Creating Specialized Programming to Support Neurodivergent Students

Abstract

The increasing numbers of neurodivergent students attending universities and the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADA-AA) create a need for university and community stakeholders to provide more inclusive opportunities for all students. This juxtaposes with the intersectionality of neurodiversity as part of an overall diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging effort. This chapter provides a pathway to develop an implementation process that offers acceptance for neurodivergent staff, faculty, and students across their campus and within their community through inclusive programming. It expounds upon the university-wide advantages of inclusive programming for neurodivergent students, identifies cross campus approaches to prepare for executing a neurodivergent programming plan, and reveals strategies to establish broad support from university and community members.