For many parents of neurodiverse learners, traditional schooling environments can feel overwhelming, rigid, or simply not designed with their child in mind.

At Teneo School, nearly 1 in 3 learners have a diagnosed learning barrier or neurodiverse need. But when the learning environment finally fits the learner, neurodiverse children thrive. In fact, 17% of our most improved learners have documented learning barriers. It’s not the ability that holds children back. It’s the environment.

And this is where the Teneo Smart School System™ makes all the difference.

A smarter school, with real support designed for real learners

Teneo’s Smart School System™ combines expert teachers, smart technology, behavioural science, and personalised support to create a learning experience where every learner can achieve provably better results, across all ability levels.

And the results speak for themselves:

• +12% average improvement in the first year

• +25% improvement by year four

• Learners are 61% more likely to pass after two years

• 3 500+ successful matrics

As Teneo parent Mathilda Lauscher, whose son, Josh, is neurodiverse, explains: “A lot of schools out there don’t have a proper or sound understanding of neurodiverse children. There is often a misconception that these children are less capable, which is very far from the truth. They just need a different learning environment and a different kind of education approach.”

Watch Mathilda and Josh’s story here.

Teneo was designed precisely for children who need a smarter, more supportive way to learn.

Why neurodiverse learners thrive at Teneo School

1. A calmer, low-sensory learning environment

Large classrooms, constant noise, bright lights, and transitions can overwhelm neurodiverse learners. Teneo School eliminates this sense of overwhelm completely. With a calmer, more predictable environment, learners can focus on what matters most – the lesson content.

For learners with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities, this shift is life-changing. Kayleigh Botha, a top-achieving Grade 11 learner diagnosed with dyslexia, agrees: “I just love the freedom and the flexibility and being in my own comfortable space where I don’t need to feel judged or uncomfortable.”

Mathilda adds: “Teneo offers neurodiverse learners a safe learning environment that is less stressful and that facilitates a learning experience where the learner can focus on the teacher alone, without a lot of noise or sensory overload”.

Neurodiverse learners often need predictable routines, visual schedules, and clear guidelines in terms of what is expected of them. Teneo School provides structure without pressure through:

• Clear daily schedules

• Structured lessons

• Flexible pacing within the day

• A quieter, controlled learning environment

• Lessons available to rewatch 24/7

This balance of predictability and flexibility helps learners build independence and confidence.

2. Learning that adapts to your child – not the other way around

Neurodiverse children don’t all learn in the same way. That’s why Teneo offers multi-modal learning, including:

• Virtual labs

• Interactive simulations

• Videos and animations

• Podcasts

• Gamification

• Quizzes

• Visual summaries

This allows learners to choose the learning method that works for them — not a one-size-fits-all approach. Mathilda said it best when she explained how Josh interacts with the lesson content: “The gamification components, along with the videos, make the lesson content come alive. It speaks a different language. It’s not a dead textbook where learners have to sit and focus and learn in black and white. It’s very interactive. It’s a lot of fun.”

3. Real-time data means real-time support

Many neurodiverse learners mask difficulties - until they’re overwhelmed. The Smart School System™ changes that. It tracks every learner’s daily activity and progress, identifying knowledge gaps, risk signals, behaviour patterns, and engagement drops before they become bigger issues.

This means teachers can step in early, and parents get timely updates and avoid surprises at report time. At Teneo School, support is proactive, no learner slips through the cracks and every child has a front-row seat.

4. Motivation that actually works

Traditional schooling can feel discouraging for neurodiverse learners who struggle with attention, overwhelm, or a fast-paced classroom environment. Research shows that consistency is the foundation of achievement – and the Smart School System™ helps learners build those habits in a way that feels rewarding and fun.

At Teneo School, success starts with small daily actions that lead to provably better results. Learners earn points for meaningful learning behaviours, like attending lessons, completing homework, and staying engaged. When learners show up, participate, and complete tasks consistently, their confidence grows (and so do their marks!)

With rewards that celebrate effort, daily streaks that build momentum, and interactive learning that feels fun, Teneo transforms learning into dynamic, memorable experiences.

Kayleigh adds: The gamification elements don’t just motivate the top achievers; it also helps the other learners who need a little bit of extra help when it comes to motivation and discipline with their schoolwork. It’s really helpful.”

5. Teachers who understand – and believe in – neurodiverse learners

Teneo’s 200+ SACE-registered teachers are trained to support diverse learning needs. With real-time visibility into learner progress and smaller virtual classroom settings, teachers can:

• Understand executive-functioning challenges

• Identify processing differences

• Support sensory sensitivities

• Adapt pace and content delivery

• Build confidence

• Provide meaningful 1:1 support

Most importantly, they see the individual – not the label. Mathilda explains: “They expect our child to do what every other child does. He is not treated differently; he is accepted and taken up as one of the flock. Every child needs that acceptance and understanding.”

A place where neurodiverse learners have space to thrive

Teneo proudly supports learners with the following learning barriers:

• ADD & ADHD

• Autism spectrum needs

• Dyslexia

• Anxiety

• Sensory processing challenges

• Other learning barriers and diverse needs

Every learner is welcome. Every learner is supported. Teneo’s learning platform and school formats are designed to suit diverse learning styles and requirements, abilities and needs, supporting better results for every learner.

If you’ve ever felt your child wasn’t understood, or that their potential wasn’t being seen, know this:

There is a school designed for them.

There is a system that works for them.

There is a place where they can unlock their extraordinary.

At Teneo School, neurodiverse learners aren’t the exception. They're proof that when schooling is reimagined, every child can thrive.