About Bastian Schroeder

Educational Author for Neurodivergent Children

Bastian Schroeder

Learn about Bastian Schroeder, creator of distraction-free learning materials for neurodivergent children. Discover the story behind 20,000+ workbooks sold and educational apps used in German schools.

20,000+

Workbooks Sold

20+

Countries

4.5 ★

Average Rating

10,000+

Families Helped

My Story: A Parent's Solution Becomes a Mission

I'm Bastian Schroeder—a father first, educational materials creator second.

My journey began not in a classroom or corporate boardroom, but at a kitchen table, watching my autistic son struggle with homework. Traditional workbooks overwhelmed him. Bright cartoon characters competed for his attention. Colorful borders and busy backgrounds created visual chaos. Every page felt like a battle—not against the math or reading, but against the materials themselves.

I realized something important: My son wasn't the problem. The learning materials were.

His brain processes information differently. He needs clarity, structure, and calm. Traditional educational materials, designed with "engagement" in mind, do the opposite for neurodivergent children—they create cognitive overload and sensory overwhelm.

So I started creating my own materials. Simple pages. Clean layouts. No unnecessary distractions. Just the learning content and plenty of space to think. I chose an underwater theme with calming ocean blue as the background—the kind of visual environment that helps anxious minds settle. A few cute ocean creatures for gentle motivation, but nothing that hijacks attention.

My son's response changed everything. He sat down willingly. He focused. He completed pages independently for the first time. The transformation wasn't about him trying harder—it was about the materials finally working with his brain instead of against it.

That's when I knew other families needed this too.

I published the first workbooks through Amazon, not expecting much. But the response was overwhelming. Parents wrote to tell me their children completed their first full workbook. Teachers shared stories of students who suddenly engaged with math. Families from around the world discovered that distraction-free design unlocks potential.

Today, over 20,000 workbooks have found homes in more than 20 countries. My educational apps are used in German schools. The materials have earned an average 4.5-star rating from hundreds of families. But what matters most isn't the numbers—it's the emails from parents saying, "This is the first time my child didn't fight me about homework."

This is why I do what I do. Not because I'm a professional educator with teaching credentials—I'm not. But because I'm a parent who refused to accept that learning materials couldn't be better. I'm proof that sometimes the best solutions come from lived experience, not corporate publishing houses.

Why Neurodivergent Children Need Different Materials

The Problem with Traditional Educational Materials

Traditional workbooks are designed for a mythical "average" child. Publishers pack pages with colorful characters, decorative borders, bright backgrounds, and visual variety—believing these elements make learning "fun" and "engaging."

But for neurodivergent brains, this approach backfires.

For children with ADHD, every decorative element becomes a distraction. A cartoon character in the margin isn't motivating—it's a detour that fragments attention. When you're working to sustain focus, visual noise makes it nearly impossible.

For autistic children, sensory processing differences mean busy layouts and bright colors can trigger overwhelm. The page meant to teach them creates anxiety instead of learning.

For children with learning differences, cognitive load theory tells us that extraneous visual information competes with essential content. When working memory is limited, every unnecessary element reduces capacity for actual learning.

These children are often labeled "unmotivated" or "behind"—when the real problem is that our educational tools fail them.

The Solution: Distraction-Free Design

Neurodivergent children don't need more stimulation. They need clarity, structure, and space to think.

My approach is grounded in cognitive load theory and educational psychology research:

The difference is dramatic:

Traditional Workbook Page: Colorful cartoon characters, decorative borders, multiple fonts, unpredictable layouts → Overwhelmed, distracted child

Distraction-Free Page: Clean white background, single clear typeface, consistent structure, only essential content → Focused, confident child

While these materials are designed specifically for neurodivergent children, all learners benefit from clarity and reduced visual noise. Teachers tell me neurotypical students in their classrooms prefer these materials too—because good design is good design.

Why the Ocean? The Story Behind the Underwater Theme

You might wonder: why underwater creatures and ocean blue?

The choice was intentional, rooted in both psychology and my son's responses.

Blue is scientifically calming. Research shows blue tones reduce anxiety and create a sense of tranquility—exactly what overwhelmed learners need. The soft, ocean blue background creates a visual environment where minds can settle and focus.

Underwater worlds are naturally minimal. Unlike cluttered land scenes with trees, buildings, and countless objects, underwater settings offer clean, open space. A few gentle sea creatures swimming through calm blue water—it's inherently peaceful.

My son responded to it. When I tested different aesthetics, the underwater theme consistently helped him stay calm and engaged. The cute octopus, friendly fish, and cheerful shells provided just enough motivation without becoming distractions.

It's also memorable and distinctive. In a market flooded with rainbow-colored cartoon chaos, the calm ocean approach stands out—not because it's flashy, but because it's different in exactly the right way.

What 20,000 Families Have Taught Me

Publishing materials for neurodivergent learners has been humbling. Every piece of feedback teaches me something new.

