Neurodiversity in the College Setting
A Basic Overview for Fostering Success
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity:
Celebrating Different Minds
Neurodiversity is a term for neurological variations regarding learning, communication, sociability, attention, mood and other mental functions.
The term neurodiversity is meant to embrace the positives of a unique mind by moving away from negative labels. Neurodiverse individuals do have day to day struggles as a result of their differences but awareness and understanding from others can help minimize that.
Cognitive Processing Difference(s) or CPD is an excellent way to refer to neurodiverse conditions as it has no connotations of value or judgement and is inclusive of individuals who may be officially undiagnosed.
The number of neurodiverse college students is hard to pinpoint, with studies suggesting that neurodiverse students make up at least 11% of enrolled undergraduates and possibly account for up to 30% of students.
The most common diagnoses for neurodiverse students are:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Dyslexia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyscalculia
- Dyspraxia
Autism Spectrum
Autism is a developmental disorder that impacts sensory processing, communication, emotional regulation, social and motor skills in varying degrees.
Amazing Things Happen
“One of the big problems that students with autism face is the transition period and learning to navigate the college systems which are completely different from what they had to do when they were in high school.” - Jessica Rast, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
Autistic Students may
- Stim during class to self-regulate
- Require accommodations set up through the University
- Reply slowly to greetings or questions (this does not mean they are uninterested)
- Have difficulty adapting to the new environments, expectations and schedules that come with each semester
- Have incredible aptitude for some subjects and difficulties with others
Resources to Learn More
ASAN is a non profit with an extensive library of resources for neurodiverse individuals wanting to learn more about self-advocacy and others who may want to learn more about autism. ASAN is always creating and compiling new research about ASD and is almost entirely staffed by Autistics.
Spectrum provides objective news on advances in autism research as well as provide general information about autism. Spectrum compiles valuable new autism research surrounding therapy, symptoms and potential causes.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a condition that can cause attention difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Typically diagnosed in childhood, ADHD is a lifelong condition that can be treated (not cured) with medication and certain therapies.
How to (Explain) ADHD
ADHD Students may
- Stim or move to stay focused
- Require accommodations set up through the University
- Interrupt or begin speaking abruptly
- Have difficulty focusing in longer classes
- Struggle with timed assignments, tests or discussions
- Have issues with volume control
- Require written or verbal reminders of tasks
Resources to Learn More
CHADD is a charity created by parents of ADHD children to help inform and support people affected by ADHD. CHADD compiles resources for ADHD adults, parents/caregivers, teachers and professionals. CHADD also has many publications, including a magazine, blog and several podcasts.
ADDA is a non profit created to help adults with ADHD lead better lives. ADDA is the world's foremost organization focusing specifically on adult ADHD. ADDA compiles resources for and about adult ADHD to generate awareness, acceptance and hope.
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia
These neurological disorders impact reading, writing, arithmetic and fine motor skills. They have a high rate of comorbidity with other learning or developmental disorders.
See dyslexia differently
Students with one of these conditions may
- Need to view/complete assignments in altered formats
- Require accommodations set up through the University
- Struggle to understand non-inclusive campus media
- Have difficulty with hand-written assignments
- Be self-conscious of spelling or handwriting
Resources to Learn More
DysGuise provides cognitive assessments for dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia in Edinburgh. DysGuise also houses excellent information about these learning disabilities and how to best accommodate and support people with them.
Neurodiversity and Higher Education
Why does inclusion matter?
"When it comes to neurodiverse students, educators must do better. Graduation rates for neurodiverse collegians at mainstream schools are disconcertingly low. The 2011 National Longitudinal Transition Study put the four-year graduation rate for neurodiverse students at about 16 percent, while a 2014 study claimed 34 percent of neurodiverse students ultimately complete college." - Shelley Chandler, Beacon College
Colleges in the US do not fall under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act which means they are not held the same legal obligations to students as K-12 schools. Colleges are required to provide "equal access" and prevent discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Unfortunately, "equal access" is left up to the interpretation of each University which leaves many neurodiverse students left unsupported. Most Universities require a student to set up accommodations through a disability services office, which can be difficult for a student to seek out and find without assistance. Students are typically required to show documentation of diagnoses and a history of accommodations from high school and earlier. Accommodations provided through the University are typically modeled after accommodations needed in High School which often discounts the significant change that college can be for Neurodiverse students.
How can colleges be more inclusive for neurodiverse students?
Inclusive Colleges Map
The above map contains the top-rated schools for neurodiverse students, compiled from lists published by College Consensus , College Choice , and Great Value Colleges . The map also includes education levels across the US to illustrate that the most successful colleges for Neurodiverse students are not necessarily located in highly educated areas. By looking at this map, it is clear to see that inclusive, accessible colleges are few and far between. Despite a slight concentration of schools on the East Coast, there is no definable "hub" for neurodiverse students. These colleges are rated the best for neurodiverse students due to their similar policies which means that all Universities have equal ability to become more inclusive.
Let's discuss how these colleges do it:
- Small class sizes
- Transition services and specialized orientations
- Personal student mentors and/or Academic Coaching
- Degrees and Minors in Disability Studies
- Neurodiverse Faculty and Staff
- Specialized programs and services that go beyond ADA requirements
Driving Inclusiveness in Higher Education Think College, Institute for Community Inclusion, UMASS Boston
Basic knowledge and understanding sets the foundation for acceptance. Universities have the ability to improve outcomes for neurodiverse students if faculty and staff educate themselves and strive to set an example of grace and kindness.
