Spotlight on Inclusion: Working with Neurodivergent Students in Creative Disciplines

Spotlight on Inclusion: Working with Neurodivergent Students in Creative Disciplines is an interactive session designed to equip academic and support staff with practical strategies for fostering inclusion in creative higher education environments. The training introduces key neurotypes—Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia/DCD, and ADHD—while exploring how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and exemplars can reduce ambiguity and cognitive load. Through case studies and collaborative activities, participants will learn to implement neuroaffirmative practices that empower students and enhance engagement. Objectives - Adopt a strength-based, neuroaffirmative approach to supporting neurodivergent students. - Understand neurodiversity vs. neurodivergence and their implications in creative disciplines. - Gain an overview of Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia/DCD, and ADHD, including common challenges in studio and production settings. - Apply UDL principles and use exemplars to clarify expectations and support diverse learning styles. - Identify barriers and solutions through case study analysis and commit to three actionable changes within two weeks Competencies Acquired - Knowledge Competency: Understanding neurodivergent profiles and their impact on communication, sensory processing, and executive functioning. - Pedagogical Competency: Ability to design inclusive learning experiences using UDL and exemplars. - Practical Competency: Skills to implement strategies that reduce cognitive load and support diverse learners in creative workflows. - Collaborative Competency: Techniques for working in partnership with students to co-create solutions.