Learning to code has never been more accessible, with countless online courses, video tutorials, and bootcamps available to aspiring programmers. Yet, despite the abundance of resources, many capable learners are filtered out—not because of their abilities, but because traditional curricula fail to account for the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals. As a neurodivergent educator and curriculum designer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the disconnect between learning strategies and learner needs can derail even the most motivated students.

This talk explores how current teaching techniques and evaluation methods unintentionally exclude neurodiverse learners, despite many of the qualities associated with neurodiversity aligning with traits prized in programmers. Using insights from my own teaching experience, I’ll share practical solutions for designing inclusive curricula and fostering learning environments where neurodiverse students can thrive. We’ll also discuss self-advocacy strategies for neurodivergent learners and ways family, friends, and educators can support their success.

Ultimately, this talk demonstrates that by addressing the needs of neurodiverse learners, we can create programming education that benefits everyone—promoting inclusivity, innovation, and opportunity for all.