More and more children are being identified as neurodivergent. This means their brains work differently from what is considered typical. For professionals working in school support, daycare assistance, and family services, understanding neurodivergence (the natural variation in how human brains function) is becoming essential.
This article explains what neurodivergence in children means. It covers current developments and offers practical strategies for everyday support. If you want to start learning right away, Diingu offers a free course on the topic: Neurodiversity.
What Is Neurodivergence in Children?
Neurodivergence means that a person's brain develops and functions differently from the statistical majority. The broader concept is called neurodiversity (the idea that neurological differences are a natural and valuable part of human variation). These differences are not defects. They are part of who we are as humans. [1]
The most common forms of neurodivergence in children include:
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): Challenges with focus, impulse control, and sometimes hyperactivity
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Differences in social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns
- Dyslexia: Difficulties with reading and writing
- Dyscalculia: Difficulties with numbers and mathematical concepts
- Speech and language disorders: Delays or differences in language development
Every neurodivergent child is unique. Two children with the same diagnosis can have very different strengths and needs. [1] [5]
Why This Topic Matters Now
The number of children receiving diagnoses like ADHD and autism is growing. At the same time, many educational settings still lack the knowledge and structures to support them well. Neurodivergent children often face barriers in their daily school and daycare routines. [4]
This affects not just teachers. School assistants, daycare support workers, and family support professionals encounter neurodivergence every day. Training in this area helps professionals understand these children better. It provides tools to make everyday life easier for everyone involved.
Diingu offers specific courses on the most common forms of neurodivergence, including Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder for school support professionals.
Common Forms of Neurodivergence Explained
ADHD in Children
Children with ADHD often struggle to maintain focus for extended periods. They may act impulsively or be physically restless. However, ADHD also comes with strengths. Many children with ADHD are creative, energetic, and enthusiastic learners.
In practice, clear structures and short task blocks help. Movement breaks throughout the day are particularly beneficial. [12] For daycare settings, Diingu offers a dedicated course on ADHD.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Children on the autism spectrum often perceive their environment differently. Social situations can be exhausting. Sensory input like noise, bright lights, or physical touch can feel overwhelming. At the same time, many autistic children have remarkable strengths. They may focus deeply on topics they enjoy and notice details others miss.
Predictable routines and clear communication are key to good support. [5] Diingu provides courses on autism for both school support and daycare settings.
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Speech Disorders
Dyslexia affects reading and writing. Dyscalculia affects understanding numbers and quantities. Speech and language disorders can impact speaking, understanding, or both. All of these can be well supported with the right knowledge and strategies.
Learn more in the Diingu courses on Speech and Language Disorders and Learning Disabilities.
Why Professional Development in This Area Is Essential
The Shift from Awareness to Action
For a long time, the conversation around neurodivergence focused mainly on awareness (knowing that neurodivergence exists). That is changing. The focus is now shifting toward active design of inclusive environments. [7]
It is no longer enough to simply know about neurodivergence. Professionals need to know how to shape everyday settings so that neurodivergent children can thrive.
A recent position paper from 2026 outlines key areas for creating neurodiversity-sensitive schools. These include: [8]
- Identifying discriminatory structures in schools and classrooms
- Developing teaching approaches that actively consider neurological diversity
- Training educators and support staff specifically in neurodiversity
Policy Developments in Germany
In Germany, the topic is gaining political attention. The District Parents' Committee (BEA) of Berlin-Mitte passed a resolution in early 2026. Its goal is to strengthen how schools handle neurodivergence. The resolution calls for more awareness, better support structures, and systemic changes. [2]
International Trends
Internationally, significant steps are being taken. In England, the government announced in 2026 that all secondary schools must provide dedicated inclusion areas for neurodivergent students and those with special educational needs. [10] In Australia, the evidence-based programme "Learning About Neurodiversity at School" (LEANS) is being introduced to teach neurodiversity directly in the classroom. [11]
These developments show that the world is moving toward more inclusive education. Professionals who build their knowledge now will be well prepared.
