Building Inclusive Spaces: Tips for Supporting Our Neurodivergent Learners

Whether you’re an educator in a formal or informal learning environment, it can be overwhelming to plan for a group setting or experience that is truly inclusive of neurodivergent children. Every child has their own preferences, and there are always variables beyond your control. However, there’s a lot you can do before, during, and after group activities to create a successful experience for everyone. Below you’ll find some ideas to consider. 

Before the Activity 

• Consider your group’s needs. When you’re familiar with the children who will be coming together, take a moment to reflect on what you already know about their unique sensory needs, communication styles, and social dynamics. 

• Welcome new friends and families. When new children join the group, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reach out to parents. You can let them know what to expect and ask for their expert tips on how to help their child feel most comfortable and welcome. 

• Have your “tool kit” ready to go. Having inclusive tools like visual schedules, seat markers, wiggle seats, or handheld fidgets on hand makes it easier to offer an inclusive setting for autistic children and their families. 

• Support smooth transitions. We know that clear expectations and predictable routines can help children feel safe and successful when moving from one activity to the next. A simple transition song or an extra set of hands can help a lot. 

During the Activity 

• Offer flexible seating options. Providing a few different options for children to position themselves is a great way to support different sensory profiles and social comfort levels. 

• Celebrate different ways of participating. It’s helpful to remember that participation looks different for everyone. Eye contact isn’t always necessary for a child to show they are paying attention and engaged. 

• As always, it helps to stay flexible. Children grow and change from day to day, and progress can happen in many different ways. We can help by providing space for autistic children to share what they need using whatever communication approach they prefer. 

After the Activity 

• Take a moment to debrief. Checking in with yourself and participating families after the group experience is a great way to note what worked well and what you might want to try differently next time. 

• Share your insights. If you work in a drop-off setting, reaching out to parents to share both positive and constructive observations helps build a strong bridge between home and school. This connection is so beneficial for autistic children and their support teams! 

What else has worked for you? We’d love to hear from you at Communities@sesame.org.