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Every child learns differently. But for some children, especially those who are neurodivergent, the learning journey can feel like taking one step forward and three steps back. Whether it's trouble learning to read, write, count, or focus — recognising these early signs is the first step to helping them thrive.
Note:This article is for general informational purposes only and does not substitute professional diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support.
The term neurodivergent refers to people whose brains process information in a way that differs from what’s considered “typical.” It’s not a deficit — it’s simply a different way of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world.
“Neurodivergence reflects natural differences in how individuals think, feel, and experience the world. It’s not something to be ‘fixed’, but rather understood and supported in ways that affirm identity and promote wellbeing.”
— Dr. Dawn Adams, Space for Me Programme Study (2023)
Neurodivergent children include those with:
While these children may have specific learning disabilities, they also bring incredible strengths — creativity, unique problem-solving skills, and out-of-the-box thinking.
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that primarily affects reading and writing skills. It’s not linked to intelligence — in fact, many children with reading difficulty are bright and creative — but they process information differently.
Parents often spot signs of dyslexia in the early years of school, or even before. These signs may include:
Dyslexia often becomes more noticeable when children begin formal reading instruction, but the signs may appear earlier during play and language development.
Dyslexia primarily affects literacy, but the challenges can extend into other areas of learning, especially in traditional classroom settings. These can include:
While children with dyslexia may face hurdles in literacy, many show strong abilities in areas like problem-solving, storytelling, creativity, or hands-on learning. With early support and the right teaching methods, they can develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and how the brain works. Children may also have sensory disorders or difficulty with facial expressions, body language, or social cues.
Parents are often the first to notice that something feels different. Early signs of autism in young children may include:
These signs often begin to appear before the age of 3, though in some cases they may be identified later, especially in girls who might mask their symptoms. See a professional for a childhood autism spectrum test.
While not every child with ASD will have learning difficulties, many do encounter unique challenges in traditional learning environments. These can include:
Children with ADHD often have trouble paying attention, completing tasks, and managing impulses. They may also show poor handwriting or struggle with basic skills in structured environments.
ADHD presents differently in each child. Some may be hyperactive and impulsive, others may appear distracted or daydreamy — and many experience a combination of both.
ADHD can often be spotted in everyday routines. Some early signs include:
While it’s normal for young children to be active and impulsive, children with ADHD show these behaviours more often, and in ways that affect their daily life. See a professional for a childhood ADHD test.
Children with ADHD may struggle with more than just focus — it can impact how they learn, process information, and succeed in structured school settings. Common learning challenges include:
Despite these challenges, children with ADHD are often creative, energetic, and quick thinkers. With the right support — including routine, structure, and positive reinforcement — they can learn to manage their symptoms and succeed in school and beyond.
ADD is a subtype of ADHD, but without the hyperactivity. Children with ADD often fly under the radar because they’re not disruptive — instead, they may appear quiet, distracted, or disinterested. While they may seem calm on the outside, their minds are often wandering, making it hard to stay focused and absorb information.
Because ADD symptoms can be subtle, they’re sometimes mistaken for shyness, laziness, or simply being “dreamy.” Some signs to watch for include:
These behaviours can show up early in school life, but are sometimes not recognised until academic demands increase in later years.
Children with ADD may face significant challenges in learning — not because they lack ability, but because attention and memory are deeply connected to learning success. Common difficulties include:
Despite these challenges, children with ADD are often deep thinkers, imaginative, and capable of great insight. With the right strategies — like breaking tasks into chunks, using visual reminders, and offering plenty of encouragement — they can stay engaged and build strong learning habits.
Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects a child’s ability to understand numbers and mathematical concepts. Sometimes referred to as “maths dyslexia,” it impacts more than just arithmetic — it can influence everyday tasks like telling time, handling money, or measuring ingredients.
Children with dyscalculia often have average or above-average intelligence, but struggle with numbers in ways that don’t match their abilities in other subjects.
Many children find maths tricky, but ongoing struggles with basic number skills may be a red flag. Look for these early signs:
These challenges often become more noticeable in the early years of school when children begin learning basic numeracy skills.
