Understanding the Needs of Diverse Learners

Key Takeaways

• Millions of students in schools today have varying learning needs related to cross-cultural challenges, learning progress, neurodivergence, and disability.

• These students often underperform compared to their peers. But with proper support, they are fully capable of meeting standards and excelling in the classroom.  

• Professional development is one of the most important tools for empowering educators to support diverse learners.  

Today’s classrooms are becoming increasingly inclusive environments for students of all abilities and circumstances. Research, experience, and the dedication of education professionals have made it possible for students of varying skills, disabilities, and neurodiverse conditions to be more successful than ever in general education settings.

However, empowering educators with the skills and knowledge to engage diverse learners takes training. Professional development is an essential resource, and courses like ADHD Unmasked: Recognizing and Reshaping Girls' Learning Experiences provide in-depth insights for common situations teachers will encounter.

So who are the diverse learners in your classroom, and how can you turn their needs into incredible educational opportunities? Here’s an overview of what to expect and how to help them be successful

What is a Diverse Learner?

“Diverse learner” is a broad term that encompasses students whose cognitive, developmental, physical, or cultural needs differ from existing educational expectations. Differences may arise from neurodiversity, sensory processing patterns, or cross-cultural barriers such as language proficiency.  

Importantly, these differences are not necessarily learning deficits.  

Example: A student who speaks English as a second language may experience challenges that impact classroom performance—but that doesn’t mean they have a learning disability.  

Fact: When appropriately supported, diverse learners often demonstrate creativity, resilience, and deep engagement that is on par with, or exceeds, their peers.  

Types of Diverse Learners

Diverse learners educators may encounter in their classroom include:

• Cross-cultural. These students may struggle with language proficiency or have differing social and cultural expectations.  

• Neurodiverse. ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, and many other conditions can have varying impacts on how young people learn, socialize, and develop.

• Socioeconomic. 16% of students live in poverty, and its effects directly translate to lower test scores and lost opportunities.  

• Gifted. Yes! Students who are gifted may suffer from being easily distracted, bored, or struggle with perfectionism that results in behavioral and performance issues.  

What Does My Student Need?

Every student’s needs are different, but there are also best practices and strategies for many common diverse learning challenges.  

ADHD

11 million children ages 3-17 are diagnosed with ADHD, but awareness is on the rise. A recent study indicated that 25% of adults suspect they are undiagnosed, and biases related to gender and presentation often result in young children flying under the radar.  

Children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may struggle with attention regulation, impulsivity, time management, and executive functioning. These challenges are frequently misinterpreted as a lack of effort or discipline, but with proper support, these students can excel.  

Effective strategies for supporting diverse learners with ADHD include:

• Clear routines paired with flexibility

• Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps

• Opportunities for movement and active learning

• Strength-based feedback and positive reinforcement

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder represents a wide range of communication styles, sensory experiences, and social preferences.  

Diverse learners with ASD may have heightened sensory sensitivities, difficulty with transitions, or differences in social interaction, while also showing strong attention to detail, memory, or specialized interests.

Supportive practices for students with ASD can include:

• Predictable schedules and visual supports

• Sensory-aware classrooms

• Direct and respectful communication

• Acceptance of diverse communication and social styles

Viewing autism through a neurodiversity lens allows educators to create environments where autistic learners feel respected and capable.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that primarily affects reading, spelling, and decoding skills. Children and adolescents with dyslexia are often highly intelligent and creative, yet may experience frustration or low self-esteem when traditional literacy instruction does not meet their needs.

Support for diverse learners with dyslexia includes:

• Structured literacy and multisensory instruction

• Access to audiobooks and assistive technology

• Extended time for reading and written tasks

• Emphasis on strengths such as verbal reasoning and creativity

Early identification and appropriate intervention are key to helping students with dyslexia build confidence and academic success.

Hypersensitivity and Sensory Processing Disorders

Some diverse learners experience hypersensitivity to sensory input, such as sound, light, textures, or movement. These sensory processing differences can significantly impact concentration, emotional regulation, and participation in learning activities.

Helpful strategies include:

• Open communication with the student to identify challenging sources of sensory input

• Sensory-friendly spaces and quiet areas

• Flexible seating or sensory tools

• Reduced sensory overload when possible

• Teaching self-regulation and coping strategies

Recognizing sensory needs helps prevent mislabeling behaviors as defiance or inattention, fostering a more compassionate learning environment.

Cross-Cultural Learners

Of the approximately 50 million K-12 students in America, more than half are members of racial or ethnic minorities. 10.6% are English learners (EL), and all of these factors can result in students underperforming compared to their peers.  

Teachers can support cross-cultural learners through:

• Providing materials in appropriate languages

• Introducing culturally relevant curriculum topics

• Supporting families with institutional resources

• Promoting dialogue and proactive support

Teaching to All of Your Students

By embracing children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, hypersensitivity disorders, and cross-cultural barriers, educators don’t just help all their students succeed. Better, more inclusive strategies benefit all students by promoting deeper social connections and introducing new learning opportunities.  

Premiere is committed to helping educators in all roles foster more inclusive classrooms and successfully engage with diverse learners. Courses like Understanding Neurodivergence in the Classroom: Practical Tools for Support and Inclusion deliver concrete strategies for creating educational environments in which everyone can thrive and grow.

All of Premiere’s award-winning courses are created by industry experts and empower educators to develop their careers while meeting their professional obligations.  

FAQs

What are some different teaching strategies for diverse learners?

Depending on the student’s needs, educators can offer multi-language materials, present affirming or inclusive policies, offer sensory-friendly resources, and create a classroom structure that supports routines.

What are the characteristics of diverse learners?

Diverse learners include students with learning disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, and cross-cultural differences that impact their ability to participate in a rigid curriculum.  

What does supporting diverse learners mean?

Educators should take a proactive approach to creating inclusive classroom environments for diverse learners. Professional development is one of the most important resources teachers and administrators have for identifying and supporting these students.