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Diverse minds, united campus Faolan Doecke Launders, Chairperson of DU Neurodiversity Society, explores the transformative journey of embracing neurodiversity at Trinity In recent years, the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity has gained momentum worldwide – the idea that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, among many others, should be respected as a part of a natural diversity within humans. Within Ireland, Trinity has been at the forefront of promoting a greater understanding of neurodiversity and embracing inclusivity as a means of promoting well-being and supporting academically gifted students who may display their talents in a unique way. Research by the Disability Service and other organisations within the Disability Hub have highlighted the positive influence this increased awareness has in the college community and its students. Roughly one in nine students on campus have been medically diagnosed with a condition that would fall under neurodivergent umbrella-term, however recent global awareness comes at a cost, with now extremely high costs to acquire a diagnosis, waiting times lasting several years, and lack of support for young adults trying to undergo a medical assessment, it is suggested that the real number of neurodivergent students may be as high as one in three, a somewhat conservative estimate. While these pose increasing challenges and complexities in student learning and engagement, it is nothing new for our current systems. Particularly in recent years where methods of engaging with students for teaching have become more complex and personalised, allowing for improved opportunities, while also perhaps unintentionally improving accessibility on a wider scale. A shift towards hybrid and asymmetric teaching provides a better chance for students who would struggle with traditional teaching methods encouraging them to choose how they learn in a way that suits them best. Student led groups have appeared in recent years that expand that support from academic to personal and social. The Ability Co-op, founded in 2021, advocates for radical change across the college to improve accessibility and wellbeing of disabled students. The primary strength is the way in which students have become engaged with the subject matter, increasing the scope for views, perspectives, and diverse ways of solving issues, all while being able to engage with other student groups to strengthen the efforts towards making better changes. Societies play a key role in student life, particularly for neurodiverse students who may struggle with socialising. Joining events, engaging with a community, and making lifelong friends are critical parts of what make societies important to the students. We understand
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this as interests and hobbies are a diverse matter, and so inevitably with this came about a society focused on the understanding the neurodiversity. Not just a group of students who identify with this topic, but also an area for thought, discussion, and mutual learning of the complexity of neurodiversity. This student society, commonly referred to as DUNeS, DU Neurodiversity Society, was also founded in 2021 by a passionate group of students who wanted to promote understanding and cooperation within the university, while also acting as a beacon of support to students who may have otherwise felt alone. The personal experiences of isolation and difficulty within the initial group is what paved the way for a compassionate and empathetic movement. The group set up digital social platforms, organised weekly events of varying activity, and engaged with other student bodies to collectively showcase the essential purpose that this society aimed to fulfill. Two years on, and the group has gathered 175 members, runs three diversely operated events every week, and has been in connection with other groups across the country, with the hopes of spearheading a national scale cooperative movement to further improve social accessibility by setting up local student societies and groups, and enhancing ones that already exist across all universities. The immense success of these projects is a testament to student ability and persistence in moving towards a better environment for all. There have also been many other initiatives that have proven successful in providing support for all students even if unintentional. The TCD Sense Map is a digital tool as part of the Sense Project, which was aimed at improving wellbeing by enhancing the sensory environment. The map was initially designed to provide the sensory information and accessibility of buildings on campus. In the last year the focus expanded to incorporate student experiences generally, with spaces, opening/closing times for buildings, and links to college facilities, the map had transformed into an interactive map the likes that Trinity had never seen before. These supports often seek to improve the lives of a particular group, but tend to become a valuable resource for a much wider audience, showing the importance of the continued development and adoption of all student supports. Together, by enhancing our understanding of neurodiversity we are able to provide a better experience which stands to benefit everyone in the hopes of championing personal growth and development to support a greater educational community. As our understanding and attitude as an inclusive community continues to evolve and adapt with time we will undoubtedly leave lasting impacts on Trinity, and the wider Irish society.
