Neurodiversity-Inclusive Teaching Template: Supporting Learners with Autism

A practical, educator-friendly template designed to help teachers, lecturers, clinical educators and trainers create more inclusive learning experiences for autistic learners.

This template provides a structured framework for planning teaching sessions that consider common barriers experienced by autistic learners, including sensory overload, unclear expectations, rapid transitions, information-processing demands, communication differences and executive-function challenges.

The resource supports educators to intentionally design learning rather than relying solely on individual accommodations after difficulties arise.

The template helps educators consider:

• Clear and predictable learning objectives
• Structured lesson organisation and sequencing
• Advance information and expectations
• Sensory considerations within the learning environment
• Communication clarity and use of explicit instructions
• Appropriate pacing and processing time
• Visual and written learning supports
• Managing transitions between activities
• Participation options that do not rely exclusively on verbal contribution
• Group-work considerations
• Reducing unnecessary cognitive load
• Supporting executive functioning and task initiation
• Opportunities for breaks and self-regulation
• Inclusive assessment and feedback approaches
• Learner choice, autonomy and psychological safety
• Reflection on potential barriers before, during and after teaching

Who is this resource for?

This template can be used by:

Educators • University lecturers • Clinical teachers • Faculty developers • Tutors • Trainers • Nursing and medical educators • Health professions educators • School and college teachers • Learning designers • Teaching assistants

Ideal for:

Lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, clinical teaching, simulation, practical sessions, small-group learning, case-based learning, problem-based learning and online education.

Rather than creating a completely different lesson for autistic learners, this template encourages educators to design teaching environments that are clearer, more predictable, flexible and accessible from the beginning.

The principles may also benefit learners with ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, sensory sensitivities and other neurodivergent learning profiles.

A practical planning tool for educators who want to move from awareness of neurodiversity to intentional, inclusive teaching practice.