The most surprising lesson? How universal these struggles are. Parents from Germany to the United States to Australia face the same challenges—finding materials that work for their children's unique brains. The need for distraction-free, neurodivergent-friendly resources crosses borders, languages, and cultures.

What I didn't expect: Teachers reaching out to use these materials in mainstream classrooms. I designed for neurodivergent children, but educators discovered that minimalist design benefits all students—especially in inclusive classrooms where attention and sensory needs vary widely.

What didn't work initially: My first apps had too many features. I assumed more options meant better learning. Wrong. Neurodivergent children need simplicity at every level—not just visual design but interaction design too. Less is more became my mantra for app development.

The feedback that changed my approach: Parents telling me they used workbooks for one-page-per-day practice. I hadn't explicitly designed for that, but it makes perfect sense—short, focused practice sessions align with ADHD attention spans and reduce overwhelm. Now I design with that rhythm in mind.

What I've learned about confidence: It's not just about academic skills. When children complete a page independently, when they succeed without adult intervention, something shifts. They start to believe they can learn. That confidence transformation is more valuable than any specific math or reading skill.

I read every email. I consider every review. I test new designs based on community feedback. These materials aren't mine anymore—they belong to the families who use them and shape them through their experiences.

My Approach: Structure, Clarity, Confidence

Evidence-Based Design

I'm not a trained educator, but I'm a dedicated researcher. Every design decision is informed by:

I don't just believe distraction-free design works—I can point to the research that explains why.

Tested with Real Children and Families

These materials aren't created in isolation. They're developed through:

Over 20,000 families have used my workbooks. Thousands of students use my apps in German schools. This real-world validation drives continuous improvement.

Progressive Structure That Builds Confidence

Neurodivergent children often struggle with confidence after years of materials that don't work for them.

My approach focuses on building confidence through structured success:

When children experience success consistently—when they complete pages independently, solve problems correctly, build skills visibly—they develop not just knowledge but confidence. They start believing they can learn. That's transformative.

What I Create: Workbooks & Apps

Physical Workbooks

I publish distraction-free workbooks for core learning areas:

Mathematics (Ages 5-9): - Elementary skills: Number recognition, addition, subtraction, place value - Advanced practice: Multiplication, division, fractions, problem-solving - Designed for one-page-per-day practice - Focus on mastering basic skills before moving on

Reading & Phonics: - Syllable reading practice (German-language learners) - Phonics and sight words (English learners) - Letter recognition to word reading progression - First reader books with minimal distraction

Writing & Handwriting: - Letter tracing and formation - Pre-writing exercises - Handwriting practice workbooks - Progressive structure from simple to complex

Key Features Across All Workbooks: - Clean, distraction-free layouts - Consistent page design (predictability reduces anxiety) - Progressive difficulty - High-quality printing - Available in A4 and pocket formats - Average 4.5-star rating from families worldwide

Educational Apps

I've developed two apps using Flutterflow, both designed with neurodivergent learners in mind:

Math Learning App (Free & Pro versions): - Gamified practice for elementary math skills - Simple swipe gesture interaction - Offline: No internet required (no distractions, complete privacy) - Ad-free: Zero interruptions to learning flow - No subscriptions: One-time purchase, unlimited access - Motivatio n: Collect shells to feed a virtual octopus (gentle gamification)

Reading App (Syllable & Phonics): - German syllable reading practice - English phonics and sight words - Simple, gesture-based interaction - Completely offline and ad-free - No data collection or tracking

Why These App Principles Matter:

Most educational apps bombard children with ads, require constant internet connectivity, and collect user data. For neurodivergent children, ads are attention-destroying interruptions. Internet requirements mean distractions are one click away. Data collection raises privacy concerns.

My apps are the opposite: calm, private, focused learning environments where children can practice independently without worry.

Used in German schools and by families in 20+ countries, these apps prove that neurodivergent-friendly digital learning is possible—and effective.

Behind the Technology: Why Flutterflow?

You might wonder why I built apps using Flutterflow instead of hiring a traditional development team.

The answer is simple: speed and iteration.

As a parent-creator, I need to test ideas quickly and refine based on real feedback. Flutterflow allows me to prototype, test with children, gather feedback, and improve rapidly—without months of development cycles.

This matters because neurodivergent-friendly design requires real-world testing. What works in theory doesn't always work in practice. Being able to iterate quickly means I can respond to what children and families actually need, not what I assume they need.

It also keeps costs low, which lets me offer free versions and affordable pricing. Accessibility matters—families shouldn't have to spend hundreds of dollars to access learning tools that work for their children.

Proven Impact: Numbers That Matter

Recognition & Reach

What Success Really Means

Numbers are important, but they don't capture the full story:

These outcomes happen when design respects how different brains work—when materials remove barriers instead of creating them.

My Commitment: Core Values

1. Neurodiversity is Difference, Not Deficiency

Neurodivergent children aren't broken. They have differently configured brains with unique strengths and needs. My materials honor this reality by designing for neurodivergent brains, not trying to force them into neurotypical molds.

2. Design Either Creates Barriers or Removes Them

Every design decision matters. I choose to remove barriers—to create materials where the design becomes invisible, leaving only learning.

