The Architecture Department at the University of Wolverhampton identified a strong likelihood that we have a high proportion of neurodivergent students who heavily mask their divergencies which, while enabling them to engage in mainstream higher education, puts them at significant risk of burnout and will be impacting their ability to get the most out of their studies with us. We therefore took the opportunity to engage with Autistic Girls Network to see how we can best support these students, as part of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion month.
While not all of these students are female, Autistic Girls Network made sense to us as a provider as we understand that, until recently it was thought that there were fewer females with neurodivergent traits, however it is now being understood that this is not true and, as a generalisation, female diagnosis has been missed as many women and girls mask more strongly, which was the common trait we had identified with our students.

Cathy proposed a strategy of running group student training as well as staff training, to give maximum benefit to all students, where peer-to-peer engagement has such a significant impact in university. This proved hugely successful as the student training really helped neurotypical students understand and empathise with their colleague’s experience, and help neurodivergent students feel empowered and accepted. The staff training also helped the team identify where students may currently face difficulties in our environment and curriculum and identify practical and inclusive strategies for how we may improve engagement and enhance the overall student experience.

Cathy is incredibly knowledgeable and the training with both staff and students was incredibly informative and engaging. The presentations were clear, and Cathy created a non-judgemental environment where all felt comfortable to discuss and ask questions, something which has continued since the sessions and the feedback since has been fabulous.

Autistic Girls Network also undertook a Sensory Audit of our facilities and helped us identify a sensory retreat space which has proved hugely popular with the students and staff!