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.

Join the UCD Neurodiversity Staff Network mailing list via the link: (opens in a new window)Join mailing list

Supports for UCD Employees and Students

Employee Supports: UCD reasonable accommodation process
Student Supports: UCD Disability Supports
Student Neurodiversity Peer Support Group is a pilot group for students facilitated by UCD Disability Support. Please email Ciara McHale for further details: (opens in a new window)disability@ucd.ie

External Supports