University of Melbourne researchers are leading a purpose built program advocating for more neurodiversity inclusive workplaces.
The initiative was established in response to a pilot study published in journal, which revealed a series of barriers to inclusion for neurodivergent University staff and students with sensory processing differences.
11 neurodivergent staff and students were interviewed as part of the study. The participants identified with a diverse range of conditions including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and autism, and were asked a series of questions around their experience studying and working at the University.
The results showed neurodivergent individuals have to navigate many sensory and spatial challenges. Many participants expressed open plan offices are poorly designed and aren’t conducive working environments for people with sensory differences as they’re too distracting and offer limited privacy.
Another common work barrier was sensory overwhelm due to offices having too much or too little background noise, harsh and bright lighting which can spur on migraines, limited room for movement, and inadequate temperature control.
One of the lead researchers Dr Jessica Riordansaid: “Half of the participants explained how they felt the need to mask their stims as they weren’t publicly out as neurodivergent. Many described how they were often left to deal with workplace challenges themselves at their own cost as it takes a lot of time and energy to apply for formal accommodations due to the level of red tape involved.”
During the interviews, participants put forward various solutions, including introducing neurodiversity-affirming professional development courses and constructing several university work spaces with features that can be adjusted to cater to different sensory-related needs.
The participants stressed the importance of these proposed rooms being accessible to all staff and students within the faculty to prevent neurodivergent people from feeling singled out. Proposed room features included dimmable lighting, soundproofing and standing desks.
“Making work spaces more accessible would inevitably allow neurodivergent people to stim more freely, reducing the urge to mask their condition and improving their mental and physical health.” Dr Riordan said.
The initiative was established in August 2023 and is run by academics with lived experience of neurodivergence. The program’s objectives are to improve the understanding of neurodiversity and neuro-affirming teaching and learning practices across the university, conduct quality neurodiversity-affirming research, and build a stronger sense of community for neurodivergent staff and students while connecting them with support services within the university.
Thanks to this funding, the project team has been able to expand their research by surveying an additional 801 neurodivergent staff and students across the university to assess their needs and wants.
“During these large-scale surveys, 64 percent of students claimed they have overheard insensitive or disparaging remarks being made about neurodivergent people by other students, while 49 percent of students reported they have overheard academic staff members make these types of discriminatory remarks,” Dr Riordan said.
“It’s important to note these negative experiences are in no way unique to the University of Melbourne, as our work with similar projects at other universities suggest these challenges are experienced at institutions across the world. However, by investing in neurodivergent-led, neurodiversity-affirming research and education, the University of Melbourne is showing its strong commitment to inclusivity and intolerance for discrimination.”
Some of the project’s key achievements include setting up an Advisory Group made up of neurodivergent staff members and allies, establishing the Celebrating Neurodiversity Research Symposium, rolling out training seminars and workshops, as well as launching the Higher Education Neurodiversity Network which connects communities worldwide.
