Sally Mo
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Research Mentor(s): Kathleen Ignatoski
Research Mentor School/College/Department: University of Michigan / Medicine
Program:
Authors: Sally Mo, Kathleen Ignatoski, Sandy Zalmout, Chris Laurinec, Neurodiversity Team
Session: Session 3: 11:00 am – 11: 50 am
Poster: 75
Abstract
Neurodivergent individuals often encounter significant challenges within educational environments, including stigma and insufficient support, impacting their academic and social well-being. Utilizing secondary data from academic sources and primary data from interviews and surveys, we explored the current state of neurodiversity and inclusion at the University of Michigan. Our methodology involved thematic analysis, descriptive statistics, and content analysis of data collected from various stakeholders, including students, faculty, and staff, through Google Form surveys. In collaboration with the University of Melbourne and Stanford University, we organized a summit on April 11, 2024, to disseminate our findings and gather further insights from other higher education institutions. Preliminary results from 46 survey responses reveal that 30% identify as neurodivergent, with 20% being students and 47% staff. The Likert scale assessment of university resources yielded mean scores of (0.82) for neurotypical, (0.2) for neurodivergent staff, and (0.58) for neurodivergent students. While these results do not show a definitive perspective due to statistical insignificance, they suggest areas for improvement, such as mental health support and staff training. The survey also uncovered a reluctance among neurodivergent staff to disclose their conditions, highlighting the need for inclusive communication strategies. Recommendations include developing a comprehensive resource guide for neurodivergent individuals. Despite the small sample size, the positive perception of resources by neurotypical respondents indicates a neuro-inclusive environment at the university. This research underscores the importance of creating supportive educational settings for neurodivergent individuals, contributing to a broader understanding of neurodiversity and inclusion. We invite participants to engage with our ongoing efforts and attend the upcoming symposium. Details and registration can be found on our project website: https://beautifulminds.engin.umich.edu
