“Neurodiversity” is a word used to explain the unique ways people's brains work. While everyone's brain develops similarly, no two brains function just alike.
The word neurodiversity also refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities.
Our mission is to create a strengths-based and trauma-informed neurodiversity clinic and neuro distinct affirming spaces that offer access-intimacy to all students.
By cultivating care together, we realize the power of neurodiversity
UC Berkeley currently reports that 1,702 undergraduate and graduate students are registered with a neurodivergent disability. This includes 90 with Autism, 1,082 with ADD/ADHD, 406 with Learning Disabilities (LD), and 124 with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with neurodivergent needs. While this initiative primarily focuses on these underserved neurodivergent populations, it also aims to promote intersectional community building across the entire campus.
The Challenge: Research shows that many students with disabilities do not disclose their disabilities to their colleges or universities. For instance, only 40% of students with disabilities who used special education services in secondary school disclose their disability to their college or university. Similarly, only ¼ to ⅓ of students disclose invisible (e.g. neurodivergent) disabilities. This lack of disclosure presents a significant challenge in providing appropriate support.
The prevalence of neurodivergent students on campus is increasing, with some studies suggesting that up to 1.9% of college students may be autistic, an additional 5% reporting ADHD, and 3% reporting specific learning disabilities. This implies that UC Berkeley may have approximately 4,500 neurodivergent students. With the implementation of more accessible programming at UC Berkeley, it is expected that hundreds more students will seek support.