CONTENTS

1. Understanding your needs

2. Evaluating Universities

The term neurodivergent describes individuals whose brain develops or functions differently for various reasons. Neurodivergence encompasses a wide range of conditions both diagnosed and undiagnosed. Some of the more common neurodivergent conditions include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome and sensory processing disorder (SPD).

Universities should be doing all they can to support neurodiverse students and thanks to greater awareness and research, progress is being made. However, there’s some way to go to ensure inclusivity for all so it’s important to do your own research to find the right university for you.

Understanding your needs

Getting a diagnosis of your specific neurodivergent condition(s) is key in helping you to understand how your unique picture might impact on your university experience. A professional diagnosis helps evidence your condition(s) and is usually needed to access funding for extra study-related costs.

Once you have a clearer understanding of your needs, consider factors such as academic accommodations, sensory sensitivities, social support, and mental health resources relevant to your neurodivergence.

Evaluating Universities

Being neurodivergent brings various strengths and challenges. You might not consider yourself to have a disability, but the Equality Act 2010 includes many neurodivergent conditions and could give you access to Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

As a first step create a university shortlist answering a few simple questions using our Uniselect tool. You can then check the wellbeing and support sections of those individual university profiles.

Accessibility and adaptations

To understand how a university might be able to help you achieve your academic potential, its best to contact the university's disability services office and inquire about what support is available for your neurodivergent condition(s). Think about all aspects of your student experience such as extra-curricular activities, physical accessibility, transport options, mental health facilities as well as academic support.  

Open days are also a great way of helping you decide what would suit you best in reality. It’s a chance to ask students and lecturers what it’s really like to study and work there. You can find a university open day or virtual event via our open days search page.

 If you don’t yet have a diagnosis, don’t be put off, there may be ways to get this retrospectively, and the support team should be able to help you with this.  

Inclusive policies and programmes

Review the university’s policies related to disability and neurodiversity. These should be easily found on the university website. If this is not the case, contact the support or disability services team directly but be mindful this lack of transparency could indicate a weakness in their approach to inclusivity. Ask yourself:

• Are the policies comprehensive and student-centered?
• Is it clear what the process for requesting accommodations, extensions or adjustments is for coursework, placements and exams?
• Do the policies cover accessibility in all areas such as housing, dining, extracurricular activities, and campus-wide events?

Academic resources

Investigate tutoring services, study skills workshops, and academic coaching. Are these tailored to individual needs? Check if there are specialised resources for neurodivergent learners, such as assistive technology or note-taking support.

It’s also worth asking about staff training on neurodiversity. Are professors, tutors, and administrative staff knowledgeable and empathetic? Look for evidence of workshops, seminars, or awareness campaigns related to neurodiversity happening on campus.

Campus culture and social support

Consider the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Does the university make a point of specifying how it creates an inclusive culture or offers social support relevant to your condition(s)? For example, are there student-led neurodiversity support groups available on site?

Finding a university that suits you might take some thorough research but finding a university environment that embraces neurodiversity and provides the right support will be worth the extra effort. Once you have a shortlist, a visit to each place will help you narrow down the right fit for your unique needs and preferences.