April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to recognise and celebrate neurodiversity across our university community. 

At Queen’s, students bring lots of different ways of thinking, learning and experiencing the world. Differences in how people focus, communicate, process information or interact with their environment are a natural and valuable part of university life. 

Many students identify as neurodivergent, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other neurological differences. These differences often come with real strengths like creativity, problem-solving, deep focus and attention to detail. 

Support at Queen’s 

The Accessible Learning team supports students with disabilities, long-term conditions and neurodivergence. 

They work with students to put reasonable adjustments in place so you can fully engage with your studies. This might include: 

• • exam support 
  • assistive technology 
  • learning adjustments 
  • tailored academic support 

If you think support might help you, you can contact the team to talk through your options and what might work best for you. 

Meet other neurodivergent students 

Accessible Learning also runs a peer support group for students who identify as neurodivergent. 

It’s a relaxed and welcoming space where students can: 

• • meet others with similar experiences 
  • socialise 
  • share tips and support 
  • build a sense of community 

Connecting with people who understand your experiences can make a big difference during university life. 

A new project supporting neurodiverse students 

There’s also an exciting new initiative: the Neurodiverse Wellbeing and Inclusion Project, funded by the Public Health Agency. 

This project is being delivered in partnership with Queen’s Students’ Union and Student Officers, alongside external facilitators Neurodiversity Sparks. 

The project puts student voices first. Neurodivergent students have already shared their experiences through focus groups and a student survey, helping identify practical changes that could better support their wellbeing and learning at university. 

What’s coming next 

Using student feedback, the project is developing new supports including: 

• • short workshops designed with neurodiverse learning styles in mind 
  • practical resources for managing university life 
  • exploring ways to make study spaces more sensory-friendly 

Students highlighted how things like lighting, noise levels, furniture and layout can affect comfort and concentration. This feedback will help shape more inclusive study environments across campus. 

Creating an inclusive university 

Autism Awareness Month is a reminder that creating an inclusive university is something we all play a part in. 

By listening to student experiences and involving students in shaping services and spaces, we can continue building a university where neurodiverse students feel supported, valued and able to thrive. 

If you’d like to learn more about the support available, you can contact Accessible Learning Support to explore what assistance might be available to you.