At 1in7, we believe the future of education for neurodivergent children lies at the intersection of neuroscience and technology. A major influence on our thinking has been the work of Dr. Andrew Huberman, a professor of neuroscience at Stanford University and host of the widely acclaimed Huberman Lab Podcast.

From Deficit to Strength-Based Thinking

Historically, neurodivergence – ADHD, dyslexia, autism – has been framed as a challenge to be overcome. But Dr. Huberman’s insights encourage a powerful shift: viewing these conditions as natural variations of the brain, with unique strengths that can be supported rather than suppressed.

His focus on neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt – is central to this reframe. As he notes in this episode on focus and brain change:

“We were born with a nervous system that isn’t just capable of change, but was designed to change.”

This forms the foundation of our belief that education systems must evolve — not to “fix” neurodivergent children, but to honour and support the way their brains work.

Focus, Dopamine, and Attention Regulation

In his episode on ADHD and attention, Dr. Huberman explores how dopamine pathways influence our ability to stay focused and engaged. This insight reshapes how we think about so-called “deficits” in attention:

“The challenge in ADHD is not simply about attention itself, but how the brain transitions between task-focused and default-mode brain states.”

This directly informs our development of tools that can adjust the learning environment in real time — supporting focus, managing overload, and nurturing motivation for each learner.

The Role of AI in Personalised, Neuroscience-Informed Education

Combining neuroscience with AI offers unprecedented potential to create responsive, individualised learning systems:

• AI platforms can adapt reading levels, content style, or pacing based on a child’s real-time engagement

• Children with ADHD can be supported with micro-feedback, break prompts, or sensory alerts

• Children with dyslexia can access multisensory, simplified language models

• AI can detect emotional or cognitive fatigue and suggest timely, tailored interventions

These are not abstract ambitions. They are active areas of development within 1in7’s innovation hub – inspired by neuroscience and made actionable by technology.

Emotional Regulation and Resilience

Education is not just cognitive. It’s emotional. Dr. Huberman has repeatedly highlighted the connection between stress, emotional regulation, and cognitive performance. AI-enhanced learning systems can help children feel seen and supported in moments of frustration, anxiety, or shutdown – all of which are common in traditional school environments.

Personalised digital platforms could, for example:

• Detect rising stress and suggest a calming visual or sensory break

• Offer feedback framed to encourage agency and self-worth

• Adjust pacing dynamically to avoid emotional overload

Inspiration Meets Implementation

We are not affiliated with Dr. Huberman – but we are deeply inspired by his vision of neuroscience as a tool for real-world transformation. At 1in7, we’re applying this thinking to build tools that help neurodivergent children not only learn – but thrive.

“The goal is not to change who they are. It’s to build systems that understand who they are — and adapt accordingly.”

Further Reading & Resources

Huberman Lab Podcast

How to Focus to Change Your Brain

ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus

Podcast Summary: ADHD & Focus