"Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits" (Baume and Freuh, 2023).
Diversity and Ability Charity Director - Atif Choudhury explains that we are all neurodiverse but not all marginalised because of it.
Neurodiversity impacts people at different times and in different ways at university based on other life factors - however, it is important to remember that the creativity and kaleidoscopic thinking that accompanies neurodiversity is to be celebrated and supported.
Neurodiversity guidelines from the University of Nottingham highlight best practice to support neurodiverse students.
These include being clear on the structure of a session, providing guidance on expectations, and provide slides in advance of meetings - research shows that many of these practices together with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) will benefit all students.
The university is working on developing teaching templates that support students and make use Dyslexia friendly style guide - British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk)
Buckinghamshire New University’s Jonathan Devine and Kevin L. Merry, Lead Academic at De Montfort University (DMU) talk about the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in supporting Neurodiverse students in a Talking and Learning podcast
Neurodiverse students may also have a range of other needs in relation to their characteristics - see Neurodiversity and Co-occurring difficulties - British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk)
Working in healthcare presents specific challenges but importantly offers wonderful opportunities for neurodiverse students and staff to succeed and bring their wealth of experience and persepectives to their patients/clients and/or colleagues.
To read more about examples of challenges and successes visit Autistic Doctors International | Linktree
Dr Mary Doherty and Dr Sebastian Shaw share information about the community of autistic medical professionals that is Autistic Doctors International, and the need to have more research evidence based that triggles down into improvements in healthcare culture to reduce microaggressions and systemic ableism.
The Disability Service (sgul.ac.uk) welcomes students Disability Service (sgul.ac.uk) who are disabled or have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).
You can contact the Disability Team:
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by email
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By phone - Please note that due to working remotely, the service is not currently directly accessible by phone. If you need to speak to someone in person, please call the Student Life Centre on 0203 897 2033 .
- In person at the Student Life Centre on the ground floor of Hunter wing.
- You can also register with the service online