2e & Strength-Based Teaching

Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) is a research-informed educational programme developed by the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh. Launched in response to the growing recognition of neurodiversity within mainstream education, LEANS aims to foster greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity for neurodivergent pupils — those who may think, learn or communicate in ways that differ from the majority.​ Personalising literacy to m

New Zealand’s Budget 2025 promises a transformative boost to learning support, with headlines touting $2.5 billion in education spending over four years and major investments in additional learning needs, teacher aides, early intervention, and specialist provision. At first glance, this seems a watershed moment— more teacher aide hours, expanded early intervention, and increased operational grants for schools. However, a closer reading exposes both strengths and substantive g

Insights from Recent Research Twice-exceptional (2e) students are those who possess significant academic talents alongside neurodevelopmental challenges such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Supporting this unique population requires an approach that goes beyond conventional gifted or special education frameworks. A major recent study led by scholars at the University of Connecticut synthesised data from interviews, surveys, and case studies of academically talented student

A 2024 article from ADDitude Magazine, “Unlocking Achievement in Students with Dyslexia and ADHD” by Dr Mark Bertin, provides an accessible summary of how structured literacy approaches benefit students with ADHD in addition to those with dyslexia (Bertin, 2024). Article Summary Bertin (2024) explains that learning to read is uniquely challenging for many children with dyslexia and for those with ADHD. Structured literacy—characterised by explicit, systematic, and multisensor

A notable 2025 article, “‘Beyond the Stereotype’: Neurodivergent Students’ Experience and Peer and Teacher Understanding of Neurodiversity in a Mainstream Girls’ School” by Milner, Mohamed, and Happé, explores the lived experiences of neurodivergent students and how schools can better support and understand them (Milner et al., 2025). Article Summary This mixed-methods UK study surveyed and interviewed students and teachers in a mainstream school, focusing on neurodivergent s

Supporting children who struggle with reading, writing, or spelling—especially those who are neurodivergent or learning English as an additional language—can feel overwhelming. With so much new research emerging, it’s important to understand not only what each study says but how these findings fit together to shape effective teaching and tutoring practices. In this post, we’ll explore the key insights from the latest research on structured literacy and neurodiversity, highlig