Homeschooling a neurodivergent child isn’t just about swapping out the classroom – it’s about unlearning everything that hurt them in the first place. When my boys came out of the school system, their nervous systems were shot. Even after a period of deschooling, getting them to engage in anything “educational” was a struggle. We tried it all – online programs, workbooks, hands-on kits – but nothing stuck if it wasn’t aligned with their interests. And honestly, most of it just added to their anxiety.
That’s when I started leaning into their strengths and special interests. My oldest, for example, is incredibly creative. He wasn’t into science, but he loved designing car liveries using apps like Procreate and Affinity Designer – so we built learning around that. My youngest was more STEM-focused, and we created a “Car Makers From Around the Globe” unit study to follow his passion.
Even then, it wasn’t a straight line. Some things worked, others didn’t. But when I read A Different Way to Learn by Dr Naomi Fisher, it all clicked. I realised they were learning – just not in the way I was taught to recognise.
Unit studies became a bridge between self-directed learning and the kind of structure that supports their ADHD brains. It’s flexible, interest-led, and best of all – it brings us closer. If you’ve been trying to make learning “fit” and it keeps falling flat, unit studies might be the reset you both need.
Why Unit Studies Work So Well for Neurodivergent Kids
Most neurodivergent kids don’t thrive with disconnected, subject-by-subject learning. Transitions are hard. Motivation doesn’t always show up on cue. And if something feels irrelevant, forced, or overwhelming – it’s game over. Unit studies offer a different path.
They allow us to start with what actually matters to our kids – their interests. And for neurodivergent learners, that’s often the key to unlocking everything else. Whether it’s aircraft, animals, or ancient history, special interests aren’t just hobbies – they’re deeply tied to regulation, motivation, and confidence.
Unit studies work because they are:
In our case, I’ve seen how much more grounded and confident my boys are when their learning follows them, rather than the other way around. My youngest, for example, is highly demand avoidant – but when he’s working on a project that sparks his curiosity (like photography or engineering), the resistance melts away.
And here’s something I’ve come to realise: unit studies are also forgiving. They don’t require perfection. If your child burns out halfway through or suddenly switches interests, that’s okay. You’re still building connection, curiosity, and capacity. That’s the heart of learning – and it often happens in unexpected ways.
Language, Logic, and Laughter with The Word Spy
Not every unit study needs to be formal or even planned in advance. Some of our best learning has come from just following a spark – like the day I came across The Word Spy at the library and thought, this might actually make English fun.
My youngest has always leaned more towards engineering and science. English? Not his thing. But he’s curious, loves figuring things out, and thrives on shared learning. So we started reading The Word Spy together – a witty, illustrated journey through the English language, packed with history, wordplay, puzzles, and quirky facts.
As we read, we paused to look things up: how the alphabet developed, who invented the first printing press, where acronyms come from. We talked about palindromes, created secret codes, and laughed through a chapter on Pig Latin. There was no pressure to “do school” – we were just learning together. And honestly? It was one of the most joyful, connected educational experiences we’ve ever had.
It reminded me (again) that when you meet a child where they’re at – in a way that respects their interests, energy, and neurotype – everything shifts. The learning isn’t just deeper; it’s meaningful. Memorable. It sticks.
Following the Thread: From Camera Shyness to Confidence
Not every unit study starts with a notebook and a theme. Sometimes, it starts quietly – like when my youngest began showing an interest in photography. At first, he didn’t want to talk about it. When we gave him a camera, he didn’t want to take it out of the house. I didn’t push. I didn’t load up on resources or sign him up for classes. I simply let him know the camera could stay in my bag if he wanted it close by.
Over time, that quiet interest grew into confidence. He started experimenting with angles, framing, lighting – and eventually began showing me his photos. I was blown away. Today, he’s proudly taking photos for this website. It’s been an incredible way to support his creativity, independence, and pride in his work – on his terms, at his pace. That’s what a good unit study can nurture: not just academic growth, but personal growth, too.
Big Dreams and Real-Life Skills: Planning for the Future with Planes
Now that my eldest is 16, the focus of our unit studies has shifted slightly. It’s no longer just about keeping learning engaging – it’s about connecting his passions to real-world goals. He’s always loved planes, and recently he’s shared that he wants to become a pilot.
We’re using that dream as a launchpad for deeper learning. Together, we’re researching what qualifications are needed, how flight schools work, and what kind of science and maths knowledge might help. He’s exploring different types of aircraft, aviation history, and even plotting flight paths using digital maps and FlightRadar24 – a real-time flight tracking service that lets you follow aircraft around the world, identify models, and learn about routes and aviation systems.
