Neurodiversity

The term “neurodiversity” is a way of referring to differences in how our brains work and the way we process information. 

• “Neurodivergent” conditions include ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourettes Syndrome and several others. 
• Neurodiversity can bring strengths and challenges, often simultaneously. The image (from https://www.ukfiet.org/2020/four-ways-to-support-neurodiversity-in-the-classroom/) shows some of these strengths. 
• Rather than something to be ‘cured’, a focus on neurodiversity uses our strengths and celebrates the differences in our thinking.
• I have long experience with neurodiversity (including my own), and with neurodivergent approaches to maths learning. (I was formally diagnosed as Autistic and with ADHD in January 2025, having known informally for 20 or 30 years.) 
• I am always open to exploring different ways of working to suit individual students.

There are many different ways of looking at learning styles (or cognitive styles). Two that I find particularly useful are:

• “VAK”: Auditory / Visual / Kinaesthetic (also including multi-sensory learners) 
  • Most people’s cognitive styles include a combination of more than one of these.
• “Inchworm” and “grasshopper” cognitive styles
  • which relate specifically to maths
  • (originally described by Steve Chinn)

My approach is more holistic than any one method of classification, though I do incorporate both of these frames of reference.

• How much we enjoy the subject
• Previous experiences of mathematics or education in general
• Motivation
• Language
• Communication
• Learning disabilities 
• Physical conditions or disabilities
• Sensory impairments
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Emotional factors
• Stress or fear
• The list is endless…

Remember, these factors don’t stop you learning maths; we just need to work in the ways that suit you best.

• Whatever your situation, we can work on the maths you need and find the approach and methods that suit you.
• The more closely tuition is matched to your learning style, the easier it will be for you to learn.
• If you’re still exploring how you learn, or if you’ve never thought about it before, we can work on this as part of the tuition.
• This may be a brief conversation or an ongoing process. 
• We can work together to identify the ways you learn best, including cognitive styles and neurodiversity where appropriate.
• I am always open to exploring different ways of working to suit individual students.
• If you are an experienced learner and already know the best ways for you to learn – just tell me!

Tuition will be tailored to the maths you need, in the ways that work best for you.

• I have worked with students of all ages who were afraid of maths; hence the name “Maths – Don’t Panic!”
• Increasing your confidence with maths, and lessening the fear, will help you learn more easily as well as making maths lessons more comfortable. 
• Finding out how you learn best, including how you think, can be an important part of this.
• I have long experience with neurodiversity (including my own), and with specific learning difficulties.
• Everyone is different so it makes sense that we learn in different ways. There are many reasons for these differences, and many implications for the learning of mathematics. 
• These factors don’t stop you learning maths; we just need to work in the ways that suit you best.
• If you are an experienced learner and already know the best ways for you to learn, just tell me!
• If you’re still exploring how you learn, or if you’ve never thought about it before, we can work on this together as part of the tuition.
• You can find out more about the factors affecting maths learning on this “Neurodiversity” page.