Postgraduate student passionate about neurodiversity awareness

Many people confuse neurodivergence and neurodiversity. From the perspective of postgraduate student Jess Goodman’s research, neurodivergence is a deviation in neurological functioning from 'normal' societal standards.

Neurodivergence includes, but is not limited to, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourettes, learning disorders such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, auditory and visual processing disorders, and communication disorders.

On the other hand, neurodiversity is the spectrum of neurological variation present across all humans. Every human is a part of the human ‘neurodiversity’ spectrum, just as every human is a part of the human racial, ethnic and cultural diversity spectrum.

The Neurodiversity Paradigm is a particular viewpoint on neurodiversity that promotes the idea that variations in neurological development and functioning among individuals are a normal and valuable component of human diversity, the outcome of normal differences in the human genome, and so should not necessarily be inherently viewed as a deficit.

The DiverseMinds@Massey Stream site

Jess recently did some work populating the newly active DiverseMinds@Massey Stream site with content so it could be a one-stop-shop for connection, resources and info related to neurodivergence at the university.

She spent time ensuring maximum accessibility in terms of layout, including alt-text image descriptions for low vision users and welcoming feedback from neurodivergent students.

The site has information and resources about navigating all sides of university as a neurodivergent person – academic, wellbeing and social.

Jess says DiverseMinds@MasseyManawatū was born out of the realisation that there is a significant gap in terms of in-person connection and community for neurodivergent students at university.

“Looking at the findings from my Honours research and seeing all the awesome mahi happening in the online/distance space for neurodivergent Massey students, I felt extremely passionate and motivated to create a physical safe space and sense of community for neurodivergent students on campus.

“The club was so fortunate to get funding for all sorts of awesome equipment and resources, and we have access to an amazing space with low lighting options, colourful couches, bean bags, educational resources/books, craft supplies, puzzles, stim/fidget toys, board games, video games and so on. We have been supported so well by DiverseMinds@Massey, Te Tira Ahu Pae and Campus CoLab.

“Our club is guided by the Social Model of Disability, and in tangible terms that means our club ensures wheelchair access, access to nearby disabled toilets, a sensory safe zone and any other reasonable accessibility requirements people may request,” Jess says.

Working with others

Jess has worked alongside Lily Nielsen and Ellie Bann, two Manawatū campus students who have been working alongside Campus CoLab this year. Their work has focused on creating study groups that accommodate neurodivergent students’ needs and provide further connections for the neurodivergent university community. Their aim is to continue to build inclusive spaces and ensure neurodivergent students across Aotearoa are supported in tertiary education. Lily and Ellie are currently running a weekly study group, with the hope of moving to a more permanent study space in 2024.

“Our groups really complement each other by providing neurodivergent students at Massey multiple opportunities throughout the week to connect with students like themselves, both for academic and social purposes,” Jess says.

“We are constantly getting positive feedback that these groups are really making a difference for students – helping them to thrive in their studies by providing validation, connection, a safe space and the sense that they’re not broken individuals.”

Jess Goodman is a postgraduate psychology student who has conducted research looking at neurodiversity and intersectionality with other marginalised identities. She also works as a tutor for teenagers with special learning needs, and her undergraduate degree was in the area of Psychology and Rehabilitation Studies. Her passions include advocacy around mental health, neurodiversity and both visible and invisible disabilities.

If you are interested in the DiverseMinds@MasseyManawatū group, you can request to be added by emailing diverseminds@mtu.muclubs.ac.nz.

If you’re interested in the Stream site, you can request to be added by emailing DiverseMinds@Massey.ac.nz.