For an introduction to neurodivergence in higher education, please watch the recording Embracing Neurodiversity in Higher Education, a presentation done by Denielle Rose, IMA Graduate and Bonnie Powers and/ or check our our slides. In this video we define Neurodivergent as “an individual with one or more neurobiological differences from what is typical of the majority.” More importantly, however, we reframe neurodiversity as the natural variation in human brain development, rather than presenting neurodivergence as a deficit phenomenon. We also outline the wide array conditions and diagnoses that cause neurodivergence as well as the prevalence of neurodivergent students in higher education, the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent people and strategies we can use to embrace neurodiversity in higher education. These resources define and describe the breadth and prevalence of neurodivergence in higher education and offer some strategies for supporting students, faculty and staff who are neurodivergent.
What is neurodiversity? Baumer, N., MD. (2021, November 23). Harvard Health.
NeuroDiversity: The Birth of an Idea by Judy Singer
Neurodivergent Students Need Flexibility, Not Our Frustration (Chronicle of Higher Ed)
Slides (Google)
Ways to Embrace Neurodiversity as a University (Google Doc)
Ways to Embrace Neurodiversity in your Office/Dept (Google Doc)
Ways to Embrace Neurodiversity in your Course (Google Doc)
Video: Neurodiversity and the Radial Changes Needed for True Inclusion in HE (15:46) by Dan Spring 2023 IMA
The Signs of Neurotypical Spectrum Disorder – A Parody (2013)
Bakker, T., Krabbendam, L., Bhulai, S. et al. Study progression and degree completion of autistic students in higher education: a longitudinal study. High Educ 85, 1–26 (2023).
Botha, M., Hanlon, J., & Williams, G. L. (2023). Does Language Matter? Identity-First Versus Person-First Language Use in Autism Research: A Response to Vivanti. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 53(2), 870–878.
Cage, E., De Andres, M., & Mahoney, P. (2020). Understanding the factors that affect university completion for autistic people.
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 72, 101519.
Greenwood, T. A. (2017). Positive Traits in the Bipolar Spectrum: The Space between Madness and Genius. Molecular Neuropsychiatry, 2(4), 198-212.
Kahn, S. (2018). "10 From Access to Assets". In Towards Inclusion of All Learners through Science Teacher Education\. Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill.
McGuire, A. (2016). War on autism: on the cultural logic of normative violence (Ser. Corporealities: discourses of disability). University of Michigan Press.
Newman, L., Wagner, M., Knokey, A., Marder, C., Nagle, K. Shaver, D., & Wei, X. (2011). The Post-High School Outcomes of Young Adults With Disabilities up to 8 Years After High School: A Report From the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) (NCSER 2011-3005). Menlo Park, CA: SRI International.
Price, D. (2022). Unmasking autism: discovering the new faces of neurodiversity (First). Harmony Books.
Shifrer, D. (2018). Clarifying the Social Roots of the Disproportionate Classification of Racial Minorities and Males with Learning Disabilities. The Sociological Quarterly, 59:3, 384-406, DOI: 10.1080/00380253.2018.1479198
Sinverman, Sarah - Learning from Neurodiversity: Options for Expression and Communication
UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences. (2022, November 25). Neurodiversity Masterclass Series November 2022 (By J. Carrero) [Video]. YouTube.
After completing this module, you will be able to:
Understand the prevalence of neurodiversity and the variety of challenges and strengths neurodivergent students bring to the learning environment.
Create an embracing environment that helps neurodivergent individuals by depathologizing neurodiversity and not requiring diagnosis and documentation in order to receive assistance.
Support executive functioning, offer structure with flexibility and take a strengths-based approach to learning and assessment.
In order to continue reflection, you may find it helpful to join a group, subscribe to a blog or podcast, or sign up for
an email or newsletter that will prompt you to reflect on the topic on a regular basis.