Understanding Sensory Needs
One of the most important areas when working with neurodivergent children is understanding their sensory needs (how children perceive and process sensory input like sounds, light, touch, and smells).
Dr. Andrea Tures from Justus Liebig University Giessen has been researching this topic since 2015. She highlights how crucial it is for professionals to understand the sensory experiences of neurodivergent children in daycare, school, and family settings. [3] [6]
What Does This Look Like in Practice?
Neurodivergent children may respond to sensory input very differently from neurotypical children (children whose brains function in the most common way). Some children are hypersensitive to certain stimuli. Others actively seek out sensory experiences.
Here are some common examples and helpful responses:
| Sensory Area | Possible Challenge | Possible Support |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Classroom noise feels overwhelming | Offer ear defenders, create quiet zones |
| Light | Fluorescent lighting causes discomfort | Use natural light, adjust seating |
| Touch | Certain textures or physical contact feel unpleasant | Never force touch, offer alternatives |
| Movement | Sitting still for long periods is very difficult | Build in movement breaks, allow fidget tools |
The Diingu course on Supporting Emotional Regulation provides helpful foundations for understanding and responding to these needs.
Practical Strategies for Everyday Support
The IFLW (Institute for Integrative Learning and Training) has published seven guidelines for working with neurodiversity in children. [5] Combined with insights from other sources, here are actionable strategies:
1. Focus on Strengths, Not Deficits
Every child has strengths. Neurodivergent children are often defined primarily by their challenges. Try to shift this perspective. Ask: What is this child good at? What excites them? A strengths-based approach (focusing on what a child can do rather than what they struggle with) can transform your relationship with the child. [5] [9]
The Diingu course Working with a Resource-Oriented Approach explores this mindset in depth.
2. Create Structure and Predictability
Many neurodivergent children benefit greatly from clear routines. When they know what comes next, they feel safer. Here is how to put this into practice:
- Display a visual daily schedule (using pictures and text)
- Announce transitions in advance ("In five minutes, we will tidy up")
- Establish rituals for recurring situations
- Use visual aids like pictures, symbols, or colour codes [12]
3. Provide Quiet Spaces and Retreat Options
Not every child can handle a full day in a busy group setting. Quiet areas (designated spaces where children can withdraw and recharge) are often essential for neurodivergent children. [12] [10]
This could be a calm room, a reading corner, or simply a spot with headphones. The key is that retreating should never be seen as a weakness. It is a healthy strategy for self-regulation (the ability to manage one's own emotions and reactions).
4. Build Movement into the Day
Movement breaks benefit all children, not just neurodivergent ones. [12] Short physical activities between learning phases can improve concentration. Simple exercises work well: stretching, jumping, a brief walk around the building.
5. Adapt Your Communication
Some neurodivergent children understand language very literally. Others need extra time to process what has been said. Helpful approaches include:
- Use short, clear sentences
- Give one instruction at a time
- Allow plenty of time for responses
- Use visual supports when needed
For children who need additional communication support, Diingu offers the course Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
6. Collaborate with Everyone Involved
Supporting neurodivergent children works best as a team effort. This team includes:
- Teachers and educational staff
- Parents and families
- Therapists (such as occupational therapists and speech therapists)
- School assistants and daycare support workers
Regular communication is essential. Everyone involved should work toward the same goals and support one another. [4]
7. Reflect on Your Own Attitudes
Neurodivergence is not something that needs to be "fixed." It is a different way of experiencing the world. Internalising this mindset may be the most important step of all. Ask yourself regularly:
- Do I see the child, or do I see the diagnosis?
- Am I adapting the environment to the child, or expecting the child to adapt?
- What unconscious biases might I be carrying?
Neuroinclusion: The Bigger Picture
Neuroinclusion (the active design of environments where neurodivergent people can participate equally) goes beyond individual accommodations. It aims for systemic change. [9]
This means not just supporting individual children. It means designing entire learning environments so they work for different kinds of brains. This approach is sometimes called Universal Design for Learning (creating learning experiences that work for as many learners as possible from the start).
