Projects & Research

Neurodiversity in STEM is a network of educators, researchers, and designers studying new methods to reveal, nurture, and support STEM problem-solving talents in neurodivergent learners.

To embrace neurodiversity in STEM education, we believe the talents of neurodivergent learners are crucial to innovative STEM problem solving. We believe education should change to fit the learner, not the other way around. We believe neurodivergent learners should be part of the design and research of STEM learning experiences.

Our society is facing enormous challenges that beg for different types of solutions. And different types of solutions call for different ways of thinking. Unfortunately, learners who think differently are often marginalized by education systems.

ND in STEM works to change education systems and embrace the unique talents of neurodivergent learners in STEM. We:

• Serve learners from pre-K through adult.
• Span STEM disciplines, including computational thinking (CT).
• Work with educators and learners to design and develop inclusive materials and resources.
• Work with State and Local Education Agencies, museums, after-school clubs, and other educators to promote neurodiversity-forward educational experiences.
• Conduct rigorous research in K–12 classrooms, digital games, and Augmented and Virtual Reality environments.
• Provide practical strategies and materials for parents, educators, employers, and the general public.

Our research aims to support executive function (EF) for all STEM learners and address specific challenges, like sensory and attention differences, rather than focus on any one diagnosis in an effort to support inclusive learning in STEM education.