The term ‘neurodivergent’ refers to individuals whose brains function differently to what society perceives as the norm. ‘Neurodiversity’ is an umbrella term that celebrates the neurological variations in human brains and covers a range of neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and OCD. As a population, we are all neurodiverse, much in the same way that we are biodiverse. As such, an individual cannot be neurodiverse and so we use the term neurodivergent.
It is estimated that between 15-20% of the population are neurodivergent (Gitnux, 2025). Co-occurring neurodivergence, along with physical and mental health conditions, are prevalent, often due to the energy it takes to mask (Cassidy et al., 2020) and the additional anxiety and stress that neurodivergent individuals face on a daily basis. Suicide rates amongst neurodivergent people are also much higher (Hudson, Hall and Harkness, 2019; Papyrus, 2025).
About the Neurodivergent Staff Network
The Neurodivergent Staff Network was set up in 2022 to raise awareness of the neurodivergent community at the University of Lancashire and identify areas which could be better improved to support staff. The Network provides peer-support for colleagues who identify as neurodivergent, either through a diagnosis or self-identification. The network is a non-judgemental space where staff can share experiences and strategies. We now have a total of 155 members, but this is well below the estimated 15% - 20% to be neurodivergent at the University and we would like to reach more colleagues.
Want to be part of a more inclusive future?
Neurodivergent staff: Join our bi-monthly peer-support group meetings and ND Staff Network Teams space. Email NDnetwork@lancahsire.ac.uk to be added to our mailing list.
Allies: Attend our bi-monthly Allies meeting to learn how to support your colleagues. Email NDnetwork@lancashire.ac.uk to be added to our mailing list.
Everyone: Listen to our podcast on ‘Empowering a neurodiverse learning culture in Higher Education’ with Ellen Fincher, Sadie Rose and Stephen Taylor (a link to the full transcript is available in the video description, to access click ‘Open in browser’ on the bottom right of the video or follow the link to the podcast), and explore training available on LearnUpon (e.g. ‘Designing for diversity: A practical guide to creating accessible digital content) to deepen your understanding of neurodivergence.
Mental Health Support:
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Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Employee Assistance Programme. A comprehensive wellbeing service designed to support mental, emotional, and physical health, offering counselling online and in-person.