LEANS
The Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) programme is a free, downloadable, teacher-delivered curriculum (15–19-hour classroom delivery time) designed to educate primary school children (aged 8–11 years) about neurodiversity using a mix of hands-on activities, storytelling items, and other resources (Alcorn et al., 2022).
The neurodiversity framework is beneficial for teaching about neurodevelopmental differences, as it conceptualises information processing differences in the brain as part of natural human variation (Masataka, 2017). Neurodivergence is when these differences substantially diverge from the neurotypical (Walker, 2021). These differences underpin diagnostic labels such as autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia and more.
The LEANS programme highlights the experiences of neurodivergent pupils in the classroom and how people can be more understanding and accommodating of their own and others’ needs.
To read more, please follow the link: Short Report: LEANS
What topics does LEANS cover?
The LEANS curriculum is organised into seven units, each one covering 1-2 main topics.
| Unit | Main topics |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to neurodiversity | Neurodiversity concepts and terminology |
| 2. Learning and thinking differently | Variability of experiences with lessons and the physical school environment |
| 3. Communication and understanding | Communication modalities and situations; miscommunication |
| 4. Getting along together at school | Understanding needs vs. wants, conflicting needs; Offering and accepting help |
| 5. Is that fair? | Equality and equity-based concepts of fairness ; Applying fairness concepts to classroom supports, treatment at school |
| 6. Different ways to make a friendship | Friendship, relationships with classmates |
| 7. Neurodiversity in our classroom | Review, reflection, and planning toward the future |
LEANS Handbook
