Support for neurodivergent students
What does the term neurodivergent mean?
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term used to indicate that some people have neurological abilities and differences. These differences can be around how people function, learn, communicate and process information. It is important to note that these are differences, not deficits and they should be valued and respected.
Common conditions which sit under this umbrella term include (but are not limited to): Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Tourette’s syndrome.
Support for neurodivergent students
In Scotland, neurodivergent students are protected under the Equality Act (2010). This means colleges and universities have a legal duty to provide reasonable adjustments to avoid putting disabled students at a substantial disadvantage compared to their peers.
Support for neurodivergent students doesn’t just mean providing reasonable adjustments and creating a neuro-inclusive environment. Neurodivergent students are more likely to experience mental ill health and it is important that support pathways are accessible.
Below you will find information regarding mental health support and specific resources for neurodivergent students.
Support at your college or university
The support available to neurodivergent students at college or university will vary for each institution.
The Think Positive Hub includes a summary of mental health support available at every college and university in Scotland. These pages also contain the contact details for staff at each institution who can advise on the support available to neurodivergent students.
There is also a list of organisations offering a range of mental health services, resources and information.
Further support and useful links
- Lead Scotland: specialise in linking disabled learners with post-school education opportunities. They run a disabled students helpline which is open to anyone who lives in Scotland, including disabled students, their friends and family, and the professionals who support or care for them.
- The Donaldson Trust: support young people and adults, offering neurodiversity training, consultancy and advisory services.
- UCAS: have a number of resources to inform disabled students including pre-enrolment considerations, and speaking to an advisor once at college or university.
- SAAS: information about applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance.
Share your experience
If you would like to share your experience as a neurodivergent student, we would love to hear from you. Share your experience here.
We would also like to highlight examples of good practice within colleges and universities, or challenges and how they have been navigated from staff supporting students. Share you work with us here.
