Top 5 Hacks for a Neurospicy Classroom
I regularly ask teachers and parents what their best hacks are for helping neurodivergent students stay regulated and engaged — working with their ND brains, not against them.
Here are a few favourites that make everyday classroom life just a little smoother:
1. Crunchy Snacks for Transitions
Transitions are often the trickiest parts of the day — moving between lessons, after lunch, or shifting from play to focus. If your setting allows, offer (or suggest) a crunchy snack. It ticks three boxes at once: satisfies hunger, provides sensory input, and keeps hands and mouths busy during change.
2. Create a “Safe Space” for Regulation
When students feel overwhelmed, having a predictable, non-punitive place to go can make all the difference. A calm corner, beanbag, small tent or low-stimulation space gives them somewhere to breathe and reset. It’s not a “time out” — it’s a “time in,” a place where regulation comes before re-engagement.
3. The Power of Strewing
Many neurodivergent kids find direct instructions or demands overwhelming. “Strewing” — casually placing interesting materials, sensory items, or quiet activities where they’re visible — invites engagement without pressure. Out of sight is often out of mind, so visible, low-demand options encourage curiosity and independence.
4. Shoes Off for Comfort, Shoes On for Purpose
Our bodies and brains love cues. Putting on shoes can signal “it’s time to start” — a small but effective way to shift into focus or responsibility mode. But the reverse can also be true: for some students, shoes off equals safety and calm. Letting them remove their shoes when seated or working on the floor can help them feel grounded and comfortable. Whether it’s shoes on for purpose or off for comfort, the goal is self-awareness and regulation — not uniformity.
5. The Mission Chart
End-of-day routines can easily descend into chaos. Try turning pack-up time into a mini-mission. Create a simple “Mission Chart” with tasks like collect water bottle, tidy desk, pack homework folder, return borrowed items. Students tick off each mission as they go — building independence, predictability, and that satisfying sense of closure before heading home.