Gwenin: Clarity by Design

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Neurodivergent Tech Strategies

A Report on Supporting Inclusive Digital Engagement, Emotional Regulation and Academic Agency

1. Introduction

Technology is not neutral; it can either amplify barriers or dismantle them. For neurodivergent students, digital tools offer opportunities to regulate sensory input, personalise learning, and scaffold executive function. This report outlines evidence-informed strategies for academic professionals supporting neurodivergent learners to use technology with dignity, clarity and strategic intent.

2. Rationale

According to SMART Technologies’ 36 EdTech Strategies for Neurodivergent Learners and Oxford’s NESTL Toolkit, neurodivergent students benefit most from technology when it is used to support agency, representation and emotional regulation, not compliance or behaviour management. Academic professionals must therefore scaffold tech use through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens.

3. Methodology

This report synthesises inclusive pedagogy frameworks, student feedback and curated resources from SMART Technologies, Oxford’s NESTL Project and NIU’s Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Each strategy is designed for integration into academic practice, whether through supervision, curriculum design, well-being referrals or digital literacy workshops.

4. Findings

4.1 Personalised Learning Platforms

Students should be supported to use platforms that allow flexible pacing, multimodal input and adaptive feedback. Recommended tools include:

  • Glean – Audio note-taking with tagging and playback control
  • Notion – Modular workspace for visual planning and executive function support
  • MindMeister – Visual mapping for idea organisation and non-linear thinking

4.2 Sensory Regulation Tools

Neurodivergent students may benefit from tools that reduce sensory overload or support emotional regulation:

  • Noisli – Customisable background sounds for focus and calm
  • Forest – A Gamified focus app that rewards sustained attention
  • Headspace – Guided meditations and breathing exercises

4.3 Executive Function Scaffolds

Students navigating ADHD, autism or processing differences may benefit from:

  • Todoist – Task management with priority tagging and reminders
  • Time Timer – Visual countdowns to support time awareness
  • Trello – Kanban boards for sequencing tasks and tracking progress

4.4 Inclusive Communication Platforms

Neurodivergent students may prefer asynchronous or text-based communication. Recommended platforms include:

  • Slack – Threaded messaging and channel-based collaboration
  • Google Workspace – Collaborative documents with comment threads and revision history
  • Otter.ai – Real-time transcription and searchable audio logs

4.5 Neurodiversity-Affirming Pedagogy

Oxford’s NESTL Toolkit offers a framework for inclusive teaching that includes:

  • Predictable structures and flexible deadlines
  • Multiple modes of expression and assessment
  • Emotional pacing and sensory-friendly environments
  • Co-created learning goals and feedback rituals

5. Discussion

Technology is most effective when it affirms neurodivergent agency. Students who use digital tools to regulate sensory input, scaffold executive function, and personalise learning report improved confidence, reduced anxiety and greater academic continuity. Academic professionals play a critical role in validating diverse tech preferences, modelling inclusive strategies and embedding neurodiversity-affirming design into curriculum and supervision.

6. Recommendations for Academic Staff

  • Introduce neurodivergent tech strategies during induction, supervision or well-being sessions
  • Scaffold tool selection based on sensory, cognitive and emotional needs
  • Encourage students to personalise platforms and reflect on their impact
  • Validate diverse tech rhythms and emotional responses
  • Signpost trusted platforms and sector-wide toolkits with embedded links

What kind of tech rhythm helps me feel calm, focused or emotionally safe?

What platform or tool supports my strengths and reduces overwhelm?

Explore more with us:

The Deconvolution Lecture Series is now hosted in full at ScienceDeconvolution.com. Curated by Professor Chris D. Gwenin, the archive brings together modular, rhythm-aware lectures across chemistry and related sciences in a neurodivergent-friendly format. All posts are freely available, with optional downloadable PDF companions and quizzes released after each full series is complete. Explore, revisit, and learn at your own pace. https://sciencedeconvolution.com/lecture-sets-index/