STEAM Neurodivergence Framework | International Aerospace Academy

STEAM Inclusion & Access

Neurodivergence Framework

A new way to support scientific and technological learning from a neurodiversity perspective.

What is the Neurocognitive Progression Model?

The Neurocognitive Progression Model is a proposal that integrates knowledge from neuroscience, developmental psychology, and inclusive education to facilitate access for neuro-divergent students to STEAM experiences.

The model is based on the principle that skills such as programming, robotics, problem-solving, or solution design do not appear in isolation, but are based on the prior development of neurocognitive functions such as sensory regulation, attention, spatial organization, sequencing, and symbolic thinking.

Through this approach, we help teachers identify each student's learning level, offering clear strategies and activities tailored to their actual development. In this way, we transform STEAM education into a gradual, accessible, and truly meaningful path for everyone.

How does the tool work?

The model works as a pedagogical compass. Through the observation of skills distributed in 8 levels of neurocognitive development The teacher can pinpoint the exact location where a student can access learning content on science and technology.

The process is simple:

Direct observation: The teacher responds to a series of observable indicators about the student's behavior and performance in the classroom.
Profile generation: With this information, the platform creates a pedagogical profile that highlights what the student already mastered and the skills that are ready to begin to be stimulated.
Plan of action: The system suggests learning strategies and experiences tailored to the profile obtained.

One fundamental clarification: The results do not represent a clinical diagnosis.It is a practical tool to guide the teacher in the selection of pedagogical strategies and learning experiences, indicating where each student is in their development.

What information is reported?

At the end of the assessment, the platform organizes the results into 6 key blocks to facilitate decision-making in the classroom:

Consolidated Level: Identify the stage at which the student performs with confidence and consistency. This is your strongest starting point for planning.
Emerging Level: This indicates the next stage of development where the student shows glimpses or early signs of ability, but still requires support. It represents your Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).
Main Strengths: It recognizes the established capabilities that will serve as a "lever" to drive new learning.
Areas to Strengthen: It shows the specific neurocognitive functions that should continue to be stimulated in order to advance to higher levels.
Recommendations for the Teacher: It offers methodological suggestions and reasonable adjustments adapted to the student's profile.
Examples of activities: Examples are provided of activities that the teacher can carry out to support the student's process.
Activity Proposals: It features a bank of STEAM experiences designed specifically for the student's level, ready to be applied in the classroom.

How should we interpret the results?

It is important to understand that students do not progress in a completely linear fashion.

It is possible for a student to exhibit skills characteristic of different levels simultaneously. Therefore, the model identifies a consolidated level and an emerging level, allowing for the recognition of both already developed abilities and those that are in the process of consolidation.

The goal is not to place the student in a fixed category, but to understand how they learn and use this information to offer increasingly meaningful STEAM experiences.