A Spectrum of Learning: Embracing Neurodiversity

For people with learning differences, school can be a challenge. It can be difficult to focus in class or finish homework assignments and tests. Though the School has done a lot of work to improve the experience of people with learning differences, there is still a lot to be done. 

There are tools that can help with learning differences. For some people with ADHD, for example, medication and extended time can help a lot, but for others, they can be less effective. I have ADHD, and for me, medication is really helpful because it improves my focus and makes it much easier to do homework, and extra time is also really helpful in finishing tests. Sophomore Audrey Scherer who has Dyslexia and ADHD, said “I wish [there was a quick fix.] There are things that work for people, but for me, I know how I take tests, it’s taken me a really long time to figure it out… but usually, you just have to think about yourself and what [works] for you.” As Scherer said, it can be very difficult to figure out what works for you, and no matter what there are still ways to improve yourself as a student. Whether you have learning differences or not, knowing yourself is crucial to doing well in school. 

The School has worked to improve the experience of people with learning differences but because of how unique each student is, it is a difficult matter to deal with. Peytra Redfield, the School’s learning difference specialist, says it is also difficult for teachers who have to accommodate these students, but everyone is trying their best to help the neurodiverse community. She says “For the most part [teachers have responded well.] What’s most powerful is when they hear from the students themselves.” The School is working hard but, according to Redfield, “It’s a work in process.” The most important part of this process is communication and understanding: if everyone works to improve the system, it will improve in time. 

For neurodiverse students, it is really difficult to stay on top of assignments, focus in class, and accomplish other tasks that they are required to do at school. Many learn strategies that might help, but without outside help, it can be hard to get through the school day. On top of this, a lot of the tools that could help people with learning differences also have side effects. Some ADHD medications, for example, can diminish the user’s appetite, make them feel tired, and much more, but because of their benefits, people still take them. Personally, I take ADHD medications because they are so helpful, but the negative side effects, specifically the lack of appetite, are really frustrating.

The School is working hard to improve life for neurodiverse people, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Despite this, some people treat learning differences with a one-size-fits-all cure. This doesn’t work for everyone, and it can sometimes make it even harder. For people with learning differences, school can be difficult, and even though there is some help available, the playing field is still not level.