One of the best things about remote learning is not worrying if you are behaving “correctly” so your neurotypical classmates aren’t “torn away from work because of you.” Right now, we don’t have to follow school rules designed to limit distractions for neurotypical students.device , USE IT! If you focus better while listening to music, wearing comfy clothing, having a pet on your lap, taking breaks, chewing gum, sucking on a lollipop, or hanging upside down from your bed, then DO IT.
I used to beat myself up because I couldn’t learn like a neurotypical kid. When the coronavirus crisis struck, I started out looking to neurotypical people for guidance on how to deal with online learning. If I were under-stimulated, I’d force myself to suck it up and attack the assignments like a neurotypical kid would, or I would try to add external stimulation – only to get totally distracted for hours.
I forgot that I am NOT neurotypical, and that I can employ my own unique strengths, even in a new environment. At home, I realized that I can actually listen to and focus on Zoom classes, get everything I need to know, and still have full-on conversations with everyone in my class. Checking in with everyone and maintaining your friendships must be a superpower-level of multitasking.