Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are changes made by your school or family to help reduce or remove challenges caused by your neurodivergent needs—especially around routine and change. You can ask for these adjustments. 

Managing Behaviour in School

Based on an article by Catrina Lowri

All children need boundaries to feel safe and supported. But when schools use very strict behaviour rules, they may punish neurodivergent pupils unfairly. 

This can explain why suspensions, exclusions, and attendance problems are more common for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) than for their neurotypical peers. 

Strict policies like “no excuses,” “zero tolerance,” or “warm strict” often don’t work well for neurodivergent pupils.

Who Are Neurodivergent Pupils?

Neurodivergent pupils may have: 

• Autism 

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 

• Dyslexia 

• Other learning or behavioural differences 

How Strict Behaviour Policies Can Cause Problems

Misunderstanding Behaviour

Teachers may misread behaviours. For example, a pupil with autism may stim (repeat movements or sounds) to cope. This might be seen as disruptive, even though it’s not. 

Inflexible Discipline

One-size-fits-all rules don’t work for everyone. Punishments like detention or suspension can make things worse for neurodivergent pupils. 

Pressure to Conform

Trying to fit in with standard behaviour rules can be hard. Pupils may feel left out or anxious. 

Sensory Overload

Some pupils are sensitive to noise, light, or touch. If schools don’t adjust for these needs, pupils may have meltdowns or shut down. 

Communication Challenges

Some pupils struggle to speak or explain their feelings. This can lead to unfair punishments if teachers don’t understand their needs. 

Lack of Support

Strict rules often don’t include the support pupils need. Schools may not have trained staff or personalised plans. 

Unfair Punishment

Neurodivergent pupils may be punished for behaviours linked to their condition. This can hurt their learning and social growth. 

Solutions: Inclusive Behaviour Management

Schools can help by using flexible and inclusive behaviour policies. This doesn’t mean lowering standards—it means supporting pupils in ways that work for them. 

What Schools Can Do:

• Train staff to understand neurodivergence 

• Create personalised behaviour plans 

• Make sensory-friendly spaces 

• Build a culture of acceptance and understanding 

These changes help neurodivergent pupils succeed in school and feel included. 

More info: Teachwire – Behaviour Management for Neurodiverse Children 

Examples of Reasonable Adjustments

Here are some ideas that might help: 

• Use different ways to communicate—like pictures, objects, or emails from teachers 

• Give clear timetables and reminders for things like physical education (PE) kits or art supplies 

• Help with understanding homework instructions and due dates 

• Give advance notice of changes—like supply teachers or classroom swaps 

• Offer sensory breaks after hard tasks 

• Provide a quiet room with calming tools 

• Allow use of sensory or stress-relief items in class or public places 

• Use noise-cancelling headphones in loud environments 

• Adjust uniform rules if needed 

• Offer support at health appointments—like extra time, quiet rooms, or early/late slots. These can be listed in a Hospital Passport