How students who learn and think differently can thrive in STEM

As a STEM teacher, I know that students who learn and think differently bring assets to the classroom. Their creativity, problem-solving skills, and determination help them thrive in STEM. But I also know firsthand that these students can face challenges, too. 

I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia when I was young. School wasn’t always easy for me, but I found my place in STEM classes like woodshop and computer science. I did better when I could work with my hands and solve problems that felt real. 

For example, my dad would teach me tough math concepts with hands-on STEM projects, like building a treehouse. My STEM teachers did the same. They valued how my brain worked, and they supported me to help me learn. 

When educators understand the strengths students bring — and how to support their challenges — all students can engage meaningfully in STEM. 

Embracing neurodiversity in STEM

In STEM, students do experiments, work on hard problems, and try to create solutions. Many students who learn and think differently have skills and strengths that support these activities. For example, they may show attention to detail. They may have a strong ability to recognize patterns. Or they might be logical thinkers.¹ STEM can help these students see their skills as an asset. 

Many students who learn and think differently have specific interests that STEM can help them explore. Informal STEM activities like robotics clubs, science museum visits, or afterschool programs can foster these interests. Plus, they can help get students excited about STEM.²

For example, as a kid, I loved learning about animals. I would learn all I could about one animal and then move on to the next. But my peers thought this was “weird,” so I masked my interests for a long time. A club or an afterschool program would have been a great place for me to dive into my passions — and feel supported. 

STEM leaders who learn and think differently 

Many people with learning and thinking differences have made contributions to STEM. As an educator, you can help your students engage in STEM by teaching about diverse STEM leaders. 

For example, Temple Grandin changed the livestock industry with her engineering designs. She says her autism helped her think in pictures. This allowed her to solve problems that others couldn’t see.

Albert Einstein is thought by some to have had dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. His unique way of thinking led to amazing discoveries in physics that changed the world. 

These leaders show that when we embrace different ways of thinking, we create opportunities for new ideas. 

Supporting students in STEM

Students who learn and think differently may find some STEM activities challenging. Working with others can be tough if they struggle with social skills or have trouble explaining their ideas. Following long instructions can be difficult. And complex, multi-step projects can feel overwhelming.

There are many ways to support your students who learn and think differently. Here are a few ideas to try: 

1. Encourage teamwork. Create a classroom culture where everyone’s strengths and ideas matter. Make sure each student has a role in group projects. 

2. Give clear instructions. Break tasks into easy-to-follow steps. Visual aids like charts or checklists can help students who have trouble with organization.

3. Offer helpful feedback. Focus on what students are doing well and how they can improve. Positive feedback helps students stay confident and motivated.

4. Use hands-on learning. Give students projects where they can build, experiment, or solve real-world problems.

5. Be flexible. Let students show what they’ve learned in different ways. 

Related resources

When STEM programs are welcoming to everyone, all students get a chance to succeed. Here are more ways you can support your students: 

• Learn how to write inclusive lesson plans for STEM. 

• Find out how Universal Design for Learning can help you teach STEM.