Office of Disability Resources

What is Neurodiversity?

“Neurodiversity refers to the virtually infinite neurocognitive variability within Earth’s human population. It points to the fact that every human has a unique nervous system with a unique combination of abilities and needs.” -Judy Singer, Australian Sociologist 

Neurodiversity puts the focus on the many different ways in which people experience and interact with the world around them. 

Strategies to Support Students

• Ask for consent to help/assist.
• Share concerns with the student and engage with student in discussion of what might work best for them, as well as what might not work.
• Curate direct questions and provide clear and explicit answers.
• Be aware of sensory stimuli when speaking with the student.
• Allow additional time for students to process directions/questions (up to 30 seconds).
• Outline clear and explicit expected behaviors. If issues arise, direct students in a courteous but explicit way.
• Stimming behaviors are a way for students to self-regulate. Behaviors may include rocking, tapping, etc. Please meet with students to discuss any behavior if it becomes disruptive to the learning environment so a plan can be made moving forward. 
• Limit the use of figurative language, sarcasm, idioms, and innuendos. 
• Rephrase information and provide expectations in different formats if possible. For example, supplement oral communication with written follow up. 
• Break instructions/tasks into smaller steps.
• Chunk information into more manageable pieces.
• Set clear boundaries.
• Utilize Starfish to alert students and their support network of any concerns regarding their class performance. For example, missing assignment, attendance and participation concerns, low grades, etc. 

Accessing Additional Resources

All individuals have unique ways of processing information, communicating, and interacting, that are not necessarily indicative of a specific disability or diagnosis. If concerns arise regarding a student, please provide the student with a list of all available resources on campus, and as a first step, please communicate with the student directly so that the student has the opportunity to adjust their behavior based on the expectations set forth. If a student’s behavior persists and rises to the level that is disrupting the learning environment, please contact the Office of Community Standards. This contact helps to ensure that students understand the expectations of behavior for all students on campus, and that appropriate support is being offered.

Additionally, if there is a concern that rises to a significant level, please utilize appropriate Starfish flags so that the CARE Team is made aware and can assist the student accordingly.