Supporting neurodiverse learners at home: a personalised approach to education
When I first began working with home-educating families, I was struck by how many parents described the decision as both daunting and deeply necessary. For those raising neurodiverse children, the choice often stems from a desire to prioritise wellbeing—after witnessing their child struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, or a lack of understanding in school settings.
Again and again, I’ve heard stories of families stepping away from the traditional classroom not because they had planned to, but because they knew their child needed something different—and more supportive—to truly thrive.
It’s something I relate to personally. I struggled with dyslexia throughout my own childhood. School was often frustrating and exhausting. I knew I wasn’t “stupid,” but I constantly felt behind. That experience has never left me. It’s one of the reasons I became a teacher, and why I now work to support children whose learning paths don’t fit neatly into traditional systems.
Why home education matters for neurodivergent children
In my years as a teacher, I’ve seen countless students wrestle with the same challenges I faced—bright, capable children who just needed things presented in a different way. Simple adaptations like noise-cancelling headphones, movement breaks, or distraction-free workspaces can make a remarkable difference. But more than anything else, what transforms a child’s learning experience is individual adult time and attention.
That one-to-one connection—someone who listens, adapts, and believes in them—can unlock learning in a way no worksheet or programme ever could.
For neurodiverse learners—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or sensory processing differences—home education can offer the freedom to build that kind of personalised support into everyday life.
It’s estimated that around 15–20% of UK children and young people are neurodivergent, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Autism diagnoses affect about 2% of UK children, while ADHD is estimated at 5%. Dyslexia affects roughly 10% of the population. In England, over 1.7 million pupils now receive SEN support, with 5.3% holding an EHC plan.
Behind those figures are real children—many of whom thrive best in environments where flexibility, calm, and compassion are the norm.
Creating a calm, supportive learning space
For neurodiverse children, the learning environment makes all the difference. Many families find that creating a calm, structured space at home helps reduce anxiety and increase focus.
One family I work with set up a sensory-friendly “quiet corner” filled with soft lighting, cushions, and noise-cancelling headphones. Another created a visual timetable with plenty of movement breaks to help their child with ADHD transition smoothly between activities.
These changes don’t require a huge investment—just observation, trial and error, and a willingness to listen to what your child responds to. Simple adaptations like using fidget tools, switching between standing and seated work, or learning through play can transform the learning experience.
When to consider outside support
Home education offers incredible freedom—but that freedom can also come with pressure. Parents often tell me they feel like they’re trying to be a teacher, SENCO, and emotional coach all at once. And while many do an incredible job, it’s okay to acknowledge when a little help could make things easier.
That’s where one-to-one support can be a game-changer. At Battersea House, we work with home-educating families to provide calm, flexible online tutoring that supports neurodiverse learners in a way that’s respectful and tailored.
Whether a child is working toward GCSEs or just finding their confidence with reading or numeracy, our tutors adapt to their needs—offering clear routines, gentle encouragement, and teaching methods designed with additional needs in mind.
Strategies that make a difference
Our tutors often begin sessions with a calming, familiar activity to help learners settle in. For a child with autism, that might be a visual starter or a short breathing exercise. A dyslexic learner might benefit from coloured overlays, read-aloud tools, or using a tablet for writing tasks. ADHD learners often do best with short, high-energy tasks, built-in movement breaks, and a clear checklist of what to expect.
What all these approaches have in common is personalisation. There’s no single “right” way to learn—but there is always a better way for your child.
You’re not alone
Choosing home education—especially for a child with additional needs—can feel isolating at times. But you are far from alone.
There is a growing community of UK families navigating the same path. Local groups, online forums, and networks like The Home Ed Daily provide a space for connection, encouragement, and shared ideas.
And whether you’re just starting out or several years into your journey, it’s okay to seek support. You know your child best—and with the right tools, they can thrive in ways that truly reflect their strengths.
Interested in learning more about one-to-one online tutoring for neurodiverse home learners?
Visit Battersea House to explore how personalised, compassionate support can fit into your home education journey.
About the author
Patrick Mahon is the founder of Battersea House, an online tutoring platform that supports home-educated students across the UK. Having struggled with dyslexia as a child, Patrick knows first-hand how important personalised support can be. As a teacher and former school leader, he has seen students face challenges every day—and is passionate about helping each child find a way of learning that works for them, especially those who thrive outside traditional classrooms.
