Chapter 10 - Neurodiversity

Summary

Universities should recognise neurodiversity as conferring risk for mental health conditions and suicide. Evidence-based support and monitoring can reduce the risk of these occurring and can also reduce dropout and improve academic and psychosocial outcomes for these students and staff members. Staff training in recognition and management of neurodiverse conditions should be delivered at levels appropriate to staff roles. Despite growing interest in both ASD and ADHD in adults, many people who could benefit from diagnosis have not received it. Professionals need to be aware of underdiagnosis of both ASD and ADHD in girls and probably in ethnic and other minority groups. Lack of recognition deprives these vulnerable people of the supports universities can offer to people with neurodiversity. Lay people who take on caring or ‘buddying’ roles for people with neurodiversity need to be well-supported within a helping community rather than expected to shoulder responsibility alone. Waiting lists at many NHS clinics are too long to provide timely assessment for students. University mental health staff may be able to create recognised training programmes and negotiate agreements about diagnosis and prescribing with local GPs.