Sam Browning

Opportunities and Obstacles: The Lived Experiences of Neurodivergent students’ at English Universities

Name: Sam Browning
Primary Supervisor: Prof. Bethan Evans
Year: 1
Discipline: Human Geography
Presentation type: 3MT
Project Title: Opportunities and Obstacles: The Lived Experiences of Neurodivergent students’ at English Universities

Abstract:

This paper examines neurodiversity in Higher Education (HE/I) through a geographical lens, challenging the dominance of neurotypicality in academic-social environments in England. Expanding on Judy Singer's conceptualisation of neurodiversity as a form of natural variation in human cognition, the study critiques medicalised assumptions that morph institutional reasonable adjustment responses and instead idealise an original cross-spectrum, 'strengths-first-deficits-second' approach. Using an adapted social-relational, crip-inspired neurodiversity model, the project unpacks the opportunities and obstacles of being a neurodivergent student at University. Through mixed-qualitative enquiry, the study will introduce crip-re-orientation to challenge heteronormativity in student communities by favouring a more flexible, self-defined set of practices and routines. This study will amplify the voices of neurodivergent students to inform HE practitioners on how to consistently implement inclusive design in practice to model a universally accessible, pastorally-attuned, prosperous English HEI environment for 'all'. Neurodiversity will no longer be considered a barrier but a vital cultural asset.