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Neurodiversity

Join the Neurodiversity Caf茅!

The Neurodiversity Caf茅 is a social group that is open to any staff member or PGR student who identifies as neurodivergent. The Neurodiversity Caf茅 meet monthly.  

To join or for more information about the Neurodiversity Caf茅 please fill in this .

The Neurodiversity Cafe also runs body doubling sessions alternating Wednesdays and Fridays where you can work alongside others online in a supportive environment. 

 The University is committed to ensuring we are an open, safe, inclusive and diverse community where everyone can be themselves. Our new 2030 People Strategy is all about supporting each other to thrive. We will celebrate diversity and be inclusive, fair and compassionate in everything we do, prioritising the health and wellbeing of our community. 

"What is neurodiversity?"

  • “In the 1990s the concept of neurodiversity emerged. This tells us that these brain differences are natural variations. Some people’s brains simply work in a different way. Each person has a brain that is unique to them; no two brains are quite alike. A neurodiverse workplace is one that will be full of the many strengths which people with neurological conditions often have.” -   
  • “Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity is for life in general. Who can say what form of wiring will prove best at any given moment?” - Harvey Blume, The Atlantic, 1998 
  • “Your workforce benefits from greater diversity in general, and greater neurodiversity in particular. ‘Groupthink’ can be a real problem – but when you create a group of people who think differently from each other, you increase the likelihood of finding a breakthrough solution or innovation.”-  
  • Neurodivergence: brains that function and experience the world in ways different to the dominant, ‘neurotypical’, brain.
  • “Around one in five people are neurodivergent” -  
  • Neurotypicality: the dominant neurotype – previously considered to be the ‘standard’ brain.
  • Neurominority: a group that shares the same divergence.
Below you  can explore  the  main  examples of neurodivergence including  key  traits /experiences  and support  available . It’s important to note  though  that every single person is different and while we do try to list some key traits /experiences , each person will have a unique experience.

For further support and information: 

  • The University has created a Teams site where anyone interested in neurodiversity can come together to share ideas, projects and resources. You can request to join .
  • The Neurodiversity Café is a social group that is open to any staff member or PGR student who identifies as neurodivergent. The Neurodiversity Café was launched on Monday 13th March. To receive information about the Neurodiversity Café please fill in this .
  • Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025 page
  • Our Occupational Health鈥痶eam offers a variety of support options; particularly on鈥�this page as well as Bitesize Learning: Neurodiversity sessions that cover what support is available and how managers can help.
  • Our Equality Diversity & Inclusion鈥痶eam offers鈥�Disability Equality Support. 
  • If you're a manager and you'd like some advice to support a colleague you can explore Occupation Health's鈥�'Information for Managers'.  
  • There are lots of books and articles available about neurodiversity via the  if you would like to learn more.
  • Do you do research on ADHD or other aspects of neurodevelopment at the University? A team of academics and researchers in the Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences are starting up a group webpage for 'Science of ADHD and neurodevelopment' with a list of participants doing relevant work, links to profile pages and any research projects being undertaken. This is a chance to advertise your work and network with like-minded colleagues. If you would like to be included, please fill in . 
  • If you feel anything is missing from this page or if you have a suggestion of a resource we could add please email Colleague Wellbeing.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Other/previously used terms include: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Condition (ADHC) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). 

There are three types of ADHD: Primarily Hyperactive and Impulsive ADHD, Primarily Inattentive ADHD (formerly called ADD) and Combined Type ADHD ).

"What are some of the traits or experiences associated with ADHD?" 

You/They may:  

  • be easily distracted 
  • have difficulty staying on task 
  • be very talkative 
  • be excessively fidgety  
  • go through extremes of empathising completely with others or reacting without emotions to others 
  • be energetic 
  • be spontaneous 
  • 产别鈥痗谤别补迟颈惫别 
  • be inventive 
  • be hyper-focused in certain conditions  

-鈥�ADHD Aware, Healthline, Attitude Mag 

"Does the University offer support?" 

Yes. Whether you have a diagnosis or not, please do explore these support options:

"This sounds like me. How do I get a diagnosis?" 

  •  

"Where can I go for more information or support?"

  • : a charity that鈥痟elps people navigate their life with ADHD. 
  • : "the neurodiversity charity" with a focus on supporting people with鈥疉DHD. 
  • : a community of adults with ADHD supporting one another. 
  • : "the National鈥疉ttention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service". 
  • : support, information and articles relating to ADHD. 
  •  changing the narrative about autism and neurodiversity through awareness, education and engagement. 

We would also recommend speaking to your doctor for further support options. 

Autism

Other/previously used terms include: Asperger's, high or low functioning autism, autism spectrum disorder/condition. The DSM currently uses 'autism with or without a learning disability'.

In the autism community, many prefer terminology such as 鈥淎utistic person鈥� or 鈥淎utistic individual鈥� because we understand autism as an inherent part of an individual鈥檚 identity, rather than 鈥減erson with autism鈥�. This is known as identity-first language. - Autistic Advocacy. 

