Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a term used to describe variation in human brain functions relating to sociability, learning, attention and mood. Neurodiversity encompasses conditions such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia, among others. 

UCD Access and Lifelong  Learning has a series of  fact sheets on neurodivergent conditions (including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyscalculia, dyslexia and dyspraxia) which are useful for academic stuff in supporting students. 

Please see below links to some additional useful resources in this area: 

• Recordings from UCD’s recent International Conference on  “Neurodiversity: A Paradigm Shift In Higher Education & Employment” can be found here.
• You can link to (opens in a new window)The Neurodiversity Hub which includes a really useful set of resources for University staff who wish to support students and colleagues who are neurodiverse. 
• See also this (opens in a new window)Professor’s Guide to understanding Asperger’s Syndrome.   
• This guide which focuses on (opens in a new window)the Transition to University deals specifically with supporting students who are autistic.
• This article on (opens in a new window)Communication, Behaviour and Interaction  discusses how academic staff can improve their interactions with students/colleagues who are autistic.
• This video shows (opens in a new window)the lived experience of neurodiversity from the perspective of a PhD researcher at LaTrobe University, Australia, an institution that has extensive expertise in this area. 
• This webinar highlights issues arising in (opens in a new window)postgraduate supervision of students  who are neurodiverse.  
• Some advice for academic staff who wish to support students with ADHD  can be found (opens in a new window)here.
• UCD School of Medicine Prof Diploma Neurodiversity