ELAC Library's Neurodiversity Guide
This guide was created in conjunction with the Teaching and Learning Series workshop, Bringing Neurodiversity to the Equity Table.
Workshop Description
Neurodiverse students, which include students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), represent an evergrowing population, especially for community colleges. It is estimated that of students with ASD who continue on to secondary education in the US, 80% attend a community college. Thus, due to our accessibility and open admission process, we often serve as a necessary gateway to transfer and vocational opportunities for neurodiverse students, which is why it is imperative to understand the academic, mental health, and social needs of our students and bring neurodiversity to our equity discussions. In this workshop, faculty and staff will learn and engage with various strategies for supporting neurodiverse students in both the classroom and student services. Additionally, participants will leave with an understanding of the neurodiversity movement and how it compliments larger conversations about equity and asset-based approaches to education.
Presenters: Erika Montenegro, Cynthia Orozco
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to variation in neurocognitive functioning. It is an umbrella term that encompasses neurocognitive differences such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia as well as ‘normal’ neurocognitive functioning, or neurotypicality. Neurodivergent individuals are those whose brain functions differ from those who are neurologically typical, or neurotypical (NT).
The neurodiversity movement refers to the disability rights movement aimed at full inclusion for all neurodivergent people. This movement is led by autistic self-advocates fighting for autism acceptance.
Jessica M.F. Hughes, PhD., “Increasing Neurodiversity in Disability and Social Justice Advocacy Groups”
Image from neurodiversity.unt.edu/about