Our differences are what make us interesting.
That’s what Neurodiversity Celebration Week is all about. It encourages us to celebrate the many skills and talents that neurodiversity brings. After all, differences in brain function and learning behaviours are just a part of the normal variation of the human population.
But sometimes the rest of society doesn’t see it that way. Neurodivergent people often find it hard to adapt to existing structures – in our schools, universities and organisations. It’s important that we create a more inclusive culture to make sure that neurodivergent voices are heard and empowered.
This is what we aim to do at City Lit. We run free one-to-one support sessions for neurodivergent students enrolled on accredited courses. It helps support their learning, so they can get the most of their time at the college.
We asked them if the support sessions were helpful towards achieving their goals.
Student 1 - Jamie
These sessions help me find ways of coping with my personal challenges on the course by providing coping strategies and adaptations, to benefit my overall learning experience.
When I struggle with particular tasks or teaching methods during class time, it is useful coming to learning support and through discussions we find ways that can make me feel more confident in class, the next time round.
Talking things out is another, hugely helpful aspect of learning support. It provides me with a safe space and environment, allowing me to have my thoughts and opinions heard which can serve as another device of finding solutions to more specific issues.
Being able just to talk someone and have conversations has had massive impact on me in terms of calming my nerves, anxieties, producing more confidence when speaking to others. I believe this has been a very subtle, yet, massively, effective form of assistance.
Sometimes people are afraid to speak for themselves especially in classes, to teachers and their classmates, in these sessions our talks have given me a huge deal of confidence with communication both in class and day-to-day life.
Thank you very much with all the help you have given me.
Student 2
The first way in which our sessions are important is that they give me space to explore.
In practical terms, the sessions have given me tools to help with line learning (which was my biggest anxiety and the main reason I took up the offer of support tutor).
I feel the support staff have an understanding of neurodivergent people and in our sessions I feel more like a respected adult human than an errant and irritating child (again - not uncommon amongst neurodivergents, thus an embedded expectation). Up until recently, my confidence was genuinely in tatters and knowing I can speak to someone who knows the challenges of the course, the tutors and the industry is an enormous help. I know our sessions aren't therapy, but they are therapeutic.
I don't think I have said how astonished I am at the quality of support and how gently the sessions are moderated. Truly, I am grateful.
Student 3
The sessions help me align my thoughts allowing me to not feel overwhelmed. It has given me the structure I need to know what to focus on most when it comes to assignments. Doing this early has prevented me from being overwhelmed by the workload.
For such an intensive course, it has helped with the difficulties that weren't an issue on my Level 2 Foundation course.
Student 4
I consider the support sessions invaluable. They are a part of my learning experience. In fact, without them I believe I would have struggled on my course.
What the sessions offer is a place where you're able to discuss the things you learn. And really break down what is being asked of you, at a pace that suits your learning. I find that I’m able to ask questions that I wouldn’t feel confident asking in class. These sessions help with the technical aspects of the course.
Also, they inspire and support me in forming ideas. Which in turn gives me a deeper understanding of the subject. This deeper understanding has led me towards not only the goal of passing an exam. But towards a goal of continuous learning, something I would not have considered without the support sessions.
Student 5
Being neurodivergent has helped to bring out my creative side when learning, especially if I am learning about something I passionate about I am able to fully express my interest and not feel constrained as I have done using a more conventional approach.
It has also has enabled me to embrace who I am and be able to learn without thinking I need to be a particular way. In the support sessions I felt heard and listened to, and always found a way to. Whereas, in the past I felt I was the problem and I there was no solution.
Advice to other neurodivergent learners:
- Even though it might be difficult at first to ask for help, it will be beneficial to ask for support. It will help you to learn and study at a pace that works for you and it is okay if your pace is not the same as the rest of your classmates.
- At City Lit helping students to progress matters because the support staff understand that our brains may work differently but they help us in learning how to work with the challenges that we face on a daily basis.
Get the help you need
If you are, or are intending to, study a City Lit accredited course and think you would benefit from one-to-one support please email: support@citylit.ac.uk.
Alternatively you can call on 020 4534 0459.
Study an accredited course at City Lit
At City Lit, we ensure that neurodiversity is not a barrier to studying accredited courses. Learn more about all of our courses and the students who do them by clicking the link below.
