Neurodiverse Students
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the concept that all humans vary in terms of our neurocognitive ability. Everyone has talents and things they struggle with. However, for some people the variation between those strengths and weaknesses is more pronounced, which can bring talent and can also be disabling.
Those who are neurodivergent tend to find some things very easy and other things incredibly hard. This usually leads to an inconsistent performance at school or work.
Neurodivergence can be a competitive advantage when the individuals are in the right environment, making use of their strengths, instead of constantly trying to overcome challenges.
Neurodiverse conditions include but are not limited to:
- ADHD
- autism
- dyslexia
- dyspraxia
- dyscalculia
- sensory processing disorder
- Tourette syndrome
- traumatic brain injury
Any neurocognitive profile that is not “neurotypical” could be included.
People with neurological differences have unique challenges in addition to all the normal struggles of any college student that can lead to an increased prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Furthermore, folks who identify as neurodivergent have different constellations of skills, needs, and comfort levels with various approaches to addressing stress and mental health concerns.
If you are a student who identifies as neurodivergent and would like to speak with a counselor to connect to further support, reach out to make an appointment. Below are some additional resources to support you in your life and as a college student.
Resources
Organizations, Associations, Advocacy Groups, Non-Profits, Clinician & Expert Websites
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
- Asperger Autism Network (AANE)
- Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network
- Autistic Self-Advocacy Organization (ASAN)
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
- College Autism Network
- Different Brains
- The Brain Injury Hope Network
- The Hallowell ADHD Centers (Dr. Edward (Ned) Hallowell)
- Tourette Association of America
- Understood For All, Inc.
- Understood For Us: Content from people who learn and think differently
Read
- Neurodiversity and the Coronavirus (blog series)
- Being Puerto Rican and Autistic
- Black Autistics Exist: An Argument for Intersectional Disability Justice
- ADHD Fact Sheet (handout)
- College Success means more than just grades (handout)
- Stress in People with Autism: How it Manifests and How I Cope with It. (blog post)
- Navigating College: A Handbook on Self Advocacy Written for Autistic Students from Autistic Adults (ebook)
- Sensory Processing Fact Sheet (handout)
- The Myth of the Normal Brain: Embracing Neurodiversity. AMA Journal of Ethics, 2015, Armstrong, Thomas (journal article)
- How one college student found success by “leaning in” to dyslexia (article)
- Women with Attention Deficit Disorder (blog/book)
- ADDitude Magazine (online magazine/website)
- Notes from Ned (blog, ADHD)
- The Inner Lives of Women with Learning Disabilities (blog post)
- The Hidden Rules of Office Hours- William and Mary (powerpoint)
- The Hidden (and some not-so-hidden) Rules of Seminar Success- William and Mary (powerpoint)
- Neurodiversity: Some Basic Terms and Definitions (website post)
- Gendervague: At the Intersection of Autistic and Trans Experiences (first-person account)
Watch
- Different Brains YouTube Channel (various video series) (Shows include: ADHD Power Tools, Finding the Super Powers Within, Week in Neurodiversity, Exploring Different Brains)
- Ned Talks (TikTok videos)
- Trans 101: Neurodiversity