Communication and Interaction — Autism, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), social communication Understanding spoken information Multi-step spoken instructions are hard to hold onto; extra time helps to process what was said.
Where is this a barrier?
Finding the right words Word-finding takes effort; spoken sentences can come out simpler than the ideas behind them.
Where is this a barrier?
Taking language literally Language is understood directly; sarcasm, idioms and 'reading between the lines' can be missed.
Where is this a barrier?
Back-and-forth conversation Conversation flows differently — sharing deeply about interests, or finding it hard to start or take turns.
Where is this a barrier?
Eye contact and body language Eye contact, facial expression and gesture are used or read differently; eye contact can feel uncomfortable.
Where is this a barrier?
Masking to fit in Neurodivergent traits are actively hidden to fit in, which is exhausting and can lead to burnout later.
Where is this a barrier?
Cognition and Learning — Dyslexia, dyscalculia, working memory, executive function Reading, spelling and decoding Decoding words, reading fluency and spelling take a lot of effort; retaining what was read is hard.
Where is this a barrier?
Numbers, time and sequences Grasping quantity, estimating, telling the time and sequencing are persistently difficult.
Where is this a barrier?
Holding things in mind Train of thought is easily lost; hard to keep information in mind while working with it.
Where is this a barrier?
Getting started on tasks Starting tasks that lack urgency, interest or novelty is very hard, even when wanting to do them (task paralysis).
Where is this a barrier?
Staying focused Focus on non-preferred tasks is hard to sustain, alongside deep hyperfocus on things of real interest.
Where is this a barrier?
Processing at your own pace More time is needed to take in information, form answers and complete written work.
Where is this a barrier?
Social, Emotional and Mental Health — Emotional regulation, anxiety, rejection sensitivity Big feelings Emotions arrive with strong magnitude; small triggers can feel overwhelming (meltdowns or shutdowns).
Where is this a barrier?
Acting in the moment Acting or speaking quickly; interrupting, hard to wait, or seeking novelty and stimulation.
Where is this a barrier?
Change and predictability Changes to routine or unexpected events cause real distress; predictability helps a lot.
Where is this a barrier?
Sensitivity to criticism Perceived criticism, rejection or failure causes intense pain; taking part can feel risky.
Where is this a barrier?
Sensory and Physical — Sensory processing differences, dyspraxia (DCD) Sensory overload Everyday input — noise, bright light, textures, smells — can be overwhelming, even painful.
Where is this a barrier?
Seeking sensory input Intense input helps regulation — movement, deep pressure, chewing, fidgeting or stimming.
Where is this a barrier?
Coordination and balance Balance, spatial awareness and learning physical sequences (like riding a bike or PE) are harder.
Where is this a barrier?
Handwriting and fine motor Handwriting, using scissors or small objects is effortful; writing can be slow or uncomfortable.
Where is this a barrier?
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