Understanding neurodivergent attention profiles to harness learning

Have we been getting it wrong when it comes to supporting autistic learners?

Recent research from UCL's Centre for Research in Autism and Education, funded by the ESRC, shows that many autistic children actually take in much more perceptual information at once than their non-autistic peers.

This can be a real strength, allowing for enhanced information processing. It can also make things harder, as it means more chances for distraction. Yet, most classroom strategies still focus on cutting back and simplifying what's around them.

Let's rethink our approach.

What if, instead of stripping things back, we focused on meeting this capacity head-on?

You might find that filling the environment in the right way is what really helps autistic learners thrive.

In this evening workshop, we'll share what we've learned and give you practical strategies you can use straight away in your primary classroom. It doesn't matter if you're a teacher, SENCO, teaching assistant, parent, or just someone who cares about inclusion. You'll walk away with a clearer sense of how neurodivergent children experience their learning spaces, plus real tools to help them use their perceptual strengths and avoid overwhelm.

These ideas come from autistic and non-autistic researchers working together. They push back against the old deficit-focused ways and open up a truly strength-based path forward.

Join us for an evening of learning, connection, and a chance to rethink how we support neurodivergent learners. There will be free nibbles and drinks, too!