Inclusive Learning in Practice: How Onefile Supports Neurodiverse Learners

This week, March 16^th to March 20^th, 2026, is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, an international initiative that aims to challenge misconceptions about neurodivergent people while recognising their many skills and talents.

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term used to describe the likes of autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia and dyscalculia, but leaving terminology aside, it’s about understanding and valuing people who think differently. That’s as many as one in seven of us, some 15% of the UK population, according to recent studies.

As the leading learner management platform, Onefile appreciates that everyone has their own learning style, preference or habit. It’s this understanding that drives us to ensure that tutors, training providers and employers have the right software, including tools that offer extra support for customers with neurodivergent learners.

Supporting and evidencing inclusion

With ‘inclusion’ as a standalone evaluation area within Ofsted reporting, it’s even more important that schools, colleges, universities and workplaces provide and evidence what they do for apprentices and other learners with additional learning needs.

And it’s a requirement that looks set to grow.

In 2024/25, the number of apprentices recorded as having a learning difficulty or disability (LLDD), which includes autism, reached over 56,800, up by more than 18,000 on the 2020/21 number.

Following a similar trend, the percentage of learners with LLDD in England increased by 9.2% to 22,720 in the first three months of the 2025/26 academic year (August to October 2025).

Identifying and supporting neurodivergent learners with Onefile

As a training provider or employer, you might not be aware that your learner is neurodivergent.

Many people’s learning differences aren’t immediately apparent. Apprentices aren’t obliged to disclose that they’re not neurotypical and some can be unwilling to share such personal information for fear it might go against them at work or college.

Good employers and trainers, though, are happy to embrace neurodiversity and can see how a person’s more unusual, ‘out of the box’ thinking, is a positive attribute.

Full disclosure early on can benefit everyone, allowing employers and tutors to make necessary adjustments. For example, an apprentice with autism might be overwhelmed in a busy office but be much happier and more productive in a quieter space. Also, it can be incredibly stressful for someone with say, ADHD, to try and hide it from colleagues and trainers.

Sharing this information right from the start of the apprenticeship – as early as onboarding stage – builds trust between learner, employer and provider, and we have the tools to assist.

Onefile seamlessly integrates software such as Cognassist with our platform, assessing neurodivergence and supporting learners’ personalised learning strategies right from the outset.

Its integration lets training providers create learners in Cognassist directly from Onefile, so they can send assessment invitations, and automatically track completion. Cognitive assessment results appear directly inside their portfolio once matched, allowing providers to identify any potential learning needs, rather than waiting for a formal diagnosis.

It’s just one of Onefile’s many tools that ensures all learners, whatever their learning preferences, needs or habits, get the right tailored support throughout their programmes.

Flagging learning issues

Onefile Engage, our AI powered analytical tool, works with Onefile’s Eportfolio and Learning Hub, to pinpoint any specific learning issues. It identifies any learners who might need extra support, automatically flagging them and sending them timely reminders or prompts for action so you can step in and help.

Being genuinely inclusive when meeting the needs of your neurodivergent learners is the way forward – and we have the expertise and experience to help you.

To learn more about Onefile’s role in recognising and supporting neurodiversity, book a discovery call with us.