Hello, welcome to the University of Aberdeen’s new Neurodiversity Network! This Network is for all staff and all students who are neurodivergent, neurotypical, and everything in between – anyone can join. Our aim is to build community, grow conversations, promote acceptance and inclusion, and share resources and sources of support. The Neurodiversity Network is a space for people to be themselves and advocate for others.
Aims and ethos
- Increase understanding and acceptance of neurodivergence.
- Create a space in which more conversations can happen, and people feel they can safely participate.
- Reduce stigma, challenge myths and stereotypes.
- Connect a wide range of people to share different perspectives and encourage mutual understanding.
- Collate and share information, resources, and sources of support via organised events (e.g. talks, webinars, panel conversations, blog posts and a dedicated web presence.)
- Have a strong, positive and lasting influence on working and studying at the University. To this end, we welcome all opportunities to get involved in projects and make changes to policies and practices to foster neuroinclusion.
Events
We are regularly planning events and taking part in University-wide initiatives such as Be Well Week. If you have any ideas or comments then we're happy to discuss them.
Past Events
Neurodiversity Natter!
Tuesday 8 October, 10.30am - 1pm
Seminar room 224, 2nd floor, Sir Duncan Rice Library
Come along to this informal event!
It is a chance to meet, chat about Neurodiversity, and generally get to know others within this context.
Open to all students and staff, of all neurotypes. Everyone is welcome!
Drop-in at any time during the event. No need to book.
Dr Nikki Rutter, Assistant Professor, University of Durham
PhD-ing while Neurodivergent
25th September 2-3.30pm, SDRL Floor 7, Meeting Room 1 or online via Microsoft Teams
Dr Nikki Rutter, a neurodivergent Sociologist from Durham University who completed her PhD in 2022 will explore the struggles and successes of conducting and completing a PhD while neurodivergent.
This is an interactive session, with plenty of opportunities to discuss the different aspects of conducting a PhD such as: supervisory relationships, planning, and preparing for a Viva. This session is open to all neurotypes and will be followed by the option of a brief workshop for those who identify as neurodivergent or a relaxed networking session for all neurotypes.
For more information and to book a place, please visit the Course Booking system.
Navigating Neurodivergence: Experiences of Neurodivergent Women in Academia
26th September, 10 am – 11.30, Microsoft Teams
Join the Women’s Development Network as they come together with the Menopause Network and the Neurodiversity Network to explore the experiences of neurodivergent women in Academia.
We are pleased to welcome Dr Rachel Moseley (Principal Academic, Bournemouth University), Ms Karen Mitchell (Academic Skills Adviser, University of Aberdeen) and Dr Helen Knight (Senior Lecturer, University of Aberdeen), who will share their own experiences and journeys, explore what neurodivergence is, offer insights into supporting neurodivergent students and share research behind the impact of hormones on neurodiversity.
Several more exciting events are being planned, so please do get in touch if you have ideas or questions.
Neurodiversity - shared perspectives
Some of our staff members have shared their experiences of working here. We are looking to add to these perspectives, so please get in touch with us if you’d like to share your views.
People and roles
The Neurodiversity Network has potential to raise and engage in a great variety of related topics and areas. We are looking for more diversity in the team - please get in touch if you would like to take on a specific Development role!
- Co-Chairs
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Margaret Jackson
I am a senior lecturer in the School of Psychology and passionate neurodiversity advocate. I’m currently leading the development of a range of initiatives and practices which will foster a neuroinclusive learning, teaching, and workplace environment in the School of Psychology and across the University. I am working closely with a wide range of other people engaged in support and wellbeing.
email: m.jackson@abdn.ac.uk
Lucy Drysdale
I am an Information Assistant at Sir Duncan Rice Library. I’m keenly interested in neurodiversity and am particularly focused on dyspraxia due to having this condition myself. I will be focused on welcoming people into the network, sharing research & resources, and any social media involvement.
email: lucy.drysdale@abdn.ac.uk
- Network Development Team
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Web development role: Karen Mitchell
I am an Academic Study Skills Advisor (Dyslexia and Specific Learning Differences), working in the Student Learning Service.
Workplace focussed role: Linda Engles
I am the current chair of the staff menopause network and as an Occupational Psychologist am passionate about workplace equality. I teach on the Psychology of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at work course seeking to raise awareness of EDI challenges and how they can be overcome in the workplace.
Research focussed role: Eleanor Heggdal Loenes
I am a teaching fellow in the School of Psychology and have a personal interest in neurodiversity research. I am particularly concerned with how academic research can be applied in a way that makes everyday life more fulfilling for neurodivergent people and their loved ones.
PGR representative role: Claire Robertson
I am an interdisciplinary PhD Psychology student researching how public health information can be made more accessible, engaging, and understandable through health comics. I am passionate about making information inclusive and accessible to all.
Foresterhill representative role: Nick Hayward
I am a laboratory-based research assistant at the Rowett Institute (School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition). I was diagnosed as dyslexic as a child and supported through my education. I’ve also started to become more interested in understanding both the on needs of dyslexic/neurodivergent individuals later in life and in the workplace.
UG representative role: Ellyn Angus
I am an undergraduate pharmacology student passionate about creating neuroinclusive environments for all. I am neurodivergent and enjoy spreading awareness and understanding with the aim of getting the right support in place for each individual.
How to join the network
On Teams, click the ‘Join or create team’ tab and use the code 8t75vdt. Or search for UoA Neurodiversity Network_NET.