Apps for Neurodivergent Students
The term neurodiversity was coined by autistic sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s. It refers to variations in the human brain that impact mental functions like moods, socialization, learning, and attention span. Neurodiversity recognizes that neurological differences are not negative traits, but still acknowledges the reality of the challenges they present.
Neurodiversity refers to a difference, not a deficit. Words matter, and this definition aims to empower neurodivergent individuals. Many disabilities and disorders fall in the neurodivergent category, including autism, attention deficit disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
This article discusses apps for neurodivergent students, but these tools can help any learner. The programs help individuals stay focused and on task, avoid overstimulation, and take notes. While these tools should not replace medical or psychological assistance, they may make a difference in day-to-day school or work life. Fortunately, many schools provide accommodations and other resources for neurodivergent people, and these apps should not replace them.
Apps for Task Management
Individuals living with executive dysfunction experience difficulty staying focused, remembering information, and multitasking. Task management requires all of these skills. However, people with executive dysfunction can still meet goals with extra effort and a little help. The apps listed below offer a great place for neurodivergent students to start.
Todoist
Todoist is a simple yet effective app that lets you create, manage, and organize to-do lists. The app’s intuitive interface makes it quick and easy to capture thoughts and ideas, and powerful sort-tasking features help you track deadlines and filter out non-essential list items so you stay focused and on-task. More than 50 million people use Todoist, and you have the option of sticking with a free version of the app for good or upgrading to a low-cost paid plan for access to upgraded features.Cold Turkey
Both neurodivergent and neurotypical can be prone to online distractions, and Cold Turkey offers a powerful solution for staying focused. This website, game, and app blocker lets you lock out the digital noise that can draw you off-task; however, unlike many similar apps, it is virtually impossible to bypass the blocks you place on distraction sources. You can set customized blocking timers and schedule breaks to reward yourself, and the app’s one-time purchase model eliminates subscription fees.Habitica
Out of all of the apps for neurodivergent students, this one certainly stands out in terms of creativity. Habitica turns goal pursuit into a game. The user interface even looks like a video game. As you check daily to-dos off your list, you unlock fun things like pets, quests, and tools.Tiimo
Visual learners, or anyone who appreciates graphics, may love Tiimo. This visual daily planner helps users keep a routine, stay organized, and meet goals. It helps users time-block their days and remember the current tasks they want to accomplish. Tiimo features timers for activities like eating, studying, and working out.
Apps for Overstimulation
People who experience overstimulation may feel overwhelmed by stimuli like loud noises, busy scenery, or physical touch. These stimuli likely act as barriers to meeting goals. While not always possible to remove the distractions, the apps for neurodivergent students below may help in coping with them.
Headspace
Meditation can help relieve overstimulation. But finding inner calm sometimes seems easier said than done. Headspace offers guided meditations to reduce stress, wind down, and even fall asleep. The app also features calming sounds to play while studying. Beginner and experienced meditators alike can benefit from this app.The Miracle Modus
Individuals can download The Miracle Modus from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The program varies from other apps for neurodivergent learners and overstimulated individuals. Rather than calming users with sound alone, The Miracle Modus also features calming visual images. When users open the app, mathematically patterned rainbow lights appear, and bells chime to encourage a hypnotic state rather than an overstimulated state.Emergency Chat
In some cases, overstimulation may impact a person’s ability to communicate verbally. Individuals who need to seek help but can not speak during a panic attack or other event can download Emergency Chat. The app allows users to hand their phone to a person and use the app to communicate over chat.
Apps for Studying and Note-Taking
Succeeding in lecture-based college courses often requires note-taking, but this can be harder for some students. Luckily, some apps for neurodivergent students help with note-taking.
NaturalReader
NaturalReader does the opposite of voice-to-text apps. Simply upload the required school reading in Word, PDF, e-book, or PowerPoint format, and the app will read it aloud to you. People who experience difficulty sitting still can go on a walk or do chores while they absorb information.MindMeister
Mind mapping refers to creating diagrams that visually outline information. While some people enjoy mind mapping with pen and paper, MindMeister makes it easy to mind map digitally. The program functions on nearly any operating system. As a web-based tool, it does not require updates. Users may access their mind maps from multiple devices.OpenDyslexic
This open-sourced typeface may increase text readability for dyslexic learners. The heavier weight at the bottom of the letters indicates direction. Individuals can use OpenDyslexic in unison with other resources for neurodivergent students. For example, consider using Natural Reader to review notes typed in the OpenDyslexic font.
Apps for Daily Tasks
Neurodivergence can impact many areas of your life, not just academics. Going to bed on time, waking up on time, and remembering to eat do not necessarily come naturally to everyone. However, simple self-care acts can play a big role in a student’s ability to learn. See below for two apps that assist with daily tasks.
I Can’t Wake Up
Many individuals manage to sleep in through numerous alarm clocks, but I Can’t Wake Up makes that challenging. This alarm clock takes it to the next level by requiring you to complete wake-up tasks. The alarm only shuts off after completing math, memory, and order questions. The app also offers the choice to play music during a snooze session to prevent you from falling back asleep.Transit
For those who struggle with time management, especially when it comes to commuting, Transit may help. The app works in more than 200 metropolitan cities worldwide. Transit notifies users about real-time transit information, like busy lines or slowdowns. Avoid walking into class late or missing an important meeting with Transit.
Apps for Dating
Neurodivergent people sometimes prefer to forge social and romantic connections with others who share or understand their conditions. Luckily, there are neurodivergent dating apps for exactly these types of situations. Try your luck and have some fun with these three options:
Atypikoo
This social networking platform specifically caters to people who self-identify as atypical. Atypikoo is more than just a neurodivergent dating app: It also helps neurodiverse people form friendships and build professional networks. You can also use the app to understand yourself better, as Atypikoo supports a series of self-assessment tests that help you identify emotional intelligence, sensitivity, intellectually gifted, and neurodivergence traits you may possess.Hiki
Hiki caters specifically to people on the autism spectrum, people with ADHD, and people with other neurodivergent characteristics. It offers three social connection channels: one for dating, one for friendship, and one for community connections. This mission-focused neurodivergent dating app includes unique filters and tools for initiating and managing different types of social connections, giving users self-guided control over their experience.Mattr
This site allows Wisconsin students to explore school standards, resources, and programs in the state. It can benefit current high school students beginning to consider their college education.
Additional Resources
Your School’s Disability or Accessibility Office
Most accredited institutions hire full-time staff to work in a disability and accessibility office. These offices facilitate testing accommodations and offer many resources for neurodivergent learners, such as tutoring.
College students should also familiarize themselves with their rights on campus. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires schools to provide reasonable accomodations for students with disabilities.
Student Support Groups
Check with your campus to learn whether a student club or support group exists to provide resources for neurodivergent students. If your campus does not already host a group, consider creating one. Online discussion boards or Facebook groups also bring together individuals to share tips and tricks for success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neurodiversity
Neurodivergent refers to conditions that cause differences in brain functions. Some common disorders and disabilities fall into the neurodivergent categories, like dyslexia and autism.
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