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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