"What are some of the traits or experiences associated with Autism?" 

You/They may: 

  • have difficulty understanding figurative language (e.g. sarcasm) 
  • have sensitivity to sensory information, such as noise and visual stimuli 
  • experience discomfort with unfamiliar situations or unexpected breaks from routine 
  • be more direct than other people 
  • find eye contact uncomfortable 
  • have average to very high intelligence 
  • have the ability to鈥痶hink in visual images and identify patterns  
  • have a propensity to think outside the box and generate novel solutions to problems 
  • be detail-oriented 
  • have the ability to focus for long periods on areas of interest 

 - Autistic Advocacy, Business Disability Neurodiversity Toolkit and Neurodiversity Hub 

"Does the University offer support?" 

Yes. Whether you have a diagnosis or not, please do explore these support options:

"This sounds like me. How do I get a diagnosis?" 

"Where can I go for more information or support?"

  • : find鈥疉utism support groups鈥痵ervices.鈥� 
  • : a new home for Autistic learning and the education of non-autistic people about Autistic experience.
  • : advocates for the inclusion of autistic people. 
  • :鈥痜inds autism services, offers autism advice and finds autism support. 
  • : collective stories, reflecting on the barriers facing Autistic people.
  • : "the UK's leading charity for鈥痑utistic鈥痯eople and their families." 
  • : Increasing awareness of diagnoses, education and treatment. 
  •  changing the narrative about autism and neurodiversity through awareness, education and engagement. 

Books: 

  • 'Welcome to the Autistic Community' by Lar Berry and The Autistic Self Advocacy Network  
  • 鈥榃e're Not Broken鈥� by Eric Garcia 
  • 鈥楢ll the Weight of Our Dreams鈥� by Lydia XZ Brown et al 
  • Neurotribes: The legacy of Autism and how to think smarter about people who think differently' by Steve Silberman

We would also recommend speaking to your doctor for further support.

Dyscalculia

"What are some of the traits or experiences associated with Dyscalculia?"  

You/They may: 

  • have difficulty counting backwards 
  • have a poor sense of number and estimation 
  • be slower to perform calculations 
  • forget mathematical procedures, especially as they become more complex 
  • have high levels of mathematics anxiety  
  • be good with words and social interactions 
  • be creative 
  • be intuitive 
  • be a good problem solver 
  • be a strategic thinker 

- British Dyslexia Association & Exceptional Individuals鈥� 

"Does the University offer support?" 

Yes. Whether you have a diagnosis or not, please do explore these support options:

"Where can I go for more information or support?"

  • : information about dyscalculia.鈥� 
  • :鈥痓y Dr. Steve Chinn, a leading authority in the field of dyscalculia. 
  • :鈥痯rovides a range of information on dyscalculia. 
  • : to promote understanding of Dyscalculia and Maths Learning Difficulties generally. 
  • changing the narrative about autism and neurodiversity through awareness, education and engagement. 

We would also recommend speaking to your doctor for further support options. 

Dysgraphia

"What are some of the traits or experiences associated with Dysgraphia?"  

You/They may: 

  • have difficulty copying or spelling words 
  • have difficulty visualising words before writing them 
  • hold a pen or pencil too tightly resulting in hand cramps 
  • say words aloud while writing 
  • omit letters and words from sentences 
  • have good listening skills 
  • have strong memorisation and recall of details 
  • be a great storyteller 
  • be very sociable  
  • be an efficient problem solver 

- Healthline and Guiding Bright Minds 

"Does the University offer support?" 

Yes. Whether you have a diagnosis or not, please do explore these support options:

"Where can I go for more information or support?"

  •  
  •  
  •  
  • changing the narrative about autism and neurodiversity through awareness, education and engagement. 

We would also recommend speaking to your doctor for further support options. 

Dyslexia

"What are some of the traits or experiences associated with Dyslexia?" 

You/They may: 

  • read and write slowly 
  • confuse the order of letters in words 
  • put letters the wrong way round (such as writing "b" instead of "d") 
  • have poor or inconsistent spelling 
  • understand鈥痠nformation when told verbally, but鈥痟ave difficulty鈥痺ith information that's written down 
  • be a creative thinker 
  • have a good ability to understand patterns 
  • be good at problem-solving 
  • be inventive and curious about new ideas 
  • have good communication skills 

- NHS and Made by Dyslexia 

"Does the University offer support?" 

Yes. Whether you have a diagnosis or not, please do explore these support options:

"This sounds like me. How do I get a diagnosis?" 

  • The  provides a  to getting an assessment.鈥� 

"Where can I go for more information or support?"

