What If Neurodivergent Kids Wrote the School Rules?

Let’s be honest: most schools weren’t exactly built with neurodivergent kids in mind. Fluorescent lights, noisy classrooms, rigid schedules, and an unwritten rule that you must sit still and make eye contact to be a “good student.”

But… what if things were different?
What if neurodivergent kids got to write the rules?

Here’s what I imagine that magical, inclusive, gloriously chaotic school would look like:

1. Trampoline Hallways Are Mandatory
   Walking is boring. Bouncing is better. Movement wakes up the brain, regulates the body, and makes everything more fun. Bonus points for crash mats at every corner.
   
   
2. Slime Breaks. Every. Single. Day.
   Sensory regulation > silent reading. Need to reset your nervous system? Grab a tub of kinetic sand or cloud slime and get squishing. No questions asked.
   
   
3. Stimming Isn’t Just Allowed - It’s Celebrated
   Flapping, spinning, humming, fidgeting, bouncing - whatever helps you feel safe and focused is welcomed with open arms. No “quiet hands” here.
   
   
4. Noise-Cancelling Headphones Are on the School Supply List
   Right next to pencils and glue sticks. Sound sensitivity is real, and nobody should have to suffer through a fire drill unprotected.
   
   
5. Every Classroom Has a Quiet Pod
   Dim lighting. Soft pillows. Calming textures. When the world gets too loud or too much, you can retreat - no shame, no punishment.
   
   
6. Uniforms? Optional. Comfort? Compulsory.
   Tags? No thanks. Itchy seams? Absolutely not. Sensory-friendly clothing is the standard. Come in your comfiest hoodie or softest pyjamas.
   
   
7. Recess Is Sacred - and Frequent
   Every hour. Outdoors, indoors, movement, solo play, whatever your body needs to recalibrate. Your nervous system will thank you.
   
   
8. Teachers Are Trained in Neurodivergent Communication Styles
   They know echolalia is a form of expression. They understand scripts and support different processing speeds. And they never say “use your words” if words aren’t working.
   
   
9. Homework? Only If It’s Joyful or Useful
   Because burnout starts young. Let’s replace worksheets with real-world projects, creative challenges, or - radical thought - more rest.
   
   
10. Everyone Gets a Personalised Sensory Plan
    Just like learning styles, every student gets their own sensory profile. You learn your way. And the staff adapts accordingly.

Final Thoughts from This Dreamy Daydream

If neurodivergent kids wrote the rules, school wouldn’t be about compliance - it would be about curiosity, creativity, and connection.

And who knows?
Maybe one day, these ideas won’t seem so wild.
Maybe one day, inclusion won’t be an afterthought - it’ll be the blueprint.

Until then, we’ll keep imagining, advocating, and bouncing our way through the world.

Jody x
Neurodivergent mum of three ND sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding legends