Did you know that having a classroom where students feel seen, heard, and valued is critical to the success of neurodivergent students? When connections are developed in the classroom, neurodivergent students feel psychologically safe, enabling them to participate fully, ask for support, and take risks to learn and grow.

What does it mean to “Develop Connection”? It means intentionally creating a culture of belonging where students feel valued and understood. When connections are built intentionally, students are more likely to engage in the learning process joyfully. Connection in the classroom can lead to increased motivation and engagement and, ultimately, academic success. 

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Developing connection relies on a mindset of curiosity about all students, but especially those who are neurodivergent. Educators who prioritize connection:

• Support students through a neurodiversity-affirming lens 

• Are curious and try new strategies 

• Are mindful about their approachability

• Center student interest & identity

Teachers can start by asking themselves, “How does this kid’s battery work? What charges them up? What drains them? What sustains them?” There are many potential strategies to develop connection with students that can be adapted to meet developmental needs at every grade level. Examples include attending school-wide activities to get to know students outside of the academic environment; modeling mistake-making so students know that mistakes are a natural part of learning and growing; intentionally getting to know students using purposeful activities; and creating time for check-ins with struggling students to connect authentically and positively.

Connection-building strengthens trust and belonging at every stage. Neurodiversity-affirming connections are developed by fostering curiosity and understanding, encouraging honest conversations, nurturing peer relationships, and creating welcoming spaces for all learners. By developing connections with their students, educators lay the groundwork for joyful learning, mutual respect, and authentic engagement in the classroom—making it a place where everyone thrives.