Learner Variability and Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Emily and Amanda explore what it truly means to be neurodiversity-affirming in education. They discuss how recognizing and embracing learner variability leads to better outcomes for all students—not just neurodivergent learners.

Emily and Amanda are joined by Barbara Pape, Senior Director of Digital Promise’s Learner Variability Project. Barbara shares insights from her work, explaining how educators can shift their perspectives to see design challenges instead of student problems, and why considering the whole child—including cognitive, emotional, and social factors—is key to creating an inclusive learning environment.

Key topics include:

• What it means to create neurodiversity-affirming schools.

• The role of learner variability in understanding all students, not just those with diagnoses.

• How context matters in supporting students—different environments impact learning in unique ways.

• Why recognizing both strengths and challenges in students leads to better accommodations and learning strategies.

• How the Learner Variability Navigator provides evidence-based strategies for personalized learning.

Resources mentioned: 

• Learner Variability Navigator (Digital Promise)

• The End of Average by Todd Rose (on the concept of learner variability)

• Neurodiversity University Educator Hub: Join the Community

• Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported