Supporting Neurodiverse Children in Schools

"See a child differently, see a different child"

I recently came across a post that included the quote “See a child differently; see a different child.” I saved it immediately because it summed up so much of what I learned during more than ten years as a teacher. It is one of the most accurate and meaningful lines I have ever read about working with children who think and learn in different ways, particularly those with ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity.

My experience teaching children with ADHD and SEN

During my years in the classroom I taught students aged eleven to eighteen across both private and public schools. They all had their own personalities, strengths and challenges, and many had additional needs. I always made a conscious effort to learn as much as I could about each young person, especially those with SEN or suspected ADHD.

I have always felt that I have a strong instinct for recognising neurodiverse children and adults, so I read their notes, looked through key points in their EHCPs and made sure I understood the areas where they might struggle. This helped me plan lessons that felt achievable and safe for them, and gave me a sense of how best to support them when things became overwhelming.

The impact of understanding ADHD in the classroom

It certainly took extra time and effort, but it was worth it every single time. If I saw a student becoming anxious, distracted or frustrated, I would ask them to stay behind for a quick chat after the lesson so I could understand what was going on. Those conversations often made a huge difference. Sometimes they needed reassurance, sometimes clarity, and sometimes they just needed someone to listen without judgement.

What always stood out to me was how quickly a child’s behaviour could change when they felt understood. A student who might have been described as disruptive or unfocused would often become engaged and confident once their needs were met. It showed me again and again that behaviour is communication, and when you take the time to understand it, you often see a completely different child.

Why this matters now in my work as an ADHD coach

Teaching was hard work, but it was incredibly rewarding. Even now, as an ADHD coach, I think about those experiences constantly. Supporting children with ADHD in the classroom and seeing how small adjustments could transform their confidence was one of the best parts of my job. I miss seeing them grow and thrive, but the work I do now allows me to support families and individuals in a different way, and it feels like a natural continuation of what I loved about teaching.

A reminder for anyone working with neurodiverse children

That quote has stayed with me because it is so simple and so true. When we look at a child with curiosity and compassion instead of frustration, everything changes. Their behaviour changes, their confidence grows, and they begin to trust that they are capable of more than they believed.

See a child differently, see a different child. It is a reminder that understanding their needs is not an extra task. It is the foundation of helping them flourish.