Inclusion in learning is about how learning works for everyone. With 1 in 7 people in the UK thought to be neurodivergent (according to the British Medical Association), neuroinclusive design is fast becoming an essential part of modern Learning and Development. For large organisations, the question is no longer should we design for neurodiversity, but how.

Why Neuroinclusive Learning Matters

Imagine joining a new organisation and discovering that every course, every module, every system has been built for a brain that doesn’t work like yours.

That’s the reality many neurodivergent colleagues face. Conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, and others affect how people process information, focus, and respond to digital content.

When learning isn’t designed with these differences in mind, it leads to frustration and exclusion.

And exclusion costs: lost engagement, lower completion rates, weaker performance, and in some cases, compliance risks.

That’s why forward-thinking organisations are making accessible learning a central part of their digital learning solutions strategy.

What Is Neuroinclusive Design?

Neuroinclusive design is about creating learning that works for all kinds of minds. It goes beyond compliance checklists to ensure that learners can access, understand, and apply content regardless of their cognitive preferences or challenges.

At its heart, neuroinclusive learning:

• Reduces cognitive load — clear structure, simple navigation, consistent layouts.

• Offers choice — multiple ways to engage (watch, listen, read, interact).

• Supports focus — avoids unnecessary animation, clutter, and distractions.

• Uses plain, concise language — free of jargon and overcomplication.

• Builds psychological safety — allowing learners to explore at their own pace without pressure or judgement.

This approach improves clarity and usability for everyone.

How eLearning Can Support Neurodiverse Learners

eLearning, when designed well, can be one of the most powerful tools for inclusion. Popcorn’s instructional design services and custom eLearning content teams often start by asking: How can we make this simpler, clearer, and more flexible for different kinds of thinkers?

Here’s what we’ve found that helps:

1. Flexible pacing — Learners can pause, rewind, or review at any time.

2. Visual and verbal balance — Information presented through both text and audio, with the option to toggle one off.

3. Predictable structure — Consistent screen layouts and interaction patterns reduce anxiety and aid navigation.

4. Choice in interaction — Quizzes, case studies, and simulations that accommodate different response styles (not just rapid-fire multiple choice).

5. Assistive technology compatibility — Alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and screen reader support built into the design.

6. Reduced overload — Minimalistic design choices that keep focus on learning outcomes, not decorative distractions.

These are simple shifts that make a profound difference.

Accessibility Standards That Matter

While inclusion is about more than ticking boxes, there are core standards every organisation should meet:

• WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): The global standard for accessible digital content. Popcorn builds all courses to at least WCAG 2.2 AA, aligning with UK Government and EU expectations.

• Plain English Campaign principles: Prioritising readability and reducing cognitive strain.

• Captioning and transcripts: For all video and audio content.

• Keyboard and screen reader navigation: Ensuring users don’t need a mouse to complete learning.

Accessible learning is part of responsible design, brand reputation, and compliance.

Why This Matters Commercially

Inclusivity drives performance. Research by Deloitte found that diverse teams outperform others by 80% in innovation and problem-solving. But that advantage only appears when people feel included.

When your learning is neuroinclusive:

• Employees engage more deeply and retain information better.

• You attract and retain a broader talent pool.

• You strengthen your reputation as an equitable employer.

• You reduce compliance risk by meeting accessibility standards.

In other words, inclusion is a competitive advantage.

FAQs

Q: What is neuroinclusive design?

It’s the practice of designing learning that supports different ways of thinking and processing information. It focuses on clarity, flexibility, and accessibility for all learners.

Q: How can eLearning support neurodiverse learners?

By offering choice, flexibility, and control, such as adjustable pacing, multimodal content, and clear navigation. Well-designed digital learning solutions remove barriers rather than create them.

Q: What accessibility standards should training meet?

At a minimum, WCAG 2.2 AA standards. These cover things like contrast ratios, captions, keyboard navigation, and alt text.

Final Thought

Creating neuroinclusive learning is about removing friction. When learning is designed for all brains, everyone benefits.

At Popcorn, we believe inclusion should be built in from the start, not added as an afterthought. Our instructional design services and digital learning solutions help large organisations create learning that’s accessible, engaging, and genuinely equitable.

If you’d like to explore how your organisation can make its learning more neuroinclusive, let’s talk.