Neurodiversity Assisted Learning School

Dr. Greg Pienaar • 30 September 2022

What does assisted learning mean?

The child will still follow a mainstream curriculum, but will be assisted in the following ways:

1.   The manner of the teaching of a lesson.

2.   The experience or qualifications of the teacher.

3.   Accommodations or concessions: Reader, scribe, extra time, prompt, devices – apps.

 

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is an approach to learning and disability that argues that diverse neurological conditions are the result of normal variations in the human genome. Neurological differences should be recognized and respected as a social category on a par with gender, or sexual orientation. Neurological variations are a vital part of humanity, as much as variations in size, shape, skin colour, and personality. Should we tell a person with limited learning potential that there is no place for them in this world? Should we tell a person with strong learning potential that there is no place for them?

 

What process is followed to identify an appropriate learner for a learning-assisted environment?

Extensive evaluation by an Educational Psychologist in order to identify:

1.   Learning potential.

2.   Barriers to learning.

3.   Possible areas of intervention for the learner.

Interview with parents in order to discover their journey to date.

Visitation of a number of days at our school to establish social interaction, emotional development, behaviour/coping development.

Feedback to the parents and child.

A diagram showing the different types of autism

Neurodiversity in the school environment

By following a Neurodiverse approach at our school, our students with learning and thinking differences benefit greatly. Our goal is to ensure that our approach will allow for an individual style, rather than trying to fit the child into another person’s style. It is therefore a massive part of our educational approach that we eliminate or at least reduce greatly, the outdated stigmas and perceptions around learning and thinking differences.

 

What is the difference between a learning-assisted environment and a strictly remedial environment?

A remedial environment may include a facilitator.

A remedial environment could include a change in curriculum.

A learning-assisted environment does not include facilitators.

A learning-assisted environment always follows a mainstream curriculum: Caps, IEB, etc.

 

The rainbow infinity symbol, which denotes neurodiversity

A rainbow colored infinity symbol on a white background
by Tashka (Tash) Munisamy 25 August 2025
Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises and respects neurological differences—such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations—as natural forms of human diversity. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, the neurodiversity paradigm promotes inclusion, understanding, and tailored support to help each learner thrive. In a school context, this means shifting from a “one-size-fits-all” model to a flexible, responsive approach that honours individual learning styles, communication needs, and emotional development. At The Bridge School, we believe in embracing the diversity of every learner’s potential through a neurodiverse educational philosophy. Our approach includes customised learning paths that adapt teaching methods to suit individual strengths and challenges. We foster a safe, nurturing environment where students feel valued and supported, ensuring their academic, emotional, and social growth. Our dedicated team of experienced teachers and therapists works collaboratively to meet each student’s unique needs. With a multidisciplinary team—including specialist teachers, speech and occupational therapists, and educational psychologists—we offer integrated classroom support and holistic development. We are proud to launch our very first Neurodiversity Summit—a pioneering initiative aimed at equipping educators with practical, sustainable strategies for supporting neurodiverse learners. This event served as a platform for experts in the neurodiversity space to share insights, tools, and approaches to managing emotional and behavioural challenges in inclusive classroom settings. Our goal is to create greater awareness of neurodiverse learners and highlight the innovative work happening at The Bridge School. The summit featured four dynamic presentations: DIR Floortime South Africa unpacked the DIR model, sensory processing needs, and practical ways to support transitions using relationship-based interventions. A Parent Perspective will provide a heartfelt account of the importance of communication and collaboration between parents and educators in supporting neurodiverse learners. Tash Munisamy, Lead Occupational Therapist at The Bridge School, shared practical tips on emotional and behavioural management from a regulation-based perspective—including strategies for educators to enhance their own self-regulation. Katlego Mantsho & Tandzile Makobe, Speech Therapists at The Bridge School, provided hands-on behavioural management strategies grounded in communication development. With a vision to build a vibrant, supportive community, this summit delivered in it’s promise to be colourful, engaging, and deeply practical—knowledge was shared, collaboration was fostered, and inclusion was celebrated.  Key Features of The Bridge School: - Personalised Learning Plans - Continuous Evaluation - Inclusive Culture
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