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At The Big Picture, we’ve always believed that great education starts with understanding. And right now, one of the most important shifts happening in classrooms around the world is the growing awareness of neurodiversity — and what it means for students, teachers, and school leaders.

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Neurodivergence Isn’t Rare — It’s Reality

Neurodivergence refers to differences in how the brain works — including conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more. These aren’t "deficits" — they’re simply variations in how people learn, process, and interact with the world. And they’re more common than many realise:

• Autism: Approximately 1 in 100 children worldwide [Source: World Health Organization (WHO)]
• ADHD: Around 8% of children and adolescents globally. [Source: Ayano et al., 2023 - PubMed]
• Dyslexia: Estimated to affect 10% of the global population. [Source: PMC Journal Article on Dyslexia]
• Dyspraxia: Each affects around 5–6% of children worldwide [Source: StatPearls, NCBI]
• Dyscalculia: Estimated to affect 5% to 10% of school-aged children. [Source: ScienceDirect Article]

This means that in every single classroom, there are neurodivergent learners — whether diagnosed or not. They’re bright, capable, creative, and full of potential. But too often, the systems and tools around them haven’t caught up.

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One Size Never Fits All

Most schools are doing their best — but traditional classroom models still struggle to meet the needs of students whose brains work differently. Neurodivergent learners may need:

• More visual or interactive content
• Flexibility in how they demonstrate understanding
• Support for executive functioning (like organisation, planning, or focus)
• Sensory-friendly environments
• And most importantly — a system that sees and supports who they are
And that’s where technology, used with purpose, comes in.

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Technology as a Bridge, Not a Barrier

When thoughtfully implemented, technology can help break down the invisible barriers that neurodivergent students often face.
Tools like interactive displays, student-paced lesson software, and real-time collaboration platforms can give students more control, more clarity, and more ways to engage. When used through a framework like Universal Design for Learning (UDL), these tools don’t just help neurodivergent students — they create better learning for everyone.
But here’s the catch: it’s not about having the latest gear. It’s about using it right — backed by evidence, supported by training, and guided by understanding.

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Let’s Make Sure Every Kid Feels Like They Belong

At The Big Picture Group, this work is personal. For our Boss and CEO, Mark (The Bearded Tech) Skehan, understanding neurodivergence isn’t just professional — it’s part of his everyday life. As a proud husband and dad to neurodivergent loved ones, he’s seen firsthand the difference that the right support — and the right technology — can make.
We’re committed to helping schools use technology with purpose — to support every learner, in every way they learn. If you’re ready to explore how inclusive tools and smart strategies can transform your classrooms, we’re here to help.

Keen to chat? Let’s make it happen..