In practice, this can look like:
- Offering multiple ways to take in information (listening, seeing, hands-on experience)
- Offering multiple ways to demonstrate knowledge (writing, speaking, drawing)
- Offering multiple ways to stay motivated (choices, personal interests, varied activities)
This approach does not only help neurodivergent children. It improves the experience for everyone.
Do Not Forget Self-Care
Supporting neurodivergent children can be deeply rewarding. It can also be demanding. Professionals should pay attention to their own wellbeing. This includes:
- Scheduling breaks consciously throughout the workday
- Seeking exchange with colleagues
- Setting boundaries and communicating them clearly
- Using supervision (professional guidance for practitioners) when available
Diingu offers the course Self-Care for School Assistants to support you in this area. Because only those who take care of themselves can take good care of others.
Related Training at Diingu
Neurodivergence in children is a broad and important topic. Diingu offers a range of free, practical courses to help you build your knowledge:
Directly related to neurodivergence:
- Neurodiversity (Daycare Support)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (School Support)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (Daycare Support)
- Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (School Support)
- ADHD (Daycare Support)
- Learning Disabilities (School Support)
- Speech and Language Disorders (School Support)
Complementary topics:
- Supporting Emotional Regulation (Daycare Support)
- Working with a Resource-Oriented Approach (Daycare Support)
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (Daycare Support)
- Self-Care for School Assistants (School Support)
- Diversity-Sensitive Practice in Daycare (Daycare Support)
All foundational courses at Diingu are free. You can start immediately and learn at your own pace.
Sources and Further Reading
[1] Neurodiversität - MenschensBILDUNG - https://menschensbildung.de/neurodiversitaet/
[2] BEA Mitte - Resolution: Strengthening the Approach to Neurodivergence in Schools (Jan. 2026) - https://bea-mitte.de/2026/01/beschluss-umgang-mit-neurodivergenz-in-schulen-staerken-bewusstsein-unterstuetzung-und-strukturen-ausbauen/
[3] Lecture by Dr. Andrea Tures - Sensory Needs of Neurodivergent Children - https://www.bo-paedagogik.de/programm2026/vortrag-neurodivergenz-im-kontext-bop
[4] Neurodivergence in Everyday School Life - What Teachers Should Know - https://www.zeitfuerdieschule.de/materialien/artikel/neurodivergenz-im-schulalltag-was-lehrkraefte-wissen-sollten/
[5] IFLW - Neurodiversity in Schools: 7 Guidelines for Educators - https://www.iflw.de/blog/lerntherapie-lerntherapeut/neurodiversitaet-bei-kindern-und-jugendlichen-7-handlungsleitlinien-fuer-paedagogische-fachkraefte/
[6] Neurodiversity in Daycare, School, and Family - Dr. Andrea Tures - https://www.bo-paedagogik.de/programm2026/vortrag-neurodivergenz-im-kontext-bop
[7] Neurodiversity 2026: Inclusion Shifts from Awareness to Design - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/neurodiversit%25C3%25A4t-2026-inklusion-verschiebt-sich-von-zu-xenia-matthies-sjuaf/
[8] Position Paper: Key Areas for Neurodiversity-Sensitive Schools (Feb. 2026) - https://www.zak-germany.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Thesenpapier_neurodiversitaetssensible-Schule.pdf
[9] How Neuroinclusion Succeeds - inklusiongestalten.de - https://inklusiongestalten.de/2025/04/26/wie-neuroinklusion-gelingt/
[10] The Guardian - English Secondary Schools Must Offer Inclusion Areas (Feb. 2026) - https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/feb/11/english-secondary-schools-must-offer-inclusion-areas-for-neurodiverse-and-send-pupils
[11] Reframing Autism - LEANS Australia Press Release (Dec. 2025) - https://reframingautism.org.au/leans-australia-press-release/
[12] Child Mind Institute - How Schools Can Support Neurodiverse Students (Dec. 2025) - https://childmind.org/article/how-schools-can-support-neurodiverse-students/