Get the insights and tools you need to help autistic and ADHD students thrive in and out of the classroom

Supporting neurodivergent students:

Resources for educators

For SENCOs: making paperwork work for you…

Common classroom challenges

  • Attention issues: inconsistent performance, difficulty following multi-step instructions

  • Learning differences: processing delays indicating developmental challenges

  • Peer interactions: difficulties with social situations, misunderstanding social cues

  • Emotional outbursts: meltdowns, withdrawal, apparent defiance caused by emotional dysregulation

  • Environmental needs: requiring sensory accommodations for learning

Recognising autism & ADHD in the classroom

  • Autism indicators: difficulty with social interactions, repetitive behaviours, sensory sensitivities, need for routine, demand avoidant, Emotionally-Based School Avoidance

  • ADHD indicators: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, executive function challenges

  • Co-occurring traits: anxiety, sensory processing issues, emotional regulation difficulties

  • Masking: some students (especially girls) hide their struggles

For teachers: understanding your students…

Common classroom challenges

  • Attention issues: inconsistent performance, difficulty following multi-step instructions

  • Learning differences: Processing delays indicating developmental challenges

  • Peer interactions: difficulties with social situations, misunderstanding social cues

  • Emotional outbursts: meltdowns, withdrawal, apparent defiance caused by emotional dysregulation

  • Environmental needs: Requiring sensory accommodations for learning

Recognising autism & ADHD in the classroom

  • Autism indicators: difficulty with social interactions, repetitive behaviours, sensory sensitivities, need for routine, demand avoidant, Emotionally-Based School Avoidance

  • ADHD indicators: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, executive function challenges

  • Co-occurring traits: anxiety, sensory processing issues, emotional regulation difficulties

  • Masking: some students (especially girls) hide their struggles

Parent-generated insights

  • Comprehensive profiles: parents use Sylva to create detailed student profiles

  • Simple profile summaries: clear, actionable information about each child

  • Strength-based: focus on what students can do, not just challenges

  • Evidence-based: insights backed by clinical research and assessment

How Sylva supports schools…

Classroom strategies

Based on what parents learn through Sylva, teachers receive:

  • Sensory accommodations: specific environmental modifications

  • Communication strategies: how the student best receives information

  • Behavioural support: understanding triggers and effective responses

  • Academic adaptations: learning style accommodations and supports

Practical classroom strategies

Environmental modifications

  • Sensory considerations: lighting, sound, seating arrangements

  • Visual supports: schedules, instructions, social stories

  • Quiet spaces: designated areas for regulation and breaks

Instructional strategies

  • Multi-sensory learning: employ different learning styles

  • Chunking information: break complex tasks into manageable steps

  • Special interests: incorporate student passions into learning

  • Choice and flexibility: provide options when possible

Social and behavioural support

  • Peer education: help classmates understand neurodiversity

  • Social skills teaching: support for students that struggle in social situations

  • Behaviour understanding: distinguish between "can't" and "won't"

  • Positive reinforcement: catch and celebrate successes

Partnership opportunities

How schools can work with Sylva families

  • Encourage usage: recommend Sylva to families struggling with behaviour/academic issues

  • Receive insights: use parent-generated profiles to better understand students

  • Collaborative approach: work together using shared understanding of child's needs

  • Professional development: learn about autism/ADHD through parent experiences

Benefits for schools

  • Reduced behavioural incidents: understanding leads to better prevention

  • Improved academic outcomes: appropriate accommodations increase success

  • Better parent relationships: shared understanding improves communication

  • Staff confidence: teachers feel more prepared to support diverse learners

  • Inclusive and calm environment: benefits all students, not just those with diagnoses