Designing inclusive digital classrooms with neurodivergent students in mind

Digital classrooms represent a great opportunity to build more flexible and personalized learning environments.

However, for many neurodivergent students, such as those living with attention deficit disorder, autism, dyslexia, or social anxiety, technology can become a hindrance if not designed with awareness.

In this article, I want to explain how to truly create an inclusive digital classroom, capable of adapting to different ways of perceiving, communicating, and learning.

1. Understanding Neurodivergence: A Necessary Starting Point

Being neurodivergent does not mean being “less capable,” but simply functioning differently.

Those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or a learning disability may have difficulty maintaining attention on multiple stimuli, processing complex text, or managing crowded visual environments.

For this reason, the digital classroom must be a space that reduces cognitive noise, enhances visual clarity, and offers self-regulation tools.

2. The role of technology in cognitive inclusion

Technology can be a powerful ally if designed well.

Software like Microsoft Teams with Immersive Reader, Google Classroom, and Canva for Education have integrated features that simplify reading, allow you to change the font, and allow you to modify colors, backgrounds, and text size.

Even small features like “focus” mode or reducing visual distractions can make a big difference for those who have difficulty concentrating or are sensitive to sensory input.

3. Teaching strategies for inclusive teachers

A digital classroom is not just a matter of tools, but of an educational approach.

Teachers can:

• Provide materials in multiple formats (subtitled videos, audio, plain text).

• Break down tasks into clear steps, avoiding cognitive overload.

• Allow more time to complete online homework or tests.

• Use consistent colors and intuitive icons in your presentations.

• Create “safe” communication spaces where students can ask for help without fear of judgment.

4. Applications and platforms that make the difference

Here are some organizations already working towards neurodivergent inclusion:

• Ghotit Real Writer – a smart spell checker for dyslexics that improves writing and text comprehension.

• MindMeister – A great mind mapping app for students with ADHD or visual memory.

• Calm and Headspace EDU – tools for managing anxiety and stress through short breathing or concentration exercises.

• ClassDojo – promotes empathetic communication and enhances social and cognitive progress.

• Notion and Trello – Great for managing tasks and projects visually, reducing clutter and increasing control.

5. My personal experience with the inclusive digital classroom

In my experience, even small adjustments can make a difference.

When I take online courses or club meetings, using automatic captions or tools like ChatGPT to summarize key concepts helps me stay focused and organized.

The digital classroom is an opportunity to change the way we view learning: no longer a one-size-fits-all model, but a set of personalized paths.

HIGHLIGHT BOX

According to UNESCO, approximately 15% of students worldwide have some form of neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, DSA, or other atypical cognitive profiles).

Inclusive design of digital classrooms is a priority for the schools of the future.

(Source: UNESCO Inclusive Education Report, 2024 )

CONCLUSION

Designing inclusive digital classrooms doesn't mean adding extra features, but rethinking the entire education system for accessibility.

The goal is not to adapt the student to technology, but to shape tools and environments around their needs.

Only in this way can we truly build a digital school that welcomes, values, and makes every mind shine, in all its nuances.