Current approaches to supporting neurodivergent (ND) students at university are predicated on the idea that they need to be ‘fixed’ so that they can exist within a system designed for neurotypical people. But until we work to change the embedded systems and processes, ND students will struggle to flourish within academia.
People who are neurodivergent have an incredible ability to perceive the world differently to their neurotypical (NT) peers. Very often, we can focus intently on a specific detail, allowing us to see things others have missed. Our brains can light up, giving us a flood of information, connections and emotions, that help us to see the world in glorious technicolour.
Our empathy allows us to understand others, their struggles and their emotions, while our compassion drives us to want to fight by their side.
However, these traits are often undervalued in academia, which is built on a history of elitism and traditional perceptions of what ‘good’ looks like. Consequently, academia values speed, accuracy and the ability to replicate a specific style of speaking, writing and being. The importance placed on the enactment of these values, disables those who's cognitive divergence restricts their ability to comply.