Dyscalculia can affect learning in both obvious and subtle ways. While it’s centred around maths, it may also influence memory, logic, and confidence in learning. Common difficulties include:
Children with dyscalculia may feel discouraged when their efforts don’t match their results. But with targeted support, visual learning tools, and lots of encouragement, they can gain confidence and develop practical strategies to manage everyday maths.
Dysgraphia is a learning disability affects fine motor skills, handwriting, and written expression. Children with dysgraphia often know what they want to say but struggle to physically get the words out in writing. It can make schoolwork frustrating and affect confidence, especially as writing demands increase with age.
Signs of dysgraphia can show up early, especially when children begin to write more frequently at school. Here’s what to look for:
While many kids have messy handwriting at first, children with dysgraphia often don’t improve with practice alone and may show ongoing struggles despite support.
Because writing is used across all subjects, dysgraphia can impact learning in many ways — even in subjects that don’t seem writing-heavy. Common challenges include:
Children with dysgraphia are often bright thinkers with lots of ideas — they just need support to bridge the gap between what they’re thinking and what they’re able to write down. With early recognition, assistive technology, and writing strategies, they can still express themselves fully and succeed in school.
Not all neurodivergent children show clear-cut signs of a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia, ADHD, or autism. In fact, some children display early traits that are more subtle or harder to categorise. These behaviours may raise questions for parents long before a diagnosis is ever considered.
Some children don’t fit neatly into a diagnosis but may still show:
Without intervention, mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can develop. A trained professional can assess your child’s needs and identify mental disorders or intellectual disabilities if present. When caught early, neurodivergent children can access tailored support — both at school and at home — to help them succeed in ways that suit their learning style.
Don’t wait for things to “get better on their own.” Trust your instincts as a parent. If you sense your child is struggling, speak up and seek guidance.
You don’t need to be a teacher to advocate for your child’s learning needs. In fact, parents play a vital role in shaping their child's school experience. Here's how to partner effectively with educators:
Let your child’s teacher know about your concerns. They may be able to observe your child in the classroom and offer insights. Teachers can also refer students for learning assessments or additional support.
Assessments can provide a clearer picture of your child’s strengths and challenges. In Australia, this may involve speech pathologists, psychologists, or learning specialists.
With a diagnosis or assessment in hand, schools can develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) tailored to your child’s needs. This may include:
Tutors experienced with neurodivergent learners can work wonders. They offer patient, personalised guidance, and often use multi-sensory techniques that resonate with the way neurodivergent kids process information.
Whether your child shows signs of neurodivergence or not, building a home environment that embraces different ways of thinking, feeling, and learning benefits every child.
Parents who practice non-judgemental awareness, manage emotional reactivity, and embrace both themselves and their child through mindful parenting can foster a more harmonious, neurodivergent-inclusive environment at home. This approach aligns with research on neurodiversity-affirming practices and can significantly support your child’s wellbeing (Cherewick, 2023).
You don’t need a diagnosis to begin creating a supportive space.
Home should be a safe space for learning and emotional support. Here are some practical strategies:
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed — navigating learning challenges can be emotional and confusing. But help is out there. From school support teams to allied health professionals, you're not expected to figure it all out alone.
Connecting with other parents of neurodiverse children can also be incredibly helpful. Sharing experiences, resources, and wins (big or small) creates a strong support network.
Add community support website links in Australia please
Your child deserves support that’s built around how they learn—not how they’re expected to learn.
Start with a free assessment, and we’ll show you how Kinetic Education can help your child with autism grow in confidence and self-belief—at their own pace.
NAPLAN is a standardised assessment that all Australian students must sit in grades 3, 5, 7 and 9. The assessment is designed to provide data to the Australian government on how students are progressing in relation to the Australian curriculum.
Do you personally dread and feel unmotivated to motivate your child to study? Parents, you're not alone. A report published by the Grattan Institute found that 40% of Australian school children are completely disengaged from learning.
Just 20 years ago, if someone told us that children would be learning from tiny screens — or, better yet, that adults would rely on online learning, we’d all probably glance at that person with suspicion and scepticism.
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