Assessing What They Actually Know: Differentiated Assessment for Neurodivergent Learners

What Will You Learn?

• Identify the specific ways that standard assessment formats produce false negatives for students with profiles including dysgraphia, ADHD, anxiety, and processing differences
• Apply differentiated assessment principles to reduce unnecessary barriers while maintaining genuine academic rigour
• Design alternative assessment formats - oral responses, portfolios, project-based tasks - that allow students to demonstrate real knowledge
• Implement common reasonable adjustments including extended time, separate supervision, scribe support, and assistive technology
• Document assessment decisions clearly in IEPs and adjustment plans to meet school and external reporting requirements
• Make a confident, evidence-based case for assessment adjustments with school leadership and formal assessment bodies
• Build an assessment culture in your classroom that motivates neurodivergent learners rather than confirming their worst fears about themselves
• Evaluate whether an assessment is measuring knowledge or measuring neurotypical performance conditions - and know the difference