Processing (Our) Differences: Characterizing Neurodivergent Students’ Experiences Learning Chemistry and Reasoning with Representations
Audrey Gay; Zoie Bunch; Rehnuma Ahmed; Amala Jones; Jhiauna Wise; Lyniesha Ward; Maia Popova *
J. Chem. Educ. (2026)
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c01720
Neurodiversity refers to natural differences in how individuals process and respond to information. It includes established cognitive differences like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and specific learning disorders. These differences can become barriers in courses that are not set up to support neurodivergent (ND) students. To design more-inclusive learning environments, it is important to understand how ND students approach chemistry learning and problem-solving. This exploratory study investigated how ND and non-ND students reason through molecular representation tasks in organic chemistry. Eighty-six students completed 40 computer-based tasks requiring translation between wedge-dash diagrams and chair conformations. Each participant then completed a follow-up interview explaining their reasoning for 8 of the 40 tasks. Of the participants, 26 (∼30%) self-identified as ND, allowing for comparisons between groups for accuracy, confidence, time-on-task, and reasoning strategies. Our findings showed that while time-on-task and confidence did not differ substantially, ND students demonstrated lower accuracy and less productive reasoning strategies, including frequent answer switching and reliance on oversimplified rules. We also explored ND students’ reflections on their chemistry learning experiences. Three major themes emerged: (1) ND students perceive meaningful differences in how they learn compared to peers; (2) multiple factors, such as attention span, visuo-spatial ability, and cognitive load, shape their learning; and (3) ND students develop personalized self-accommodation strategies to manage learning challenges. We discuss implications of these findings for instructors and administrators.
