Over the last few years, the Neurodiverse Students’ Association have had a great time welcoming new members and hosting a variety of events and initiatives to promote inclusion on campus. From Welcome events to Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we always have lots going on and have enjoyed getting to meet so many people. In 2024, we were lucky enough to be awarded the “Rising Star” award at STAR Awards and it was so lovely to hear just how much of an impact it has had on members. Here, one of our founding committee members reflects on their time in the society:

Growing up neurodivergent is not easy. For many of us, it means social isolation, improper support and a struggle to achieve our best. The world is not built for our needs, and we constantly have to fight to be recognised in education, media and the workplace.

I was battling loneliness and contemplating dropping out before my second year of university. I was extremely lonely and did not know how to communicate effectively with my peers. I had support in place, but it didn't seem right and I had no idea how to change it. One morning , I checked the Strath Union instagram and saw a new society had just affiliated, and was opening applications for a committee. This was the Neurodiverse Students Association - a place where students who self identify as neurodivergent could all meet and have a safe space together. On a complete whim, I sent a message. What followed was a society that made me feel like I belonged somewhere. Neurodivergent people have a harder time communicating with neurotypical people, and thus struggle to make friends and forge meaningful connections. In this society, there were people that I could openly talk to, and get along with. I stayed on the committee until I graduated and this changed my life.

Our socials are always fun and relaxed and provide a safe space for us to be ourselves. There are no expectations except to just be there and we can talk about a variety of things that help us forge friendships. We do sometimes have slightly more serious sessions to talk about accessibility and helping others in the society. In my case, these sessions empowered me to know what adjustments I needed in place to thrive, and was the reason I finally felt comfortable in a classroom setting. Everyone in our society is friendly, and even though we all come from different experiences and lives, there's an underlying understanding of us all, and help to accept ourselves.

Even though I have graduated, this society will always hold an extremely special place in my heart. I will forever hold these experiences close to me and will remember them for the rest of my life. If anyone wants to join this society or think it might be the place for them, do it! Seeing this society change from just an instagram DM to a thriving community that I talk to in person or online every day has been amazing. And this society is the reason I am the person I am today.

Written by previous Neurodiverse Students' Association committee member