What Is Neurodiversity? How Can Brain Training Help?

When your child is diagnosed with a learning difference, it can open up a whole new world for everyone involved. Their diagnosis may shed light on previous challenges, and it may help you understand your own difficulties with a new perspective. Whatever the case, embracing neurodiversity can help to understand what’s next for you and your child.

What is neurodiversity, anyway? Simply put, it’s a term that acknowledges that there’s no one “right” way for a mind to work. Recognizing the fact that everyone’s mind works differently means we can help each person discover which learning methods work well for them, and which types of support they need.   

Neurodiversity is a term typically used in connection to certain cognitive differences, including the following:

• Autism spectrum
• ADHD
• Dyslexia
• Dyscalculia
• Dyspraxia

While these learning differences can come with deficits, they also come with positive attributes as well. Understanding and affirming these qualities can help neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults to gain confidence in their abilities. It also means they can better access the support they need without stigma or judgment.

Let’s take a look at how that can be applied to learning!   

Supporting Neurodiversity Through Learning

Embracing Neurodiversity with At-Home Learning

When parents, educators, and others acknowledge that everyone learns a little differently, it allows us to better support every learner on their terms! For parents in particular, here are just a few ways you can create an at-home learning environment that affirms neurodiversity:

1. Create rituals.
   For those with ASD and ADHD, having dedicated rituals and processes can help to encourage learning. For example, set aside a specific time each evening when schoolwork should occur. It helps to tie this ritual to other tasks: for example, an hour of homework after dinner.
   
2. Reducing distractions.
   Distractions can be tough on any learner trying to study, but they can be especially difficult for students with learning differences. Try to find a quiet, distraction-free area of the home where your child can complete their studies. It helps if this is a dedicated area that’s only used for their schoolwork.
   
3. Embracing positivity.
   While positivity may sound like a buzzword, creating a positive learning environment has real, practical implications for kids. It builds confidence and helps them advocate for themselves. When praising learners, try not to focus on innate skills, but rather for the efforts that they’ve put into their work!

As always, it helps to understand your learner and their preferences when considering any advice. It may be a trial-and-error process to find what works and what doesn’t. Remember: not everyone is the same when it comes to learning—and that’s okay!

Our Approach with Brain Training

When it comes to neurodiversity, the right support can go a long way. That’s why LearningRx is dedicated to helping every learner discover their unique potential. Here’s how brain training works for our clients:   

• Customized learning outcomes.
  First and foremost, we understand that no two minds are the same. That’s why we don’t start any brain training without first completing a detailed Brain Skills Assessment for every learner. That way, we can personalize training and training outcomes based on each specific student.
  
• A strength-based approach.
  At LearningRx, we don’t just identify those areas where students struggle. We also take note of their strengths. Through our brain training programs, learners can use their strengths to build on new skills and abilities. This empowering approach is great for those with cognitive differences!
  
• Neurodiversity-specific support.
  For those with learning differences, we offer specialized programs tailored to ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, and more! It’s important to note that our training programs are never intended as a “cure” for these differences. Instead, the goal is to help learners build practical strategies and abilities for learning challenges.

One-on-One Brain Training for Every Unique Learner

Neurodiversity can be a tremendous gift. In fact, many brilliant thinkers, inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs have learning differences like dyslexia, autism, or ADHD. Many have even credited their achievements to the unique ways that their minds work!   

At LearningRx, we help students of all ages tap into their unique abilities, too. Through one-on-one brain training, learners can build confidence in their strengths, tackle new challenges, and discover new skills! We’re proud of supporting clients of all ages, skill levels, and cognitive abilities.

Find out more about how brain training celebrates neurodiversity. Start a conversation with the team at LearningRx by calling 866-BRAIN-01—or visit our website to learn more.