We’re proud to release groundbreaking research in partnership with the University of Melbourne on an initiative that empowers educators to better support neurodivergent students. This first-of-its-kind study unveils actionable strategies and technology-based solutions designed for learners worldwide.
With over 20% of the global population identified as neurodivergent, traditional classrooms often struggle to meet diverse learning needs. Many students expend significant energy masking their differences rather than engaging in learning. Recognizing this gap, SMART and the University of Melbourne placed neurodivergent voices at the forefront of their research, developing evidence-based tools and strategies that ensure every learner feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
Listening to Neurodivergent voices
Lead researcher Dr. Matt Harrison, founder of the Neurodivergence Advocacy Group, highlights the transformative focus of the study: “A learning space where everyone feels safe, happy, and part of the community.” Remarkably, only 1% of previous studies included input from neurodivergent students. This collaboration flipped the script, engaging students directly to uncover actionable insights that empower educators to foster inclusive practices.
“Our findings provide educators with clear, research-backed strategies to design inclusive classrooms,” said Dr. Harrison. “By actively involving neurodivergent students, we’ve delivered a guide that prioritizes their authentic experiences.”
The Result: 36 strategies for Inclusive Education
The research offers 36 evidence-based recommendations for educators and decision-makers, including:
- Transforming engagement: Leveraging EdTech to affirm student identities and learning preferences.
- Empowering student voice: Actively involving students in selecting and using classroom tools.
- Child-centered approaches: Prioritizing each learner’s strengths and needs over traditional behavior-based practices.
“These findings reaffirm SMART’s commitment to inclusive education,” said Jeff Lowe, SMART Technologies’ Executive Vice President. “By integrating neurodivergent perspectives into our innovations, we’re ensuring classrooms worldwide are equipped to inspire and support every learner.”
This groundbreaking collaboration marks a pivotal step toward reimagining inclusive education. Explore the full research report and discover how these strategies can transform your classroom: