Neurodiversity refers to both the diversity of human minds and to the variation in neurocognitive functioning that shapes each person’s learning strengths, sociability, emotions, and other traits. It is most often used in reference to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Coined in the late 1990s by social scientist and disability activist Judy Singer, the term “neurodiversity” is also used by proponents of a movement that recognizes and celebrates (rather than medicalizes and pathologizes) neurological variations as part of the much wider spectrum of human differences.
Neurodiversity among college students
More students who identify as neurodivergent are attending college than ever before. The impact of neurodiversity on a student’s academics will depend on their particular type of neurodivergence and the way their brain functions. Neurodivergent students often achieve the same or higher academic scores as their neurotypical peers, though may engage in a different learning process to reach the same results. Many neurodivergent students identify the differences in their thinking process as a source of their academic and research success.
Strengths of neurodivergent college students can include one or more of the following:
- Strong intellectual abilities, especially related to logical thinking, problem solving, visual learning, and memorization
- Open-mindedness, creativity, and a love of learning
- Detail-orientation and ability to concentrate for long periods of time
- Expertise in areas of special interests
The strengths in neurodivergent students also may be coupled with unique challenges related to college life.
Challenges experienced by neurodivergent college students may include one or more of the following:
- Social communication difficulties
- Planning, organization, and time management difficulties
- Challenges related to flexibility and disruption of routine
- Sensory sensitivities
- Higher rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other mental health concerns
Support for neurodivergent students at Cornell Health
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides students with a range of services and resources that may benefit neurodivergent students. These include:
- Counseling and support for a wide range of concerns – including anxiety, depression, socialization difficulties, and loneliness, which commonly affect neurodivergent students
- Counseling groups for students who identify as neurodivergent and/or on the autism spectrum to provide a safe space to connect with one another and discuss experiences related to neurodivergent thinking and social/relationship skills
- Diagnostic evaluation for ADHD (when clinically indicated), and referrals to off-campus providers when full neuropsychological evaluation is appropriate
Student Disability Services (SDS)
Our Student Disability Services (SDS) staff can work with students to determine reasonable accommodations and services to facilitate equitable access to learning, living, and other experiences.
Medical Services
Our medical staff can prescribe and manage medication for students with a diagnosis of ADHD and other neurocognitive conditions.
Other campus options for support at Cornell
Neurodiversity @ Cornell
The Learning Strategies Center’s Neurodiversity @ Cornell resources include information and support for students, neurodiversity groups and events, and more.
Student Neurodiversity Alliance at Cornell (SNAC)
The mission of the Student Neurodiversity Alliance at Cornell (SNAC) is to promote inclusion, to spread a more nuanced understanding of neurodiversity across campus, and to advocate for policies that will improve the experiences of neurodivergent people at Cornell.
Academic advising
Each college at Cornell has an academic advising office (Cornell Law students should contact law.dos@cornell.edu). Students should connect with the office in their college for assistance navigating curriculum requirements, planning academic schedules, and addressing personal and academic needs and challenges.
Tips for staff & faculty supporting neurodivergent students
- Neurodiversity @ Cornell offers resources and information for faculty and staff on supporting neurodivergent students. (Canvas site; must have a Cornell netID).
- We also recommend these helpful strategies for teaching students on the autism spectrum (source: Jacqueline Lubin, Ed. D., Fort Hays State University, 2019).