Neurodivergent learners are those who learn differently than others considered neurotypical. There are a lot of words and labels out there for learners of all different challenges and levels. The term “neurodivergent” came from the term “neurodiversity” coined by Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist, in 1998. It recognizes that everyone’s brain develops in a unique way.
Like fingerprints, no two brains — not even those of identical twins — are exactly the same. Because of that, there’s no true definition of “normal” capabilities for the human brain. In the mainstream functional settings of education, many have been slow to adapt to the changing language and landscape. They cling to old norms and expectations without embracing the gifts of the neurodivergent contributions.
Neurodivergence is considered the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits. It is regarded as part of normal variation in the human population. Learning struggles signified by labels such as autistic, dyslexic, inattentive, and many others all fall under the umbrella term of neurodiversity. The learner thinks atypically to the perceived educational norms. They may need more help for success in the classroom. Learners who think and process differently are often labeled slow or lazy learners. This is especially true for those with attention issues or processing speed delays.
As the author of Neuro-Diversed and a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, I have studied and explored a lot of terms associated with the learning process. Students with learning challenges often give up on interventions and the learning process at a very early age due to frustration and mind shaming.
What is the Myth of Dyslazia?
It is untrue that those who struggle with learning issues are just lazy. The truth is that these learners are working with a much higher level of struggle. They tire more easily due to the incredible amount of brain power they are using. It is much harder for them to do the same thing that neurotypical students do such as reading, writing and mathematics.
Dyslazia is not a diagnosis. It is a term coined by me to indicate that there is a fallacy in the term of laziness when associated with the “broken” meaning of DYS in diagnoses. Laziness is a term that indicates unwillingness to try or attempt. Many struggling learners are often associated with this. They are exhausted by consistently being unsuccessful. In truth, a struggling learner often has worked so hard that the exhaustion makes them want to give up. It takes them hours to do something others can do in only minutes. This is true for homework, classwork, reading, and math.
How does brain training help with this?
Brain training uses an individualized approach to training. This is the same as a personal coach or trainer for sports or workouts. The trainer boosts the skills needed through brain exercises and educational practice. First, we identify the underlying weakness associated with the struggle. Next, we work to bring those into strengths or at least manageable skills. This decreases the tendency of the learner to give up which is what causes others to perceive them as lazy.
When a neurodiverse student has a brain coach to help push through the hard stuff, they learn to develop the grit needed to push through challenges. They start to perceive challenges as things that can be learned with time and attention instead of impossibilities. There is an old saying that you can only eat an elephant by starting one bite at a time. I am not sure I have ever had the desire to eat an elephant, nor do I ever plan to do so. But the point is that hard stuff can be conquered. You just have to approach it in smaller increments, so it becomes more manageable.
What is Growth Mindset?
Growth Mindset is a term coined by Dr. Carol Dweck. It indicates the mental approach to learning that looks for opportunities to learn rather than the fixed mental state. Fixed mentality means that one cannot learn new skills. We are stuck with the cognitive cards dealt from life and genetics. Growth Mindset is an approach that believes in the YET! A personal brain trainer creates a fun and engaging experience for learning. Reading, math, and other “hard” things become less threatening to the student.
Where and how does one get a brain trainer or brain training?
Brain training comes in many different ways. We are always training our brains. To be deliberate on boosting our weaknesses, we must first identify what is holding us back. Are we struggling with academic or cognitive skills? Then we need to start with an educational and cognitive skills assessment. You can have this done from a psychologist or at supplementary services such as LearningRx. This assessment will identify the weak skills. Then a training plan can be put into place to address those skills.
If the person is struggling with behavior issues, they may need behavior modifications or help. They may want to seek out a psychologist, counselor, or behavior specialist to address these skills. Again, the professional will first work to identify what is causing the issue. Then you will work together to refine and improve these skills.
There are many options available in our area; counseling, play therapy, occupational therapy, behavior therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive therapy. For specific resources we recommend, please look at our Community Partners
For more information on brain training, contact the LearningRx Shreveport center. Call 318.797.8523 or email shreveport.la@learningrx.net. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter here!
This article is by Donesa Walker, M.Ed., B.C.C.S., Owner and Executive Director of LearningRx Shreveport-Bossier. She has over 30 years of experience in teaching and educational administration. She opened LearningRx Shreveport-Bossier in 2008. She wanted to help families tackle the root issues behind dyslexia. Since then, both Donesa and her center have received a plethora of awards from local and national organizations. Donesa has published over 20 books and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology.
This article was previously published in LOLA magazine and The Collective . I have made some changes to make the article more blog friendly.