’ and deep pressure to support children’s regulation and help them stay calm and focused.

Balance and coordination

Using activities during short breaks or PE to help children develop balance and coordination skills for everyday classroom tasks.

Supporting spontaneous communication

Ideas on how to create opportunities for communication, using resources that are interesting and meaningful to the child.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Using communication boards

Using simple communication boards in different scenarios to support children to make requests, respond to questions and share ideas.

How to use 'now and next' boards

Using a ‘now and next’ board to introduce a child to the current task and what is happening next.

How to use a visual timetable

Using a visual timetable in classroom to show children what is happening throughout the day to support their understanding of daily routines and expectations.

Individualised task plan to break down a classroom-based activity

Using a visual representation of an activity to break it down into small, manageable steps.

Supporting listening and attention

Strategies to support listening and attention in a classroom.

Supporting understanding with younger children

Using classroom based strategies to support younger children’s understanding.

Supporting understanding with older children

Using classroom based strategies to support older children’s understanding.