Support for neurodivergent students

What is neurodiversity?

The term neurodiversity is used to describe the natural, human diversity in the way our brains work, and the way people think and behave. Many people use neurodiversity as an umbrella term to describe different ways of thinking and being, for example:

• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Dyscalculia
• Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism

There are others not listed and people often have one or more of these. Each person is unique, and no 2 individuals’ experience will be the same.

The opposite to neurodiversity is neurotypical. This phrase is used to describe people whose brain functions, including processing information, have traditionally been considered “standard”. Often, environments designed solely for neurotypical people need to be adapted to ensure neurodivergent people can be included.

How does UAL support neurodivergent students?

The Disability Service at UAL has a wide range of support for neurodivergent students, to aid you in working to the best of your ability while at UAL. Some ways we can help include:

• Adjusted assessments (e.g., additional time, alternative tasks, smaller group presentations)
• Access to equipment and assistive technology
• Specialist 1:1 Study Skills Tuition and Specialist Mentoring

After you get in touch with us, we will organise a meeting for you with a Disability Advisor to go through your individual support needs. Find out more about what to expect from this journey.

Screening and assessments for Specific Learning Differences are available if you have not yet been diagnosed.

To book a screening, fill in our online request form. Please note we cannot provide assessments for autism, but we can advise and support students with this.