Originally Published March 2026
Types of neurodivergence can show up in ways that are confusing for parents. This is especially true when your child is clearly capable but school still feels harder than it should.
Many families reach this point after noticing their child struggle. Their reading may be slow, homework may have turned into a nightly battle, or they seem unable to fully master their math facts.
Over time, the question often shifts from “Why is this happening?” to “Is there something deeper going on?”
That’s where understanding neurodivergence becomes important.
Neurodivergence is not a single diagnosis. It describes differences in how students learn, process information, manage attention, and regulate emotions. When those differences do not align with how school is structured, students can begin to fall behind, not because of ability, but because of a mismatch in how they are being taught.
Below, we’ll walk through the most common types of neurodivergence seen in school-aged students, what they look like in real life, and how to begin thinking about the right kind of support.
This guide will help you:
ADHD affects attention regulation, impulse control, and executive functioning.
In school, this may look like:
ADHD is not simply “high energy” or lack of discipline. It reflects differences in how the brain regulates attention, motivation, and working memory.
Students with ADHD often benefit from:
Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that affects reading, decoding, and spelling. It’s the most common type of neurodivergence, affecting nearly 20% of the population.
Common signs include:
Dyslexia is not related to intelligence. Many students with dyslexia are highly capable thinkers who simply need structured, systematic literacy instruction.
Evidence-based reading intervention, such as structured literacy approaches, is critical. When instruction aligns with how the dyslexic brain processes language, growth accelerates significantly.
Dysgraphia affects written expression and fine motor output.
Students may:
Dysgraphia is not laziness. It reflects differences in motor coordination, written language processing, or both.
Support often includes:
Dyscalculia affects number sense and mathematical reasoning.
Students may:
Like dyslexia, dyscalculia reflects differences in how the brain processes information.
Students benefit from:
Autism involves differences in social communication, sensory processing, and behavioral regulation.
In school, this may present as:
Autistic students often have significant strengths in pattern recognition, attention to detail, and deep subject expertise.
Support varies widely depending on the individual student’s profile, but clarity, predictability, and structured communication are often key.
Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive skills that help students plan, organize, manage time, regulate emotions, and complete tasks.
While executive functioning challenges often overlap with ADHD, they can also appear independently.
Students with executive functioning differences may:
These students are often described as capable but inconsistent.
Direct instruction in planning systems, time management, and task breakdown is essential. Executive functioning skills do not simply “develop” without guidance for many students.
These differences often become more visible as school becomes more complex in upper elementary and middle school.
Twice-exceptional students are both gifted and neurodivergent.
They may:
Because strengths can obscure weaknesses, 2e students are often under-identified and misunderstood.
Accurate assessment is particularly important for this group.
It’s important to recognize that many students do not fit neatly into one category.
For example:
Neurodivergence is rarely simple, which is why individualized understanding matters more than labels alone.
Understanding the type of neurodivergence at play helps answer critical questions:
When support aligns with how a student’s brain processes information, progress becomes more predictable.
At Strive Learning Solutions, we specialize in identifying learning profiles and providing personalized academic and executive function support students with all different types of neurodivergence across Colorado.
Book your free consultation today to talk to begin providing the support your student needs to truly thrive.
What are the most common types of neurodivergence in students?
The most common types of neurodivergence include ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, autism, executive functioning challenges, and twice-exceptional (2e) profiles. Some students experience overlapping traits rather than fitting into just one category.
How do I know which type of neurodivergence my child has?
The best way to understand your child’s learning profile is through a comprehensive evaluation or learning assessment. Consistent struggles with reading, writing, math, attention, or organization across settings can point to a specific pattern that needs targeted support.
Can a child have more than one type of neurodivergence?
Yes, it is very common for students to have overlapping profiles. For example, ADHD and dyslexia often occur together, and executive functioning challenges can exist alongside many learning differences.
Do all neurodivergent students need tutoring?
Not all students need tutoring, but many benefit from personalized, structured support. The right approach depends on your child’s needs and may include academic tutoring, executive functioning coaching, or specialized intervention like Orton-Gillingham.
What type of support works best for neurodivergent students?
Neurodivergent students benefit from instruction that is explicit, structured, and personalized. This includes breaking down skills step by step, building systems for organization and planning, and aligning teaching methods with how the student learns best.
Where do you support students in the Denver area and beyond?
We provide in-person tutoring across the Denver Metro area, including Broomfield, Thornton, Erie, Ken Caryl Ranch, Highlands Ranch, and surrounding communities. We also support students in Colorado Springs and Portland, Oregon, and work with students nationwide through virtual tutoring.
Brian Allender is the founder of Strive Learning Solutions, a personalized tutoring and academic coaching company serving students across the Denver Metro area. He specializes in supporting neurodivergent learners through individualized instruction, executive functioning coaching, and strength-based academic support.
