Welcome back THRIVE readers! This article’s theme is the Neurodiversity Celebration Week, celebrated on 17-23 March 2025. It is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. This week is all about transforming how neurodivergent individuals around us are viewed and supported. It is time to recognise the many strengths and talents that come from thinking and appreciating the world differently!
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
Dr. Brené Brown
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the unique way that each person’s brain work. It is often used as an umbrella term that describes people who think differently. The idea is that there is no “correct” way for the brain to work or how anyone should think.
A 2020 study estimates that one in five to seven (or 15-20%) of the global population is neurodivergent. This means that you are very likely to meet a neurodivergent individual in your classroom, student club, or even friend group. It is absolutely normal to be neurodivergent and there will always be support available when you need it.
What are the types of neurodiversity?
There are many types of neurodiversity and it is difficult to define how many types exist in total because everyone has a unique pattern of thinking. Let’s get to know a few common types:
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
People with ASD experience persistent challenges with communication and social situations, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviour.
The symptoms include excessive movement or talking, having trouble waiting, acting in the moment without thought impulsivity), and not being able to pay attention or stay focused.
3. Dyslexia
This is a common learning disability that makes reading and spelling difficult. People with dyslexia may be intelligent and love learning, but have trouble processing words or numbers.
4. Dyspraxia
This is a condition that affects a person’s motor skills or their ability to coordinate their movements. The main cause are problems with how the brain sends message to their body.
5. Tourette syndrome
People with this syndrome make repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that cannot be easily controlled. The exact cause is unknown, but it is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. normal to feel that we don’t belong from time to time but everyday is a new opportunity! One day you will find people and places who will make you feel like you matter and are exactly where you’re meant to be.
How does UNSW College support you?
UNSW College is a supportive community that aims to create more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual. Here are the few examples:
Equitable Learning Services This is a free and confidential service that provides practical support to ensure your mental or physical health conditions do not adversely affect your studies. They can provide equitable learning plans and educational adjustments to to make your education at UNSW College easier and more equitable. Find more information here.
THRIVE Quiet Zone Located inside the Student Hub is a Quiet Zone that you can visit whenever you need some quiet time! It is a safe, calm and silent environment for you to recharge and regulate yourself and your feelings. There are tactile objects, plushies, fidget gadgets, and ear muffs available to help remove yourself from the stressors and distractions of a busy and overwhelming environment.
Sensory boxes in Student Advisor rooms When you book a consultation with the Student Wellbeing Advisers, we can provide sensory boxes that are powerful tools to help individuals manage their energy, focus, and emotions. Through touch, movement, and sound, these activities provide a calming and engaging way to explore and interact with the world.
AccessibiliTEA
If you’re neurodivergent or living with a physical or mental health condition that affects your studies, we want to make sure you feel supported. Our Student Wellbeing Advisors are here to guide you through the process of accessing the tailored support you need. Join us for AccessibiliTEA on this Wednesday 19 March from 3pm to 4pm, where you can learn more about our Equitable Learning Services (ELS). It’s a great opportunity to chat, ask questions, and enjoy some afternoon tea!
Staff Profile
Name: Kasia Orlando
Role: Manager, Student Wellbeing
In my role as a Student Wellbeing Manager, I have a privilege of leading a team who is responsible for supporting the wellbeing of all College students. As a Student Wellbeing Team, we support students with a wide range of services which include help with transition to university life, supporting students’ overall health and wellbeing, assisting students who require education adjustments and accommodation support.
Working with students directly, I am reminded every day that each student comes with their individual strengths and challenges as well as their own values and ways they experience the world, and I find this the most exciting aspect of my role.
What does neurodiversity mean to you personally?
I like to use a quite simple definition of Neurodiversity which is that there are lots of different types of brains and no one type is better than the other. Given that everyone’s brain works differently also means that the way we think, learn and process information may also be different.
Do you think it is important to acknowledge neurodiversity in the college? Why?
I think neurodiversity should not only be acknowledged but celebrated. At the College, we are a learning community so incorporating different viewpoints, diverse ways of learning, problem solving and ultimately different ways of seeing the world enriches this learning environment for us all.
At the College we value all aspects of diversity through our equity, diversity, and inclusion pilar of our Student Wellbeing Program, THRIVE as well as by incorporating diversity and inclusion as one of the College main values.
What strengths do you feel neurodiverse individuals bring, and how can these strengths be better recognised?
Regardless of the type of brain we have, we all come with our own individual strengths, interests, and things we are good at.
Some of the individual strengths identified within various neurodivergent groups are things like creativity, out of the box thinking or an ability to hyper focus on areas of particular interest. Others may be great at logical thinking, particularly good at absorbing information, have great attention to detail or be particularly good at remembering facts.
I believe that, to harness the power of neurodiversity of our community is to practice inclusivity in all aspects of student life. When it comes to teaching, ensuring that the way we teach takes into consideration that there are diverse types of learners in our classrooms. In addition, offering a wide range of assessment methods so each student has an opportunity to demonstrate their own unique strengths, talents, and competence in every academic area. It is also about how we think about our physical and digital spaces and how they might be used differently by various individuals.
Finally, while celebrating individual strengths, it is also important to acknowledge that we all have things we find challenging and things we may need support with. So, I wanted to remind our students that if they need additional support with their studies due to neurodivergence or other health condition they can access Equitable Learning Support at the College.
Accessing support is easy and students have the following options:
