What does learning look like for you?

After an afternoon of learning and listening to incredible people, I found myself reflecting on the many ways we absorb information—and how perspectives on support can shift depending on whether we're talking about adults or children.

What does learning look like for you? A juggling act where you're balancing books, dodging confusion, and occasionally dropping some knowledge or a carefully structured path where focus is sharp, distractions are minimal, and knowledge is absorbed in quiet concentration?

For me since embracing and advocating for my neurodivergent self, (cheers to that!) learning has looked very different from what many consider "ideal" conditions. Today l wasn’t sitting in a classroom, eyes fixed on a speaker, taking a mountain of notes. Instead, I took movement breaks, completed some chores (winning!), worked from locations that feel comfortable, and relied on constant movement—especially vital when absorbing large amounts of information. I used software to support my working memory (which isn’t at its best), allowing me to revisit and process information at a pace and in a way that works for me complete with far reduced stress and frustration.

 And if l had I been in the so-called “ideal” working environment it might have played out a little differently……

A quiet, bright room, sitting still, surrounded by strangers—I would have been battling frustration from suppressing my need to move. The harsh overhead lighting and glare from a smart board would have triggered nausea and a migraine. On top of that, I’d be fighting impostor syndrome and rejection sensitivity being in a room full of professionals whom I had never met, unable to ask the questions, gain clarification when needed. Taking my own notes would likely lead to misunderstandings, definitely to missing relevant information, and ultimately setting off that loud, negative inner monologue.

So why do so many people still assume (after so much evidence and research) learning must be still, verbal, and quiet? And why do adaptations seem more understandable when discussing children rather than adults? As if us adults are supposed to have outgrown our needs or trained ourselves to fit into the standard mold of "learning properly."

I’m not saying quiet, still, verbal learning doesn’t work—it absolutely does for some, and that’s great! But for many of us, it's quite the opposite. Why do we (both as individuals and businesses) struggle so much to make even small adjustments? Is it because change feels scary and familiar safe? Because “we’ve always done it this way” and sticking to tradition is easier? Is it a lack of time or willingness to truly listen/understand someone’s or our own needs and implement strategies? Or is it because using note-taking software, fidgeting, or moving around is seen as unprofessional when you have a hidden disability?

I don’t know the answers, but that’s not why l am writing this (surprise). What I do know this—since advocating for myself, my confidence has grown, learning has become less stressful (and less painful!), and I’ve felt more comfortable asking for help when needed. (Though I’ve relied on a range of professional and personal support and time to learn this) Though even that said, let’s be honest—I still need to give myself a mental pep talk to remember that asking for help is a weakness and frustrations are annoying but 95% of the time they can be over come (come on am not prefect!)

I am however proud of the way I learn. I love that we all learn differently. And I truly hope that one day, this is embraced fully—not just for children (appreciate only partly embraced), but for adults, too because that way you get to see how amazingly talented people are.