Neurodiversity

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a term coined in the 1990s that describes variation in human brain functions relating to sociability, learning, attention, and mood. The term challenges pathologising characterisations of neurodevelopmental variance with difference instead simply considered a naturally occurring variation. Neurodiversity encompasses variations such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).

The UCD EDI Neurodiversity Working Group was established in 2021 to better understand our campus climate in relation to neurodiversity, and to make recommendations that help make UCD a neurodiversity friendly environment for all in which to study and work. Making UCD a Neurodiversity Friendly Research Report was launched 18th April 2024. A copy of the report is available at the bottom of this webpage.

Supports for UCD Employees and Students

Employee Supports: UCD reasonable accommodation process
Student Supports: UCD Disability Supports

Peer Support

UCD Neurodiversity Staff Network (NDSN) is an informal forum for neurodivergent staff and staff with an interest in neurodiversity. It offers peer support and promotes active contribution to relevant university goals and policies. Working groups within the network focus on specific sub-communities and initiatives, such as the parents of neurodiverse children group. To find out more, visit: (opens in a new window)UCD NDSN Workvivo or alternatively, sign-up via the form: (opens in a new window)Join NDSN

Student Neurodiversity Peer Support Group is a pilot group for students facilitated by UCD Disability Support. Please email the Disability Support Team for further details: (opens in a new window)disability@ucd.ie

External Supports