Brain Smarts

Who:

Children who may feel “different” or struggle in traditional academic settings, especially those with autism, ADHD, or other learning differences.

What:

This is a celebratory visual map of the brain that breaks down “intelligence” into relatable, high-interest categories. Instead of focusing only on school grades, it highlights diverse strengths like Lego Smarts, Computer Smarts, and Play Smarts. It’s a perfect tool for a child’s bedroom wall, a classroom cubby, or a therapy binder.

Why:

Many neurodivergent children spend their day focusing on what they can’t do. Brain Smarts shifts the narrative to what they can do. By labeling these specific strengths, you help build a child’s self-esteem and give them a vocabulary to describe their own talents. It reminds both the child and the adults in their life that being “smart” comes in many different, equally valuable forms.

A quick tip for “Brain Smarts”:

You can use this PDF as an interactive activity! Have the child color in the “Smarts” they feel they have the most of, or add a blank circle for them to write in their own unique talent, like “Animal Smarts” or “Drawing Smarts.”