Neurodivergent-Friendly Learning Tools for all Kids | Supportive and Fun

Dyslexia-Friendly Math Riddles: Why I Designed Books for Neurodivergent Kids to Enjoy Learning Again

As both a parent and educator, I’ve seen firsthand how traditional schoolwork can leave some kids behind—especially those with learning differences. My daughter is bright, creative, and full of energy. She’s also ADHD and dyslexic. Watching her work through everyday challenges helped me realize just how different the learning experience can be for neurodivergent children.

What began as a personal mission quickly grew into something more: a series of dyslexia-friendly books created to support children who need a different kind of learning tool. These books are part of a growing effort to provide neurodivergent-friendly learning tools that address real, everyday challenges.

Why Dyslexia and ADHD Make Learning Math More Difficult

We often associate dyslexia with reading, but it affects math too. Kids with dyslexia may struggle with:

• Understanding word problems

• Confusing similar-looking numbers

• Following multi-step instructions

• Organizing work on cluttered pages

When ADHD is also involved, attention and focus become even harder to manage—especially with repetitive or unengaging content.

Research shows that around 1 in 5 children have dyslexia, and up to 30% of people experience some form of neurodivergence (like ADHD or autism). This means millions of learners need tools that go beyond conventional worksheets.

That’s why I started designing books that combine evidence-based layout principles with engaging, child-friendly content. My goal: make learning feel like play while removing the stress and frustration that often comes with worksheets or standard textbooks.

What Makes a Book Dyslexia-Friendly?

Every design choice in my books is intentional. Here are a few of the features I use:

• OpenDyslexic font – A typeface specifically designed to support dyslexic readers by reducing letter confusion.

• Calm, clear layouts – Plenty of spacing, soft backgrounds, and one concept per page to minimize overwhelm.

• Space to work things out – Children can write or draw directly on the page, reinforcing their thinking.

• Thematic illustrations – Each book includes engaging visuals that support (but never distract from) the learning.

These aren’t just features—they’re tools that help children feel more confident and capable with every page they complete. Designing for accessibility means reducing barriers. I also avoid high-contrast black text on white paper (which can be harsh), minimize distractions with generous margins, and keep language simple and supportive.

This approach reflects a deeper philosophy: that neurodivergent-friendly learning tools aren’t about dumbing down content—they’re about building it differently, so more children can access it successfully.

Why Riddles? Making Math Fun and Accessible

Math anxiety is real. Many kids say “I’m just not good at math” because they associate it with stress or failure. But when math is presented as a riddle or brain teaser, something amazing happens: it becomes fun.

Riddles encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. They:

• Remove the fear of getting it “wrong”

• Build critical thinking skills

• Help kids focus longer

• Offer a quick win that boosts confidence

That’s the foundation of my new book: 90 Autumn Math Riddles for Kids Aged 8–12.

What’s Inside the Book?

This new release includes:

• 90 autumn-themed riddles featuring pumpkins, owls, acorns, and more

• Three levels of difficulty (easy, medium, hard) so kids can progress at their own pace

• Dyslexia-friendly formatting using OpenDyslexic font and calming page layouts

• Write-in space for solving each puzzle right on the page

• Answer key and reward certificate to celebrate completion

Each riddle is structured to make math engaging without the pressure. The gradual progression across three levels means kids build skills and confidence simultaneously.

Whether your child is a math lover or needs a little encouragement, this book turns problem-solving into a seasonal adventure. It’s designed not only for home use but also for teachers, tutors, and homeschoolers looking for screen-free educational content.

Other Resources Available

You can find the paperback edition of 90 Autumn Math Riddles on Amazon or grab an instant-download PDF from my Tansley Express store.

Also available:

• Easter Math Riddles for Kids Aged 8–12 (Amazon)

• Benny the Bunny’s Bold Leap – a dyslexia-friendly storybook that supports fluency and decoding (available only on Tansley Express)

• Coming soon: A math riddle edition for ages 6–8, with similar design features tailored to younger readers

These resources are all built with the same foundation: inclusive, research-backed, and designed to be truly neurodivergent-friendly learning tools. My hope is that every child can find joy in problem-solving and stories, regardless of how they process information.

Final Thoughts

Creating these books started as a way to support my daughter—but they’re for every child who learns a little differently. Every kid deserves to feel smart, capable, and excited to learn. With the right tools, they can.

Accessible design isn’t about simplifying the content. It’s about clearing the path so every child can engage with it. If you’re a parent, teacher, or tutor supporting a neurodivergent learner, I hope you’ll explore these books. They were built with care, understanding, and a deep respect for how kids learn best.

Let’s make learning joyful again—one riddle at a time.