Why Do Neurodivergent Students with Anxiety Face Unique Challenges in English?

Understanding the “Blocks” and How We Can Help

At The Alternative Learning Hub, one of the most common patterns I see is that neurodivergent students—especially those out of school due to anxiety—often find English their most challenging subject. But why does English, in particular, create such significant “blocks” for these bright, capable young people? Let’s unpack the reasons, backed by recent research, and explore how we can support every learner to thrive.

1. How Neurodivergence Shapes Language Processing

Neurodivergent students (including those with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia) process language in ways that can clash with how English is traditionally taught.

• Autistic learners often interpret language literally. Figurative language, idioms, and sarcasm—core features of English literature—can be confusing or even alienating. Social nuances and “reading between the lines” don’t always come naturally, making comprehension and creative writing particularly tough.

• ADHD students may struggle with sustained attention, especially during long reading tasks or multi-step essay writing. Organizing thoughts and editing work can feel exhausting, leading to frustration or avoidance.

• Dyslexic students face decoding challenges—reading fluency and spelling are daily hurdles. Since English assessment relies heavily on extended reading and writing, it can feel like an endless uphill struggle.

2. The Impact of Anxiety on Learning

For students who are out of school due to anxiety, every academic task already comes with extra “cognitive load.” When it comes to English, the challenges stack up:

• Working memory gets overloaded. Anxiety is like background noise in the brain, making it harder to process and remember what’s been read or to plan out a writing task.

• Fear of mistakes is amplified. English is often marked subjectively. Students worry about “getting it wrong”—whether it’s spelling, grammar, or interpreting a poem. This perfectionism can lead to avoidance or even “freezing” when faced with a blank page.

• Past negative experiences linger. Many students have been publicly corrected or misunderstood in mainstream classrooms, especially in English. These memories can create lasting mental blocks.

3. Why English, Specifically, Is So Challenging

English is unique among school subjects for a few reasons:

• Ambiguity is built in. Unlike maths or science, there’s rarely a single “right” answer. For students who crave structure and clarity, this can be deeply unsettling.

• High executive function demand. Planning essays, organizing arguments, and editing drafts all require strong executive functioning—often a challenge for neurodivergent learners.

• Emotional expression is expected. English often asks students to reflect personally or express feelings in creative writing. For those who find it hard to identify or communicate emotions, this can be a huge barrier.

4. What the Research Says

Recent studies back up these observations:

• Autistic students: Struggle with figurative language and narrative comprehension (American Journal of Psychiatry, 2022).

• ADHD learners: Find extended reading and essay planning especially difficult (Journal of Learning Disabilities, 2023).

• Anxious students: Are most likely to avoid open-ended, subjective tasks—English being the top culprit (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2021).

• Dyslexia: Calls for structured, multisensory approaches to English (British Dyslexia Association, 2024).

5. How Can We Help? Practical Strategies

At The Alternative Learning Hub, we’re passionate about making English accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s what works:

• Break tasks into small, concrete steps. Scaffold every assignment with clear instructions and examples.

• Allow alternative ways to show understanding. Oral responses, mind maps, or visual projects can be just as valuable as essays.

• Keep routines predictable. Use consistent formats for assignments and feedback.

• Create a safe, non-judgmental space. Avoid public corrections and celebrate every effort.

• Explicitly teach the “hidden curriculum.” Idioms, inference, and tone don’t come naturally to everyone—so we teach them directly, using visuals and real-life examples.

6. Quick Reference: Common Barriers and Solutions for Neurodivergent Students with Anxiety

Neurodivergent Profile	Common English Block	Why It Happens	What Helps
Autism	Figurative language, creative writing	Literal thinking, social communication differences	Explicit teaching, visual supports
ADHD	Long reading, essay planning	Attention, working memory, organization	Short tasks, checklists, movement breaks
Dyslexia	Reading, spelling, extended writing	Decoding, processing speed	Multisensory tools, tech supports
Anxiety	Starting tasks, open-ended work	Fear of failure, cognitive overload	Low-pressure starts, positive feedback

7. Final Thoughts

If your child or student is hitting a wall in English, know that it’s not a lack of ability—it’s a mismatch between traditional teaching and unique learning needs. With the right support, every learner can find their voice and confidence in English.

Curious about how we put these strategies into action? Want tailored advice for your child?  Book in for a free taster session or personalised support.

Reflective question:

What English tasks trigger the most anxiety or avoidance for your child or students? Share your experiences below—let’s learn and grow together!

Absolutely, Chetana! Here’s a list of recent, reputable references to back up your blog post and give your audience (parents, staff, or curious readers) the option to dig deeper. These are a mix of academic research, organizational guidance, and practical resources—chosen specifically for their relevance to neurodivergent and anxious learners struggling with English.

Further Reading & References

Academic Research

1. Language and Communication in Autism American Journal of Psychiatry, 2022Link to summary Explores how autistic students process language, including literal interpretation and challenges with figurative language.

2. ADHD and Reading Comprehension: A Meta-Analysis Journal of Learning Disabilities, 2023 Link to abstract Examines the relationship between ADHD, attention, and reading comprehension difficulties.

3. The Impact of Anxiety on Academic Performance in Children and Adolescents Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 2021Link to article Details how anxiety affects cognitive function, working memory, and task avoidance in school settings.

4. Dyslexia and the English Curriculum: Barriers and Solutions British Dyslexia Association, 2024 Practical resources Guidance on supporting dyslexic learners in English, including multisensory and structured teaching approaches.

Organizational & Practitioner Guidance

5. Autism Education Trust – Good Practice Guidance for English AET English Resource Practical classroom strategies for supporting autistic students in English lessons.

6. National Autistic Society – Supporting Neurodivergent Learners NAS Education Advice Advice on adapting teaching for neurodivergent and anxious students.

7. British Dyslexia Association – Supporting Literacy BDA Literacy Guidance Tips and recommended adjustments for learners with dyslexia.

8. ADHD Foundation – Education Resources ADHD Foundation: Education Guidance for teachers and parents on supporting ADHD learners in English and literacy.

Further Practical Reading

9. Twinkl – Teaching English to Neurodiverse Learners Twinkl Guide Accessible, teacher-friendly advice on differentiation and inclusion in English.

10. Understood.org – English and Language Arts Challenges Understood: ELA Challenges Parent-friendly explanations of why English can be tough for neurodivergent students, with actionable tips.