What Neurodivergent Learners Actually Need

What Neurodivergent Learners Actually Need

From Enlightening Motherhood by Emily Hamblin & Ashley Schultz

March 2, 2026 · 43 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the foundational needs of neurodivergent learners and how to support them in educational settings.

"If all of their energy is spent trying to stay still in a seat, it makes sense that they might not be able to use energy to listen." - Dr. Emily King What does a neurodivergent learner actually need in order to learn? In this episode, host Emily Hamblin and Dr. Emily King break down the five foundational needs every neurodivergent child must have met before real learning can happen — and how parents and teachers can make it work in any setting. In this episode you'll learn: The 5 needs of neurodivergent learners: sensory, relationship, pacing, interest, and strategy How to manage multiple learners with different needs The truth about motivation and how to use rewards without creating dependence Connect with Emily Hamblin: https://instagram.com/emilyhamblincoaching Connect with Dr. Emily King: https://learnwithemily.substack.com

People in this episode

Host: Emily Hamblin

Guest: Dr. Emily King

Topics covered

  • neurodivergent learners
  • educational needs
  • parenting strategies
  • teaching methods
  • motivation

Keywords

  • neurodivergent
  • learning needs
  • sensory
  • motivation
  • education
  • parenting
  • teaching

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