But just as importantly, we’re working on the executive function side of things – planning, time management, motivation – all through the lens of becoming a pilot. It gives context and meaning to skills that are otherwise hard to teach in isolation. And because it’s tied to something he genuinely wants, he’s motivated in a way that no workbook ever managed to spark.
How to Build Your Own Unit Study
You don’t need a formal plan, a Pinterest board, or a teaching degree to create a meaningful unit study. You just need to start with what lights your child up and build from there. Here’s how we do it:
1. Start with a Spark
Pick a topic your child is already interested in – something they talk about endlessly, build in Minecraft, or watch YouTube videos on. It could be planes, volcanos, mythology, LEGO, marine life, trains – whatever gets their eyes lighting up.
If your child is demand avoidant, the spark might come from observation rather than direct discussion. Notice what they’re curious about or quietly engaging with, and gently build from there.
2. Make Cross-Curricular Connections
Once you’ve got a topic, think about how it could connect to different learning areas:
This turns what might look like “just drawing race cars” into a rich, multi-layered learning experience.
3. Choose a Few Starting Activities
Don’t over-plan. Seriously. Start with 2–3 activities and see what unfolds. Sometimes a single YouTube video can lead to a whole week of experiments or model building. Keep things flexible and follow the momentum.
Let your child lead where they can – but don’t worry if you need to offer more structure. Especially for ADHD kids, a gentle framework (with lots of wiggle room) often works better than open-ended freedom.
4. Gather Your Materials
Use what you already have. Books, LEGO, cardboard, documentaries, online articles, games, art supplies. You don’t need a curriculum box – you need curiosity, a bit of creativity, and a willingness to follow your child’s pace.
Some of my favourite places to find inspiration:
5. Document the Learning
Keep a folder, notebook, or Google Drive of what your child creates. Take photos, print maps, save drawings, jot down what you’ve read together. Not only is it helpful for homeschool reporting – it also shows your child that their work matters. And for reluctant learners, that validation can go a long way.
Troubleshooting & Flexibility: When Things Don’t Go to Plan
Here’s the truth: even the most beautifully planned unit study can fall flat. Interests change. Energy dips. Anxiety flares up. What worked brilliantly last week might get a hard no today – and that’s okay.
If your child suddenly loses interest or refuses to engage, don’t panic. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means you need to pause, observe, and pivot. Sometimes that means shelving a project for a while. Other times, it means breaking things down into smaller, more manageable pieces – or removing pressure altogether for a few days.
For kids with ADHD or demand avoidance, the structure needs to feel light. Use visual checklists, short bursts of learning, or even “hidden” learning through games, documentaries, or play. If you’re not sure whether learning is happening, I promise you – it often is. I’ve had so many moments where my boys casually drop facts or insights I had no idea they’d picked up.
The key is staying flexible. Be willing to shift the plan, drop the plan, or rebuild it with your child’s input. Unit studies aren’t about control – they’re about connection.
One of our homeschool liaisons once said to me, “It’s my job to open the door. It’s up to them whether they want to step through.” That has stuck with me ever since. We can create the conditions, provide the spark, and gently guide – but the learning really belongs to them.
Getting Started: Tools, Links & a Bit of Encouragement
You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy planner or a house full of craft supplies to start a great unit study. Most of what you need is already around you – your child’s curiosity, your willingness to follow their lead, and a bit of flexibility. But if you’re looking for some helpful tools to support the process, here are a few we’ve used and loved:
Tools I Come Back to Again and Again
Optional but Helpful
If you’re just starting out, keep it light. Choose one topic, brainstorm a few ideas, and test the waters. Remember: you’re not recreating school. You’re building something better – something that works for your child and for you.
And if it doesn’t go perfectly? That’s okay. The magic often shows up in the unexpected moments.
Final Thoughts
Unit studies have helped me see learning in a completely new light – not as something to be delivered, but something to be discovered together. They’ve allowed my boys to explore the world in ways that feel meaningful, manageable, and genuinely enjoyable.
If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure how to reach your neurodivergent child through traditional homeschool methods, try creating your own unit study around what they already love. You might be surprised by where it leads – and how much connection, confidence, and curiosity you uncover along the way.
I’d love to hear how unit studies are working in your home. Feel free to share your child’s latest interest or a project that sparked something special in my free Facebook group. Let’s keep learning and growing together.
