Celebrating Different Ways of Learning 🎓

We all learn differently. Some of us learn best by watching. Some by doing. Some by talking things through, moving our bodies, or diving deep into a topic we love.

Yet many neurodivergent people grow up being told their way of learning is “wrong”, “difficult”, or “needs fixing”. This message can be painful - and untrue.

Learning differences are not deficits. They are natural variations in how brains work, and they bring real strengths.

Why Different Learning Styles Matter

There is no single “right” way to learn.

Learning is influenced by many things, including:

• How we process information

• Our sensory needs

• Attention levels

• Interests and motivation

• Lived experience

  
  

Neurodivergent learners often think, notice, and solve problems differently. That diversity is powerful. When learning environments only value one way of learning (for example, sitting still, listening quietly, or working at speed), many people are unfairly excluded.

When we widen the picture, everyone benefits.

Strengths Neurodivergent Learners Bring

Neurodivergent learners often show strengths such as:

• Creative and original thinking

• Seeing patterns others miss

• Deep focus on topics of interest

• Practical, hands-on problem solving

• Persistence and resilience

• Strong visual or spatial skills

  
  

These strengths may not always show up in traditional classrooms or assessments—but they are just as valuable. Celebrating different ways of learning means recognising these strengths, not trying to erase them.

Common Ways People Learn

Most people use a mix of approaches, but some may prefer:

• Visual learning – images, diagrams, colours, videos

• Hands-on learning – building, experimenting, trying things out

• Movement-based learning – walking, stretching, fidgeting while learning

• Listening and discussion – talking things through, storytelling

• Reading and writing – lists, notes, text-based resources

  
  

Flexibility allows people to combine what works best for them.

Practical Strategies to Support Different Learning Styles

Use Visual Aids 👁️

• Diagrams, mind maps, and charts

• Colour coding to organise information

• Visual schedules or checklists

  
  

Visual supports reduce memory load and help ideas “stick”.

Include Hands-On Activities 👋

• Learning through doing, not just reading or listening

• Using real-life examples or objects

• Breaking learning into small, practical steps

  
  

Build in Movement 🏃

• Short movement breaks

• Standing, stretching, or pacing while thinking

• Access to fidget tools or flexible seating

  
  

Movement can support focus, regulation, and memory.

Use Technology Thoughtfully 💻

• Speech-to-text and text-to-speech tools

• Audiobooks or video explanations

• Apps for reminders, notes, and organisation

  
  

Technology can remove barriers and increase independence.

Tips for Parents and Carers

• Notice how your child learns best - not how they should learn

• Offer choices: “Would you like to draw this, talk it through, or act it out?”

• Praise effort and creativity, not just outcomes

• Reduce pressure to learn “the same way” as others

  
  

At home, learning can happen through play, interests, movement, and everyday activities.

Tips for Educators and Professionals

• Design learning experiences that allow multiple ways to participate

• Offer options for showing understanding (not just written work)

• Normalise tools like visuals, movement breaks, and technology

• Focus on strengths as much as support needs

  
  

Flexibility supports inclusion and benefits all learners, not just neurodivergent ones.

The Big Picture

Celebrating different ways of learning means shifting the question from:

“How do we make this learner fit the system?”

To:

“How do we make the system fit the learner?”

When we value learning differences, we create spaces where people feel capable, confident, and included.

There is no single right way to learn - just many valid ones.