Engaging Neurodivergent Students Through Media and Passion

For many neurodivergent students, traditional classroom settings can feel isolating and unengaging. However, neurodivergent students often thrive when educators connect with their passions and interests. Media and games, such as anime, video games, and tabletop role-playing games, can keep students engaged in learning, foster a sense of belonging, and help them build connections with peers. 

By incorporating media that students love, teachers can make learning more relevant and enjoyable. Whether it’s discussing the themes of a popular anime or creating assignments using  tabletop role-playing games, these strategies can bridge the gap between students’ passions and their education.

Why are many neurodivergent students passionate about media and games?

Certain games and media celebrate unique perspectives by featuring characters who think, act, and look differently from others. Anime and games frequently highlight characters who overcome obstacles, think creatively, or use unique abilities to solve problems. When neurodivergent students see themselves reflected in these characters, they feel validated and gain confidence in their abilities. 

Media also provides a safe space for students to explore emotions, solve problems, and build relationships with others who share similar interests. By meeting students where they are and validating their passions, educators can create an environment where students feel empowered to be themselves.

In the “Empowering Neurodivergent Learners with Universal Design Learning” episode of the All Kinds of Minds podcast, René Sanchez, Interim Superintendent of the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union, shared advice for incorporating media and games into the school day.

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Incorporate Media into Lesson Plans

Build lessons around stories and games that your students already know and love. For example:

• Explore storytelling techniques and character development in anime or graphic novels during literature lessons.
• Teach history by asking students to create a comic strip or write a story set in a specific time period.
• Practice decision-making by analyzing the dilemmas characters face in their favorite games, anime, books, etc.

Encourage Creative Expressions

Give students opportunities to express their creativity while demonstrating their learning. For example, you can:

• Challenge them to design a game to teach a scientific concept
• Assign a “Finish the story” prompt based on a game scenario.
• Ask students to role-play scenarios (such as from history or literature) as though they are their favorite characters.
• Allow them to demonstrate their understanding of a concept through video, animations, comics, etc.instead of written assessments.

Use Media for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons and Dragons, are incredibly popular among neurodivergent individuals of all ages. These types of games encourage collaboration and are driven by stories, which fosters teamwork, empathy, and critical thinking. Here are a few ways to use them:

• Use role-playing to model real-world challenges, like decision-making and collaboration. 
• Discuss how characters navigate challenges and build relationships.
• Encourage students to talk about their favorite media during class discussions or free time to help build a sense of community.

Social Cipher’s online SEL game Ava also provides an engaging way to teach SEL skills. Students take on the role of an autistic star mapper, Ava, who faces challenges like meeting new people, trying new things, and advocating for herself. As students play the game, they have opportunities to learn and apply SEL skills and shape the game’s direction.

Educators don’t need to become anime or gaming experts to connect with students. The key is to show curiosity and openness. Ask students to share what they love and find ways to incorporate those elements into the classroom. As René says, "It’s absolutely critical for our students, particularly our neurodivergent youth, to replicate what they feel they can do well in the classroom." By embracing media and passion as tools for connection, schools can create spaces where all students feel valued, understood, and ready to succeed.

Learn more about Social Cipher's online SEL game and curriculum, Ava, and how to get started with incorporating media and games into your curriculum!