Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS): Building Understanding from the Ground Up

Kathryn Gibb
19 hours ago
2 min read

Imagine being eight years old and trying to make sense of why some classmates learn differently, communicate differently, or react differently to noise and change. For many children, these differences can feel confusing—and sometimes lead to misunderstanding or exclusion. That’s where the LEANS programme comes in.

What Is LEANS?

LEANS stands for Learning About Neurodiversity at School, a free, teacher-led programme designed for mainstream primary schools. It introduces pupils aged 8–11 years to the concept of neurodiversity and explores how it shapes our experiences in school. Developed by the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh, LEANS is all about creating classrooms where differences aren’t just tolerated—they’re understood and respected.

Why Does It Matter?

Neurodiversity includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s syndrome, and more. Many neurodivergent pupils face challenges in school—not just because of their differences, but because of a lack of understanding from peers and adults. LEANS tackles this head-on by:

Teaching what neurodiversity means in child-friendly language.
Encouraging empathy and inclusion through stories and activities.
Promoting positive attitudes so pupils see differences as part of human diversity, not as problems to fix.

What’s Inside the LEANS Resource Pack?

LEANS isn’t a one-off lesson—it’s a multi-session curriculum designed to run over a school term (about 15–19 hours total). It includes:

Seven topic units, covering themes like fairness, friendship, communication, and classroom experiences.
Hands-on activities and reflective discussions.
Explainer videos to introduce tricky concepts in a fun, accessible way.
Stories about a fictional neurodiverse classroom, helping pupils see different perspectives without putting real classmates on the spot.
A Teacher Handbook, which acts as a training guide and lesson planner rolled into one.

The Big Goals

LEANS is built around three simple aims:

KNOW: Increase knowledge of neurodiversity terms and ideas.
THINK: Develop positive attitudes toward neurodivergent peers.
DO: Encourage inclusive actions in everyday school life. [seslip.co.uk ]

Why Educational Psychology Services for Schools Loves It

LEANS is practical, evidence-based, and free. It gives teachers everything they need to start meaningful conversations about neurodiversity—and it does so in a way that feels engaging for pupils. By normalizing differences early, we’re laying the foundation for more inclusive schools and communities.

How to Get Started

You can download the LEANS resource pack for free from the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre website and start planning your sessions today. Whether you’re a teacher, SENCO, or school leader, this is a brilliant way to make inclusion more than just a buzzword.