How a Wheel of Names Spinner Can Help Neurodiverse Learners

Updated: January 22, 2026

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2025), around 1 in 31 children in the U.S. are identified with autism spectrum disorder, and studies suggest that up to 10% of students exhibit symptoms of ADHD (Danielson et al., 2022). Globally, researchers estimate that 15-20% of people are neurodivergent in some form (Doyle, 2020). These numbers reflect a growing understanding that cognitive differences are not deficits - they’re part of human diversity. But they also highlight a need for tools that help every student learn, focus, and participate in ways that suit their unique sensory and cognitive profiles.

The following are ways a spinner wheel can help neurodiverse learners:

• Predictable ritual + surprise: Spinning motion provides structure while results remain random.
• Special interest engagement: Many neurodiverse students enjoy the mechanical and visual aspects of the wheel.
• Reduced pressure: Random selection reduces stress compared to teacher choice.
• Visual & interactive feedback: Hidden prompts add an engaging reveal element.
• Customizable sensory settings: Adjust spin speed, mute sounds, or change background for sensory-sensitive students.
• Our personal connection: Our daughter is autistic and while developing the randomizer wheel tool, we noticed how calming the wheel was for her. It became clear that it wasn’t just a random name picker; it was a digital space where she could find focus and calm and distract her from the stress she was feeling. For her, the spinning motion gave the same comfort as a tactile fidget spinner, but in a more accessible and visually engaging way.