How Tutoring Partners Can Support Neurodivergent Students: A Guide for IECs
By Natasha M. Nurse, Esq.
College counselors know well the importance (and headache) of finding a tutoring partner that actually fits your students needs. Quality, trustworthiness and reliability are just a few factors that can be difficult to assess without actively attending sessions. When you’re an IEC that works with neurodivergent students those problems become even more acute. You know the nuance required to get a student the right academic support. A tutoring partner should do more than fill academic gaps; they should collaborate (not compete), with your goals, honor each student’s learning profile, and provide support aligned with IEPs and 504 plans.
At MRM Education, we specialize in tutoring that empowers neurodiverse learners while making life easier for the IECs and families who support them. Here’s what to look for—and what we deliver—when partnering on behalf of your neurodivergent students.
1. Tutors Who Understand Neurodivergence
Effective support starts with understanding. Tutors should be qualified in special education and, if not, must be trained in neurodiversity-informed practices and bring experience working with students with their specific neurodivergence. Whether ADHD, dyslexia, processing disorders/executive functioning challenges, autism spectrum or something else. Tutors must know more than the labels - they must understand the lived experiences.
2. Respect for IEPs and 504 Plans
Students with formal accommodations need support that honors and reinforces them. We review IEPs and 504 plans as part of our intake process and adapt instruction to ensure alignment. Whether it’s extended time, assistive technology, or multi-sensory strategies, our tutors help students apply these tools in their sessions, not just on paper.
3. Customized, Strength-Based Instruction
Neurodivergent students thrive when instruction is personalized and asset-based. We start by identifying strengths, then build confidence and competence through scaffolded, student-led sessions. IECs trust us to reinforce classroom content and cultivate essential skills like self-advocacy and executive function.
4. Collaboration That Saves You Time and Avoids Conflict
Between school counselors, private counselors, teachers, parents and grandparents – too many opinions is the scourge of college admissions. We work hand-in-hand with IECs to provide progress updates, flag concerns, and implement your strategy so you know you’re being supported, not undermined - saving you time and a whole host of unnecessary headaches.
Need more support for your student?
Contact MRM Education for personalized tutoring, enrichment, and math skill-building programs.
