Neurodiversity describes the idea that there are different ways people’s brains are wired to process the world. As a result, all sorts of different types of brains exist - or neurotypes. People whose neurotypes are within the majority of society are called neurotypical people. People whose neurotypes are within the minority of society are called neurodivergent people. Neurodivergent people may need support in specific areas different from neurotypical people, especially in early childhood learning.
Seven neurotypes are commonly diagnosed among children:
These neurotypes can experience learning differences that may require individualized support. However, each neurotype can have unique strengths considered exceptional! Understanding how to nurture a neurodivergent child’s strengths to support their learning differences empowers caregivers and educators, especially during early childhood when vital brain connections are made.
Common Neurotypes in Children
The seven most common neurotypes diagnosed in children are autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, Tourette’s, and dyspraxia. Many other neurotypes exist; however, these are the neurotypes that can be directly supported by therapy and school programs in early childhood.
Understanding neurodiversity is crucial before seeking proper support for a neurodivergent child. All children have unique ways of learning, but neurodivergent children may not thrive with the learning methods used in traditional school settings. Many neurodivergent children require unique and specialized support, for example, an autistic child may need pictures or visual aids to complete tasks whereas neurotypical students may succeed only using verbal instruction.
Strengths and Areas of Support for Each Neurotype
Each neurotype has unique characteristics and strengths. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the brain!
Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference in how the brain processes information, including sensory and visual information. Over 95% of autistic children have sensory differences, which experts say may explain why many engage in stimming, socialize differently, and require extra support in early language and communication. However, these sensory differences can be a strength, leading to detail-oriented thinking and memorization skills that may surpass neurotypical children
Strengths:
Detail-oriented thinking
Visual thinking
Logical thought process
Punctuality
Rule-based thinking
Excellent memorization skills
Honest and reliable
Areas of support:
Occupational therapy for self-regulatory strategies for Sensory differences
Occupational or Physical therapy to support motor skills
Speech and language therapy
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental difference characterized by differences in attention and focus. These differences can lead to challenges, such as sustaining attention on uninteresting tasks but hyperfocusing on more interesting ones.
Strengths:
High energy
Ability to hyper-focus
Creative, able to think outside the box
Outgoing
Resilience and persistence
Spontaneous and adaptable
Areas of support:
Time management tools
Organization skills
Sensory fidgets
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental difference characterized by a perceptual difference where big-picture thinking predominates. Many dyslexic individuals find spatial reasoning and auditory skills easy, but decoding words and identifying speech sounds more challenging.
Strengths:
3-D perception
Visual thinking
Creativity
Strong spatial skills
Verbal communication
Areas of support:
Spelling
Reading and decoding words
Letter names and sounds
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a neurotype similar to dyslexia but with numbers. Dyscalculic children may have excellent verbal and speaking skills but may struggle to perform basic math functions. Children with dyscalculia may have difficulty with time management and other number-related skills but are often skilled at big-picture thinking and creative expressions like art.
Strengths:
Strong verbal skills: reading & writing
Skilled at art
Big-picture thinking
Creative and intuitive thought process
Areas of support:
Time management supports
Assistance managing finances
The use of multi-sensory math lessons (pictures and hands-on materials)
Calculating tools and visual aids
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is a developmental coordination difference that causes motor movement and coordination differences. A dyspraxic person often possesses excellent problem-solving and multitasking skills but may find gross motor activities like learning to ride a bike or performing fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt, challenging.
Strengths:
Verbal skills
Empathy
Problem-solving
Multitasking
Areas of support:
Coordination and muscle training
Fine and gross motor tasks
Pull-on clothes or slip-on/velcro shoes
Occupational therapy
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a neurological difference that causes difficulty with handwriting. Dysgraphic children may have adept memorization and listening skills but struggle with the hand movements needed to form letters on paper. The condition is not related to reading or spelling difficulties but to physically forming letter shapes on paper. These individuals often possess excellent verbal storytelling skills.
Strengths:
Strong memory and memorization skills
Problem-solving
Adept verbal and listening skills
Storytelling skills
Areas of support:
Text-to-speech keyboard
Comfortable grip pens and pencils
Wide ruled paper
Typing activities
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition that causes unwanted, involuntary muscle movements and sounds known as tics. Individuals may display remarkable creativity and the ability to hyperfocus but may need assistance understanding specific stressors and coping skills related to their tics. Tics are usually sudden and repetitive, but these learners may have refined interpersonal awareness and be inclined to use detail-oriented thinking.
Strengths:
The ability to hyper-focus
Creativity
Interpersonal awareness
Detail-oriented
Areas of support:
Engaging in self-care
Help with understanding their tics and stressors
Medication in select cases
How Different Neurotypes in Children Affect Learning
Every child has a unique way of learning, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent. However, children with neurodivergent conditions often struggle in traditional learning environments. Therefore, understanding a child’s specific neurotype, learning their strengths, and providing appropriate support can help them thrive.
When neurodivergent children have the individualized supper they need, they feel understood, increasing their confidence and independence, and better preparing them to thrive socially and academically.
Students are eligible for a free developmental screening through their school at their parents' request or by their teacher's recommendation and their parent's approval. Therefore, it is critical to advocate for children with suspected learning differences.
If a child has any of the neurotypes discussed above, they will need a diagnosis from a doctor or psychologist to secure in-school support. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, parents and teachers can take steps to secure a 504 or IEP, which offers individualized support to learners based on their strengths and needs.
In addition to in-school support, a child may benefit from therapy and at-home support such as a distraction-free homework zone or noise-canceling headphones.
The first step to support your learner's unique learning style is to learn about their neurotype, understand their needs, and then build upon their strengths.
How GoManda Can Support Your Learner
GoManda is an app and strength-based learning program built for detail-oriented and visual-thinking learners, such as autistic or dyslexic children. GoManda is specially designed for neurodivergent learners and is an excellent resource for early childhood vocabulary learning, in conjunction with other at-home and in-school supports.
Try GoManda for Free today to see how it can support your learner!