Abstract
Format: Birds of a Feather
Topic for discussion: What are the needs of neurodivergent students and how do we create meaningful inclusion?
Context/background: There is a strong emphasis on increasing participation of under-represented groups in higher education, but the disability community has been let down by the Australian Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Network on Disability, 2024). Neurodivergent students including autistic students, students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and students with other significant learning differences, experience discrimination, poor wellbeing, and high rates of underachievement (Anderson et al., 2018; Nankoo et al., 2019; RonksleyPavia et al., 2019; Anderson et al., 2020). These outcomes contribute to the reduced quality-of-life experienced by neurodivergent Australians across the lifespan (Select Committee on Autism, 2022; Senate Community Affairs References Committee, 2023).
Description: We invited neurodivergent students to share their experiences with us by completing an online questionnaire (n=241) or by participating in an interview (n=6, data collection ongoing). Students (18+ years old) were eligible to participate if they formally or informally identified as neurodivergent, and had studied at an Australian university within the last 5 years. Using a mixed method approach we will define the strengths and needs of this cohort and provide a framework for co-designing affirming educational approaches and supports.
Intended outcome and contribution to scholarship/practice: Understanding the lived-experiences of neurodivergent students is the first step towards co-designing and implementing strengths-based, heutagogical approaches that enhance their educational experiences and outcomes. Such approaches are urgently needed to support the wellbeing of this highly vulnerable student cohort.
Engagement Focus: We will present findings from our research and facilitate an activity that demonstrates neurodiversity as experienced by Australian university students. We will encourage participants to share their own experiences of supporting neurodivergent students and discuss ideas for creating meaningful inclusion
Topic for discussion: What are the needs of neurodivergent students and how do we create meaningful inclusion?
Context/background: There is a strong emphasis on increasing participation of under-represented groups in higher education, but the disability community has been let down by the Australian Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Network on Disability, 2024). Neurodivergent students including autistic students, students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and students with other significant learning differences, experience discrimination, poor wellbeing, and high rates of underachievement (Anderson et al., 2018; Nankoo et al., 2019; RonksleyPavia et al., 2019; Anderson et al., 2020). These outcomes contribute to the reduced quality-of-life experienced by neurodivergent Australians across the lifespan (Select Committee on Autism, 2022; Senate Community Affairs References Committee, 2023).
Description: We invited neurodivergent students to share their experiences with us by completing an online questionnaire (n=241) or by participating in an interview (n=6, data collection ongoing). Students (18+ years old) were eligible to participate if they formally or informally identified as neurodivergent, and had studied at an Australian university within the last 5 years. Using a mixed method approach we will define the strengths and needs of this cohort and provide a framework for co-designing affirming educational approaches and supports.
Intended outcome and contribution to scholarship/practice: Understanding the lived-experiences of neurodivergent students is the first step towards co-designing and implementing strengths-based, heutagogical approaches that enhance their educational experiences and outcomes. Such approaches are urgently needed to support the wellbeing of this highly vulnerable student cohort.
Engagement Focus: We will present findings from our research and facilitate an activity that demonstrates neurodiversity as experienced by Australian university students. We will encourage participants to share their own experiences of supporting neurodivergent students and discuss ideas for creating meaningful inclusion
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 30 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2024 |
| Event | HERDSA 2024 Annual Conference: Together We Innovate - Adelaide , Australia Duration: 8 Jul 2024 → 11 Jul 2024 https://conference.herdsa.org.au/2024/ |
Conference
| Conference | HERDSA 2024 Annual Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Adelaide |
| Period | 8/07/24 → 11/07/24 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Higher education
- Neurodiversity
- Inclusion