Supporting Neurodivergent Learners
We're proud to have received the prestigious National Autistic Society Autism Inclusion Award - recognition of our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where neurodivergent children truly thrive.
What is the Autism Inclusion Award?
The National Autistic Society's Autism Inclusion Award is an internationally recognised quality standard that demonstrates excellent support for autistic children and young people.
This prestigious accreditation is:
- Based on proven frameworks - Built on the Autism Education Trust's Standards and Competency Frameworks for best practice
- Rigorously assessed - Organisations must meet specific criteria to demonstrate they create welcoming, supportive environments
- Outcome-focused - Measures real results in how well autistic children and young people are supported
- Continuously improved - Award holders commit to ongoing development and excellence in autism support
What This Award Means For You
Achieving this award demonstrates that The Code Zone:
- Has proven expertise in supporting autistic learners and children with diverse needs
- Creates an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and understood
- Employs trained mentors who understand neurodivergent learning styles
- Implements evidence-based practices that help children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other needs to excel
Our Game Dev Club: Where Neurodivergent Children Thrive
Game Dev Club is our flagship online coding program specifically designed with neurodivergent learners in mind. We've created a structured, supportive environment where children aged 6-16 learn to code by building games they love.
Weekly Live Clubs
Small groups of max 6 children
- Patient, STEM-Certified mentors who understand neurodivergent needs
- Predictable weekly schedule builds routine and comfort
- Same small group builds familiarity and friendships
- Clear, structured coding projects with step-by-step guidance
- Ongoing text & video support between sessions
- Miss a session? Automatic academy access keeps you on track
Self-Paced Academy
Learn at your own pace
- Code whenever suits your child's energy and focus
- No pressure to keep up with a group
- Take breaks as needed without falling behind
- Same supportive STEM-Certified mentors via messages
- Perfect for children who prefer independent learning
- Weekly video messages from your mentor
No credit card required to register • Safe, inclusive environment • Cancel anytime
How We Support Neurodivergent Children
We've become the go-to choice for families with neurodivergent children because we understand that every child learns differently.
Patient, Understanding Mentors
Our STEM-Certified mentors are trained to create calm, supportive environments. They understand that neurodivergent children may need:
- Extra time to process information
- Clear, consistent communication
- Flexibility in learning approaches
- Understanding when they need breaks or different support
"The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and always ready to help. My daughter truly enjoyed every session."
Small Group Sizes
With a maximum of 6 children per club, every child gets personalized attention. This intimate setting helps children who:
- Feel overwhelmed in large groups
- Need more one-on-one support
- Benefit from quieter, less stimulating environments
- Thrive with individual encouragement
"The class sizes are small so plenty of time for children to ask questions during the live sessions."
Safe Space to Be Yourself
We create an environment where children can truly be themselves without judgement. This safe, accepting space helps children who:
- Feel anxious or self-conscious in traditional settings
- Struggle with social expectations and masking
- Need to feel accepted for who they are
- Thrive when they can relax and be authentic
"My child finally feels accepted. For the first time, they're excited to attend a club."
Why Coding is Perfect for Neurodivergent Learners
Research shows that autistic and neurodivergent children naturally excel at programming. We start with block-based coding like Scratch before progressing to Python, because coding aligns with how many neurodivergent minds work:
Logical, Predictable Systems
Studies show autistic children often excel at mathematics and logical problem-solving. Coding provides clear, structured systems where their ability to organize data and build reliable structures produces predictable, satisfying results. Block-based coding makes these patterns visual and easy to grasp before moving to text-based languages.
Clear, Literal Communication
Code is unambiguous - there are no hidden meanings or social cues to decode. Instructions are clear and direct, which many autistic children find easier to understand than the often confusing world of social communication. The computer does exactly what you tell it to.
Rewards Pattern Recognition
Many neurodivergent children have exceptional pattern recognition abilities. Coding rewards this strength through identifying patterns, creating algorithms, and building on repetitive structures - skills that come naturally and feel satisfying to develop.
Channels Passions & Interests
Many autistic children have intense interests in technology, games, or systems. Coding provides a productive outlet for these passions, allowing them to create projects around their interests while developing valuable, real-world skills that can lead to future careers.
"Research shows that coding helps neurodivergent children improve problem-solving, enhance computational thinking, and even develop better social understanding - all while doing something they naturally excel at and enjoy."
Join 1000+ children learning to code with expert mentors
Request a FREE session
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Genuine Reviews from Neurodivergent Families
"Our family love the Code Zone. The whole team are so understanding of children's needs and so flexible. My child has autism and ADHD and I've never come across any organisation that is so accommodating of children's needs. They do not pressurise them, demand or expect things the child isn't able to do at a time. My child can be himself when interacting with people at the code zone. I would 100% recommend them."
— Parent of a child with autism and ADHD
"The Code Zone is fantastic. The different types of learning are brilliant for kids like mine, who has ADHD and autism and often struggle in a standard learning environment. The teachers are excellent and engaging, and really understand how to provide a good learning experience (especially for neurodiverse children), and are great at offering support and responding to queries outside of classes."
— Parent of a child with ADHD and autism
"My 8 year old daughter has absolutely loved her time with Codezone. In particular her mentor Lauren was a joy with the kids in her group. Kind, funny, patient! All the mentors we've had have been excellent at holding the space for every child in the session, allowing for chat, questioning with fun. My daughter also has ADHD and can sometimes struggle with instructions or waiting her turn, and only received kindness and encouragement every week. In her words 'it's majorly fun and confidence boosting!'"
— Parent of an 8 year old with ADHD
Award Winning
Global Winner
STEM Accredited
2022 Finalist
Autism Inclusion Award
Our members rate us 'Excellent'!
Supporting Neurodivergent Learners - What You Need to Know
Understanding Different Needs
We support children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other neurodivergent profiles. Our mentors are trained to adapt their teaching style to each child's unique way of learning.
Tell us about your child's needs when you register, and we'll make sure they're matched with the right mentor and club.
Sensory Considerations
Online learning offers significant benefits for neurodivergent children:
- Learn in their comfortable home environment
- Control sensory input (lighting, sound, etc.)
- Take breaks as needed without disruption
- Avoid overwhelming social situations while still learning with peers
Communication & Social Support
We understand that communication can be challenging. Our mentors:
- Use clear, literal language
- Give processing time for responses
- Provide visual supports and demonstrations
- Create a judgement-free zone where mistakes are part of learning
- Offer alternative communication methods (chat, drawing, etc.)
Flexibility & Understanding
We know that some days are harder than others. That's why we offer:
- Automatic Game Dev Academy access if you miss sessions
- No pressure to have camera on if your child prefers
- Understanding when children need to step away
- Ongoing mentor support via messages between sessions
- Cancel anytime with 30 days notice
No credit card required to register • Safe, inclusive environment • Cancel anytime
