Supporting neurodivergent students doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. With the rise of Generative AI, educators now have access to powerful, easy-to-use tools and AI prompts that can enhance accessibility, reduce barriers, and help create more inclusive learning environments at Teesside University.
‘Neurodivergence’ refers to natural variations in how people think, learn and process information and includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. AI isn’t here to replace human understanding; it’s here to support it. Whether it’s helping students manage cognitive load, create accessible learning materials, or advocate for themselves, AI can increase autonomy for learners while enabling staff to develop more effective and inclusive teaching & learning strategies.
1. Generate Ideas for Reasonable Adjustments
Not sure where to start? AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can generate quick suggestions for supporting students based on their needs.
For example, try asking:
“What reasonable adjustments could help a student with ADHD manage time better in a university setting?”
While AI can’t replace direct communication with students, it’s an excellent brainstorming tool when you’re unsure what to offer and to inspire practical solutions.
**Reminder: Never input personal or sensitive student data into AI tools.
2. Use AI for Meetings & Lecture Summaries
Neurodivergent students (and staff) may struggle to retain key details from meetings or lectures. AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can generate written summaries from meeting transcripts, highlighting key points, capturing actions and ensuring everyone stays informed. This supports students who benefit from written reinforcement and reduces the impact of auditory processing or attention-related challenges.
For example, try asking:
- General Summary Prompt: “Summarise the key discussion points, decisions made, and next steps from this meeting transcript. Group the actions separately from the summary.”
- Prompt with Individual Action Tracking: “Review the following transcript [attach to prompt], extract a list of individual actions assigned to each person. Include a brief description of the action, who it’s assigned to, and any deadlines mentioned.”
- Prompt for Group Actions & Responsibilities: “Review the transcript [attach to prompt] and create a list of group-level tasks or follow-ups. Group them by topic and note any shared responsibilities or next steps.”
- Prompt for Decision Highlights: “From this transcript [attach to prompt], identify any major decisions that were made. Include who made the decision and any supporting rationale discussed.”
- Lecture-Specific Prompt: “Summarise this lecture transcript [attach to prompt] for students who prefer written materials. Include: A bullet point list of the key learning points and/or add definitions of any complex terms used and/or add questions or tasks assigned by the lecturer”
- Prompt with Accessibility Focus: “Create a simplified version of this transcript [attach to prompt] that summarises: Main themes and/or Actionable items and/or Follow-up information. Use plain language suitable for students with ADHD or dyslexia.”
3. Simplify Complex Content
Dense academic materials can be overwhelming. Tools like Microsoft Copilot can simplify text or summarise readings.
For example, try asking:
“Simplify this academic paragraph for a first-year student with dyslexia.” or “Summarise this article in bullet points.”
This is particularly useful for students who benefit from scaffolded or multi-modal content.
4. Support Written Communication & Self-Advocacy
Some students may find expressing themselves in writing difficult or feel anxious about formal communication. AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can help them write clear, concise and professional messages.
For example, try the following prompt:
“Help me write an email to my tutor asking for an extension due to ADHD-related challenges.”
Tools like Goblin Tools also allow students to check tone and clarity, helping them feel more confident in their communication and reducing social stress.
5. Assist with Executive Function & Planning
AI-integrated tools can support students who struggle with time management, sequencing tasks, or getting started. AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can help students:
- Break large tasks into smaller steps
- Create personalised to-do lists
- Plan a day or week
- Set goals and reminders
This practical scaffolding can improve independence, reduce overwhelm, and support self-regulation. Again, a useful tool to check out is Goblin Tools, which allows students (and staff) to enter an overall objective or task, which the tool breaks down into smaller sub-tasks that are easier to achieve (these sub-tasks can also then be broken down into sub-tasks again). It will also suggest approximate timings to complete each generated sub-task, helping them to become and stay organised and on top of the work they are undertaking.
6. Enhance Reading Accessibility with Microsoft Immersive Reader
Reading-heavy content can be a major barrier for students with dyslexia, ADHD, or other neurodivergent profiles. Microsoft Immersive Reader is a powerful AI-driven tool designed to improve reading comprehension and reduce cognitive load by making text more accessible.
Immersive Reader allows students to:
- Customise text spacing, font size, and background colours
- Use Read Aloud with adjustable voice and speed
- Highlight individual words as they’re read aloud to support decoding
- Break words into syllables or identify parts of speech for easier parsing
- Translate text into over 100 languages
Immersive Reader is integrated into Blackboard Ally at Teesside University, so students can access it directly from within learning materials on Blackboard. This allows for a seamless, inclusive experience without needing to download or install additional tools. Whether students prefer audio learning, require high contrast text, or just want to read at their own pace, Immersive Reader can support them to engage with learning materials in a way that works for them.
For further guidance on the use of Microsoft Immersive Reader, please see our Learning Support Guide.
** Bonus for Staff: Reduce Cognitive Load **
These same tools can be used to streamline own workload, including:
- Generate lesson plan outlines
- Draft meeting agendas or summaries
- Create differentiated case studies or assessment ideas
- Write inclusive module descriptions or assignment briefs
The result? More time and energy for meaningful student engagement and academic development.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t a perfect solution and should never replace empathy or meaningful conversations; however, when used responsibly, it can be a powerful ally for neuro-inclusion. By embracing these tools and workflows, staff at Teesside University can help students thrive, reduce unintentional barriers and make workloads more manageable for everyone.
Want support exploring AI in your teaching or team? Contact the ‘Digital Transformation’ team.