Emily Adams, PASSHE (Professional Association of Specific Learning Difference Specialist in HE), Neurodivergent Support Team SpLD Tutor, Neurodivergent Staff Network Coordinator and PASSHE Institutional Memberships & Accreditation Officer, University of Hull
Neurodivergence and the pressure to fit in can take a heavy toll on neurodivergent people. Masking parts of oneself to better fit is common in the workplace and can have considerable negative effects on mental health (Pryke-Hobbs et al 2023). Consequently, having a safe and supportive community space where staff can unmask and be themselves can make a real difference. We will consider the power of shared experience; and how Staff sharing personal experiences in a safe community space develops connections, confidence, self-awareness and self-advocacy, and how this positively impacts the student experience (University of Hull’s Neurodivergent Staff Network NSN). The poster outlines the PASSHE 7 principles, and how this can be embedded to form a framework for successful peer to peer community facilitation, and feedback from current NSN members on their views on the network, and what they may have gained from being part of the community.
For an institution to be inclusive it must be so for all within it, not only students. This poster draws on experiences of a UK University's (University of Hull) peer Neurodivergent support network for staff members who are or think they might be neurodivergent. The Neurodivergent Staff Network has been running for 8 years, and the poster will examine the facilitation of the community, underpinning framework, and feedback from members on its impact on self-advocacy, self-awareness, and the student experience.
Conference themes: Interdisciplinary Collaboration; Community Engagement; Peer-to-Peer Learning; Equality, Diversity & Inclusion