  • :鈥痗ampaigns for a dyslexia-friendly society. 
  • :鈥痑 new collaboration of major UK鈥痙yslexia鈥痗harities and specialists. 
  • :鈥痑 global charity led by successful (and famous) dyslexics. 
  • :鈥痵upport and services for dyslexic children and adults. 
  • : fresh content for adults with dyslexia.  
  • changing the narrative about autism and neurodiversity through awareness, education and engagement. 

We would also recommend speaking to your doctor for further support options. 

Dyspraxia

Other/previously used terms include: Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD).

"What are some of the traits or experiences associated with Dyspraxia?" 

You/They may: 

  • have balance and movement issues 
  • have poor hand-eye co-ordination 
  • find learning new skills a bit challenging  
  • have challenges with organisation and planning  
  • find time management difficult  
  • be very resilient  
  • be enthusiastic and passionate about interests 
  • be good at thinking 'outside the box' 
  • have good long-term memory 
  • be good at noticing details others don't 

- Healthline, Business Disability Neurodiversity Toolkit and Dyspraxia Foundation  

"Does the University offer support?" 

Yes. Whether you have a diagnosis or not, please do explore these support options:

"This sounds like me. How do I get a diagnosis?" 

  • See a GP鈥痠f you think you may have undiagnosed dyspraxia or problems with your鈥痗o-ordination. It's a good idea to鈥痥eep a diary of your鈥痵ymptoms. The GP may refer you to a鈥痯hysiotherapist鈥痮r an鈥痮ccupational therapist鈥痜or tests. They'll assess your movements and how鈥痽our symptoms are鈥痑ffecting you before making a diagnosis.鈥�- NHS 

"Where can I go for more information or support?"

  • :鈥痩颈蝉迟蝉&苍产蝉辫; you can join to share your experiences. 
  • :鈥痑 forum for adults with dyspraxia. 
  • : a website full of useful links. 
  • This video was created with input & feedback from dyspraxic adults & children, and in collaboration with an animator who has dyspraxia. You can watch the video on鈥�.
  • changing the narrative about autism and neurodiversity through awareness, education and engagement. 

We would also recommend speaking to your doctor for further support options.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

"What are some of the traits or experiences associated with OCD?"

You/They may: 

  • experience intrusive negative thoughts, sometimes associated with certain specific actions 
  • feel compulsions to repeat actions (e.g. wash hands) or to organise or align objects in a specific way 
  • experience worries about germs, dirt, or illness 
  • experience worries about the health and safety of yourself or your loved ones 
  • look for reassurance from others 
  • be very careful and cautious 
  • have phenomenal attention to detail 
  • be very organised 
  • be creative 
  • be very empathetic and sympathetic to others 

- Healthline, Business Disability Neurodiversity Toolkit and Pulse MS 

"Does the University offer support?" 

Yes. Whether you have a diagnosis or not, please do explore these support options:

"This sounds like me. How do I get help?" 

There are 2 main ways to get help: 

  • You can refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service:鈥�.
  • You can see a GP鈥�� they'll ask about your symptoms and can refer you to a local psychological therapies service if necessary. 

"Where can I go for more information or support?"

  • : Information and support for people affected by OCD and hoarding, including online forums and local support groups. 
  • : Charity run by and for people with OCD. 
  • changing the narrative about autism and neurodiversity through awareness, education and engagement. 

We would also recommend speaking to your doctor for further support options. 

Tourette's syndrome

"What are some of the traits associated with 罢辞耻谤别迟迟别鈥檚 syndrome?" 

You/They may: 

  • make involuntary sounds or movements (called tics) 
  • experience vocal tics such as whistling 
  • experience motor tics such as head jerking 
  • experience pain or discomfort from tics 
  • experience a physical sensation that precedes a tic 
  • have a tendency for creativity 
  • be energetic 
  • be quick to complete tasks they enjoy 
  • have a good sense of humour 
  • be very empathetic 

- 罢辞耻谤别迟迟别鈥檚 Action and Movement Disorders 

"Does the University offer support?" 

Yes. Whether you have a diagnosis or not, please do explore these support options:

"This sounds like me. How do I get a diagnosis?" 

  • Tourette's Action provides a鈥�鈥痑bout the diagnosis procedure.鈥� 
  • "There's no single test for Tourette's syndrome. Tests and scans, such as an鈥疢RI scan, may be used to rule out other conditions. You can be diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome if you've had several tics for at least a year. To get a diagnosis, a GP may refer you to different specialists, such as a neurologist (a brain and nervous system specialist)."鈥�- NHS 

"Where can I go for more information or support?" 

  • : UK-based and the leading support and research charity for people with Tourette Syndrome and their families. They also offer online support groups.鈥� 
  • :鈥痜or further information. 
  • :鈥痮ffers emotional support, practical help, and social activities to anyone with a neurological condition (and their friends and family etc). 
  •  changing the narrative about autism and neurodiversity through awareness, education and engagement. 

We would also recommend speaking to your doctor for further support options. 

Read stories shared by your colleagues about their experience of neurodiversity .