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Neurodiversity

A resource guide to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for neurodiverse students. This guide was created for Rohrbach Library by Trisha Faust, MLIS and Dr. Stefani Gomez.

Neurodiversity Banner

The image shows a colorful, stylized illustration of various brain shapes in different colors (purple, blue, orange, pink) with small stick figure people interacting with them. Some figures appear to be climbing on the brains, others have light bulbs, balloons, or laboratory equipment. The background has a mint green color with scattered small symbols. To the right of the illustration is text in bold, dark red that reads "What is Neurodiversity?"

Defining Neurodiversity

The video below, What is neurodiversity?, comes from the YouTube channel, Differing Minds, which focuses on creating content that raises awareness of neurodiversity including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and Tourette's syndrome.

The video covers the following questions:

  • What is neurodiversity?
  • What neurological conditions does it encompass? (such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, Tourette's syndrome)
  • What is it like to be neurodiverse or neurodivergent?
  • How can neurodiversity be supported in the workplace?

 

This video mentions that approximately 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent. It is believed that 15% to 20% of the population is neurodiverse.

Key Terms

The following are key terms taken from the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL)'s website:

  • Neurotypical: An individual whose brain/body adhere to what a society has deemed as “normal” would be considered neurotypical.
  • Neurodivergent: An individual whose brain/body diverge in some way from the dominant societal standards of “normal” would be considered neurodivergent. Neurodivergent people may be, for example, autistic or dyslexic, they may be nonspeaking or have ADHD, Tourette syndrome, or synesthesia, among many other experiences.
  • The Neurodivergent Spectrum: The Neurodivergent Spectrum represents the wide range of different experiences that neurodivergent people may face to greater or lesser degrees, and the intensity can change from day-to-day. For example, a person may have more difficulty with sensory sensitivity on days when they are tired, overwhelmed, or approaching burnout. The image below helps depict this spectrum.

 

The image presents an alternative way of visualizing the neurodivergent spectrum, challenging the traditional concept of a linear "low" to "high" functioning scale. Key Elements in the Image: Text on the Left Side: States: "THE NEURODIVERGENT SPECTRUM is not a straight line" Shows a linear scale with labels: "LOW" → FUNCTIONING → "HIGH" (which is being challenged) Followed by: "IT'S MORE LIKE THIS" with an arrow pointing to the right. Circular Spectrum Chart on the Right Side: A radial chart with different categories representing aspects of neurodivergence: Mental health challenges Special interests Emotional regulation Stims & fidgets / Tics Sensory sensitivity Perception Social differences Executive functioning Color Gradient: The circular spectrum has a gradient of colors (pink, orange, purple, etc.), symbolizing the varied and individualized nature of neurodivergence rather than a simple, linear progression. Message of the Image: The graphic emphasizes that neurodivergence is not a simple "low" to "high" functioning scale, but rather a complex, multidimensional experience. Instead of labeling individuals by a rigid, binary system, it suggests that different neurodivergent traits exist in various intensities and patterns across different individuals. This is a more inclusive and accurate representation of the neurodivergent experience, often advocated for by the autistic and neurodivergent community.

Neurodiversity in Higher Education

 

The video above comes from the TEDx Talks YouTube Channel and features the speaker, Nathaniel Hawley, who is an award-winning neurodiversity consultant and advocate dedicated to empowering individuals with learning differences. He holds a Master of Science in Applied Neuroscience from King's College of London, and he has been diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism. Hawley combines academic expertise with practical experience to drive meaningful change in diversity and inclusion initiatives.

In this video, Hawley emphasizes the importance of understanding how neurodivergent people learn, think, and behave to build a more inclusive society that allows for neurodivergence to thrive and improve our world .