Five expert-backed ways to support neurodiverse learners at home

• Experts share tips ahead of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (Monday 17 March – Sunday 23 March)
• Educators explain how parents and carers can create effective study spaces to support every mind

With the number of children needing special educational support more than doubling in the past decade, experts are sharing simple, effective ways parents and carers can create supportive home learning environments – just in time for Neurodiversity Celebration Week this March.

Leading tutoring provider Explore Learning has compiled practical strategies to help parents and carers support their children’s learning at home, recognising that every child thinks and learns differently. This comes as recent data shows continued rises in neurodevelopmental diagnoses across England, highlighting the growing need for personalised support.

 Here are five essential approaches for parents and carers supporting neurodiverse learners:

1. Create a calm, focus-friendly space

Setting up a dedicated area for learning can make a significant difference in focus and engagement. A quiet, comfortable study area can boost focus – but “calm” looks different for every child.

Consider factors like lighting, noise levels and comfort. Some children might prefer a quiet corner with headphones, while others might concentrate better with background music or while using a sensory cushion. Let your child guide the setup!

2. Turn everyday activities into learning opportunities 

Learning doesn’t just happen at a desk – daily activities can be powerful teaching tools. Cooking together can turn into a maths lesson with measuring and timing, while a walk in the park can spark curiosity about nature and science.

This approach helps children develop real-world understanding while staying engaged. Reading together, playing educational games or exploring museums can also create positive learning experiences. The key is making learning feel natural and fun.

3. Build confidence through personalised approaches 

Every child learns in their own way – so instead of comparing progress to others, celebrate individual achievements. When children feel their natural way of thinking is valued at home, they’re more likely to engage confidently with new challenges.

Encourage independence by asking open-ended questions like, “How do you want to approach this?” or “What helps you focus best?” By valuing their input, you’ll empower them to take ownership of their learning journey – boosting both confidence and motivation.

4. Create a routine that works for your child

Consistency helps children feel secure, but flexibility is just as important. Create predictable but flexible routines for homework and study time. Using visual timetables or colour-coding systems can help make study time feel more manageable.

Remember that different children work at different speeds – some might prefer shorter, frequent study sessions, while others prefer longer, uninterrupted sessions. Observe and communicate with your child to find what works best for them.

5. Encourage self-advocacy and communication 

Helping children understand and express their learning needs is a lifelong skill. Visual aids, alternative communication methods, and open discussions can help children express what works best for them.

Regular family check-ins create a safe space to discuss challenges, celebrate progress and adjust approaches as needed. When children feel heard and supported, they gain the self-awareness and independence to approach learning with confidence.

Helping children thrive in their learning starts at home. By understanding and supporting individual learning styles, parents and carers can create positive experiences that build confidence and capability – that extends from home into the classroom.

Charlotte Gater, at Explore Learning, comments: 

“Parents and carers often ask us how they can better support their children’s learning at home. The key is understanding that every child learns differently – and what works brilliantly for one might not suit another. By creating flexible, supportive home learning environments and celebrating individual progress, parents and carers can help their children develop both confidence and capability. Whether it’s using a visual timetable, turning baking into a maths lesson or simply creating a quiet space for study, parents and carers can help build their child’s confidence in ways that work for them.”

For more information about Explore Learning’s approach to supporting SEN tuition, and additional learning resources, visit https://www.explorelearning.co.uk/free-resources/learning-resources-for-children-with-autism/

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