At UM, students with ADHD and Autism are seeking a supportive community that understands their unique needs. Recognising the importance of fostering an inclusive environment, this session is designed to help staff members comprehend ADHD and Autism from a neurodiversity perspective and provide effective support within their respective roles.

Join us in dismantling preconceptions and gaining a comprehensive understanding of ADHD and Autism. Through a nuanced exploration of lived experience, we aim to unravel the struggles of students with ADHD and Autism and their manifestation in academic settings. By embracing the neurodiversity paradigm, participants will learn to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. This session is an opportunity to broaden perspectives, challenge assumptions, and collect a first set of basic tools for effective support.

This activity may count towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) if relevant to your situation.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

By participating in this CPD activity, you will …

• … gain a deeper understanding of Autism, ADHD, and the neurodiversity framework.
• … learn about first-hand experiences of UM students with ADHD and Autism.
• … get a taste of example strategies to foster a more inclusive environment.

Please note that while we appreciate the involvement of staff members with ADHD and Autism, it is important to clarify that this session is dedicated to supporting students. We will not be discussing staff support or self-advocacy strategies during this session.

About the trainers:

Gesa Lange and Eva Ipektzidou work as student counsellors at UCM and SBE respectively. They are part of the project team Embracing Neurodiversity: Let’s talk about ADHD and Autism funded by a UM Diversity & Inclusivity Grant in 2022. Over the last year, they have gained in-depth knowledge about Autism and ADHD from a neurodiversity perspective. They are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space at UM where students with ADHD and/or Autism can voice their needs, get suitable help, and feel understood.