After being diagnosed with ADHD three years ago, I embarked on a journey to better understand how my brain works.
This path included coaching, therapy, a neurodiversity coaching certification course, and a lot of reading—something I had to work hard to do.
As a teacher, this personal journey has inspired me to work harder to understand my students with ADHD and unlock deeper connections with them.
As part of my own learning, I became interested with how different body language can be for neurodiverse people and how easily it can be misinterpreted.
Why?
Growing up, I found it incredibly difficult to look people in the eye, which was often misinterpreted as rudeness. This was upsetting because I just couldn’t do it (I really couldn’t understand why).
Did you know that studies show communication is 55% body language, 38% vocal tone, and only 7% the actual words themselves? (Benbenishty & Hannink, 2015).
Understanding Non Verbal Communication is especially important for students with Neurodiversity, who may perceive and express themselves differently.
Here are some strategies that helped me better understand my neurodiverse students:
Active Listening: During those quiet moments in the day, pay close attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues. Is a student tapping their foot? This could be a sign of focus, not impatience.
Build Rapport: Invest time in getting to know your students and observe them over time. What are their typical communication styles?
Open-Mindedness: Try not to misinterpret! Consider alternative explanations for nonverbal cues. A student looking down might be processing information, not disinterested.
For a long time, neurodiverse students—including myself—were misunderstood. Let’s start listening to what they have to say, not just through words but also through body language.
Please reach out if this blog resonates with you!
Readings that informed this post
Benbenishty, J. S., & Hannink, J. R. (2015). Non-verbal communication to restore patient–provider trust. Intensive care medicine, 41, 1359-1360.