Teachers gain first-hand insight into neurodiversity through immersive training workshop

Miri, Sarawak, 5 June 2026 – As awareness of neurodiversity continues to grow in education, more than 60 educators gathered at SMK Chung Hua Miri for an immersive professional development workshop aimed at equipping teachers with practical strategies to support students with diverse learning needs.

The workshop, titled ‘Neurodiversity: Supporting Children with Learning Difficulties,’ was organised by SMK Chung Hua Miri in collaboration with Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), reflecting a shared commitment to fostering more inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Led by Dr. Voltisa Thartori, Head of Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Health Sciences, the session introduced participants to a range of neurodivergent profiles and learning difficulties, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia.

According to Dr. Thartori, understanding neurodiversity is becoming increasingly important as educators strive to meet the needs of students with different learning styles and abilities.

“The workshop explored how learning differences may affect reading, writing, attention, organisation, communication, and classroom participation, while also emphasising the strengths and unique abilities often demonstrated by neurodivergent learners,” she said.

A key feature of the training was its highly interactive approach. Teachers participated in hands-on simulations designed to replicate some of the daily challenges experienced by neurodivergent students, including sensory overload and dyslexia-related reading difficulties.

The immersive activities provided the educators with a unique opportunity to view the classroom experience through the eyes of their students, fostering greater empathy and understanding. Interactive booklet exercises, quizzes, and guided reflection sessions further encouraged participants to translate insights into practical classroom strategies.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of early intervention, differentiated instruction, and inclusive teaching practices in enhancing students’ academic achievement, confidence, and overall well-being.

The participants engaged in lively discussions on adapting lesson delivery, strengthening student engagement, and creating learning environments that accommodate a wider range of needs and abilities.

The initiative comes at a time when schools are increasingly recognising the importance of inclusive education and the role educators play in ensuring that no student is left behind.

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the workshop as insightful, practical, and highly relevant to today’s classrooms.

Through collaborations such as this, SMK Chung Hua Miri and Curtin Malaysia continue to support the development of inclusive educational practices, helping educators better understand and nurture the potential of every learner.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Representative of SMK Chung Hua Miri presents a certificate of appreciation to Dr Thartori (right) while others look on.