3. Evidence Guides Innovation

Passion drives my work, but research guides it. Every design choice is grounded in cognitive science, tested with real users, and refined based on outcomes.

4. Accessibility is Non-Negotiable

Learning materials should be geographically, financially, and functionally accessible. That's why: - Workbooks are affordably priced - Apps have free versions - Materials are available internationally - No subscriptions or hidden costs

5. I Listen and Learn

I don't have all the answers. But I read every email, consider every review, and continuously improve based on community feedback. These materials evolve because families share what works and what doesn't.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies you to create educational materials without teaching credentials?

That's a fair question. I'm not a professional educator or curriculum designer—and that's actually the point.

Traditional publishers have teaching credentials, yet they continue producing materials that overwhelm neurodivergent children. My qualification is different: I'm a parent who lived the problem and created a solution that works.

My materials are validated by: - 20,000+ families who chose them over traditional options - Research-backed design grounded in cognitive load theory - School adoption by German educators - 4.5-star ratings from hundreds of verified reviews - Real-world outcomes reported by parents and teachers

Sometimes the best innovations come from outside traditional systems—from people who refused to accept "that's just how it's done."

Will these materials work for my child specifically?

Every child is unique, so I can't guarantee results for any individual. However:

These materials work best for children who: - Struggle with visual overwhelm from traditional workbooks - Have ADHD and need minimized distractions - Are autistic and sensitive to sensory-busy materials - Need structured, predictable practice - Benefit from one-page-per-day learning rhythms

Thousands of families report breakthrough moments with these materials after struggling with traditional options. The distraction-free approach resonates across different neurodivergent profiles.

Many parents start with a single workbook to test whether the approach works for their child before buying more.

What ages are these materials appropriate for?

Workbooks: Primarily ages 5-9 (elementary/primary school) - Math: Basic arithmetic through multiplication/division - Reading: Letter recognition through early reading - Writing: Tracing through independent handwriting

Apps: Ages 5-10, depending on skill level - Adaptable difficulty levels - Self-paced progression

That said, some older children with learning differences benefit from these materials because the distraction-free design helps them focus on skill-building without age-inappropriate content feeling juvenile.

Can neurotypical children use these materials too?

Absolutely. While designed specifically for neurodivergent learners, all children benefit from clarity and reduced visual noise.

Teachers report that neurotypical students in inclusive classrooms often prefer these materials. Clear design, structured progression, and focus on learning work for everyone—it's just especially crucial for neurodivergent brains.

Why the underwater theme instead of traditional characters?

The underwater theme serves multiple purposes:

It's not arbitrary aesthetics—it's intentional design informed by psychology and user testing.

How do I know which product to start with?

For mathematics: Choose based on current skill level: - Just starting: Number recognition and basic addition - Building confidence: Single-digit addition/subtraction practice - Ready for more: Multiplication, division, or mixed operations

For reading: - German learners: Start with syllable reading basics - English learners: Begin with phonics or sight words depending on approach

For writing: Start with letter tracing if fine motor skills need support, or jump to handwriting practice if ready

When in doubt, start with foundational skills. Confidence comes from mastery, and mastery comes from solid foundations.

Are your materials available in languages other than English and German?

Currently, materials are primarily in German and English. The German versions have the broadest range (my original market). English versions are expanding.

International families from 20+ countries use these materials, though language availability varies by product.

Can teachers use these materials in classrooms?

Yes! Teachers across Germany and other countries use these materials in: - Inclusive classrooms with mixed learning needs - Special education settings - Resource rooms and learning support programs - Homeschooling cooperatives

Bulk pricing isn't currently available, but many teachers purchase materials personally or through school budgets.

Do you offer refunds if materials don't work for my child?

For direct purchases: I want families to feel confident trying these materials. Contact me directly if a product doesn't work for your child—I'll make it right.

For Amazon/third-party purchases: Return policies follow the retailer's standard procedures.

What's next? Are you developing new materials?

Always. Based on community feedback, I'm continuously: - Expanding subject areas - Adding age ranges - Refining existing materials - Developing new app features - Exploring new formats

Every email suggesting a new product or improvement influences my roadmap. This is a living, evolving project shaped by the families who use it.

Let's Connect

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Have questions? Want to share your child's success story? Interested in using my materials in your school or therapy practice?

I'd love to hear from you. Every message reminds me why this work matters and helps shape what I create next.

About This Site

Basti's Learning World is the English version of my German platform, Bastis Lernwelt. While my primary audience has been German-speaking families, the need for neurodivergent-friendly learning materials is universal.

This site brings my research-backed, parent-tested approach to English-speaking families, educators, and children worldwide.

Whether you're a parent seeking tools that finally work, a teacher supporting inclusive classrooms, or an educational therapist searching for evidence-based materials—welcome.

Together, we can create learning experiences where neurodivergent children don't just survive—they thrive.

Bastian Schroeder Father, Educational Materials Creator Advocate for Neurodivergent-Friendly Learning

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