Improving Access, Support, and Wellbeing for Neurodivergent Individuals at Flinders University.
Welcome to the Neurodiversity Community of Practice (N-CoP)
Flinders University’s Neurodiversity Community of Practice (N-CoP) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for neurodivergent individuals.
The program promotes understanding of neurodiversity across the university through training, events, and resources, and listens to students’ personal experiences to improve access and support. It also provides opportunities for connection, advocacy, and co-design to help students thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
We recognize and celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodiversity brings, making them an integral part of the university community.
Empower: Support neurodivergent individuals in using their strengths to achieve personal, academic, and professional goals.
Promote Inclusion: Develop programs, policies, and practices that foster a welcoming and accessible environment.
Raise Awareness: Educate the campus and broader community about neurodiversity and the value of diverse thinking.
Collaborate: Work with staff, students, researchers, and external stakeholders to implement evidence-based strategies.
Advocate: Influence policy and practice to ensure systemic change for equitable access and participation.
We send occasional updates about N-CoP activities, events, and opportunities to connect. If you’d like to receive these updates, simply fill out our subscription form. Your details will be added to our mailing list, and you’ll be among the first to hear about what we’re up to.
But keep reading to learn more about what we do ⬇
We welcome and support students who identify as neurodivergent, students who self-identify as neurodiverse, students who are still exploring their needs, students without a formal diagnosis, and students who are interested in making the university more accessible and inclusive.
This may include, but is not limited to, students with experiences or diagnoses related to autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, intellectual disability, sensory processing differences, Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, DiGeorge syndrome, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Williams syndrome, and others.
We recognise that each person’s experiences, strengths, and challenges are unique. Our programs are designed to provide personalised support and practical strategies to help every individual participate, connect, and reach their full potential.
Everyone is encouraged to take part in creating an inclusive community, whether by attending workshops, joining mentoring programs, volunteering, contributing to research, or sharing your experiences, your involvement truly makes a difference!
📘Academic Support & Resources
Individualised learning strategies, study skills workshops, and time management support.
Assistive technologies and tailored accommodations for assessments and learning activities.
🤝Peer & Mentor Support
Connect with peers and mentors who understand neurodiverse experiences.
Peer-led study groups, discussion forums, and mentoring programs.
🧠Workshops & Training
Self-advocacy, executive function skills, and transition support workshops.
Staff and faculty training to enhance understanding and inclusive teaching practices.
💬Community Engagement
Networking events, social groups, and awareness campaigns.
Celebrations of neurodivergent achievements and contributions.
🌿Wellbeing and Burnout reduction programs
Therapeutic activities, sensory experiences, creativity workshops, stress reduction.
🔬Research & Innovation
Participate in research projects exploring neurodiversity, inclusion, and best practices.
Contribute to developing innovative tools, resources, and evidence-based interventions.
Tackling Procrastination Booklet: This booklet offers a collection of “unhinged” and unorthodox strategies designed to help students overcome procrastination, utilizing creative roleplay scenarios like the “homework monster” and sensory hacks such as the “wet sock method” to break inertia. It focuses on unconventional tips—including body doubling and “cheerleader mode”—to help neurodivergent students find motivation and get tasks done in a fun, pressure-free way.
Zine and Shine: This publication is a digital zine showcasing artwork and stories created by neurodivergent students at Flinders University during the “Zine and Shine” event in October 2025. It celebrates the creativity and lived experiences of the community, featuring diverse pieces ranging from abstract art to a personal illustrated story about receiving an ADHD diagnosis.
Stay up to date with all upcoming workshops, seminars and community events designed for neurodiverse students and staff.
Find Your Focus: Body Doubling Sessions Launch at the Flinders Learning Lounge
Some of the things we have been up to 🙂
Neurodiversity Community of Practice: Connecting, Creating and Belonging at Flinders
Vote on what wellness activities you’d like the Neurodiversity Community to run
Neurodiversity Group is running Two Learning Skills Support Sessions!
🩼 Disability Services
Flinders University is committed to supporting all students, if you are neurodivergent, live with disability, have health conditions, or caring responsibilities, you may be eligible for support.
Register with Disability Services and book an appointment with an advisor here.
Also…..University Specialist Employment Partnerships (USEP)
USEP is a program that supports university students with disability to prepare for and find employment after graduation. It offers tailored career advice, job-seeking strategies, and connections with inclusive employers. Learn more: USEP Program.
🧏🏻♂️ Sensory Spaces
Sensory Spaces are located within the Central Library (level 1), Sturt Library (level 3) and the City campus.
The Sensory Spaces provide a low-lit environment with comfortable seating and a wide range of visual and sensory resources to assist with regulation.
They support students needing a quiet area to avoid sensory overload or seek sensory input. The rooms are ideal for neurodivergent students and are open to all students during public access hours.
A key group responsible for getting these spaces established is the Flinders Neurodivergent Study Support and Advocacy (FNSSA) club.
For more information, support, or inquiries, contact our team:
Email: cdp@flinders.edu.au
Office: 3rd Floor, the College of Education, Sturt Rd, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042.
To give anonymous feedback on what you need from the Community of Practice us this form – Feedback and Suggestions
Meet FNSSA – Flinders Neurodivergent Study Support and Advocacy
FNSSA is a student-led club founded in 2022 by neurodivergent students at Flinders University who saw a need for better support and representation. The group exists to improve the experiences and outcomes of neurodivergent (ND) students through connection, advocacy, and shared strategies.
In their Facebook group, ND students can:
- Connect with peers
- Share experiences and study tips
- Ask for advice
- Celebrate the unique strengths of being neurodivergent
FNSSA also runs social and advocacy events, and welcomes anyone interested in helping shape these initiatives. While affiliated with Flinders University, the group is inclusive of ND students and staff from other universities as well.
📧 Contact: flindersND@gmail.com
🔗 Join the Facebook group: FNSSA Facebook Group
FNSSA acknowledges the Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather.
Some articles we think you might find useful:
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
A global initiative celebrating and elevating neurodivergent minds, inviting individuals and organisations to participate in the 2027 event.
Flinders Autism Research Initiative
The Autism Research Initiative is a collaborative hub where researchers and autistic people with lived experience work together to improve understanding, access, inclusion and wellbeing across everyday life.
Neurodiversity page at Thriving @ Flinders
Neurodiversity at Flinders highlights the university’s commitment to creating environments that recognise and support different ways of thinking, learning and experiencing the world. Although the Thriving@Flinders program is staff‑focused, many of the featured resources—like sensory‑friendly spaces, library collections, research initiatives, and external guides—are equally valuable for students who want practical tools, community connections, or deeper understanding of neurodiversity.
The Autistics’ Guide to Adulthood is a free, self‑paced online resource created by autistic adults and professionals to support autistic people in navigating key aspects of adult life. It offers ten standalone modules—covering communication, relationships, employment, independent living, health, education, self‑advocacy and more—presented in an accessible, choose‑your‑own‑adventure style that emphasises autonomy, personal preference and practical strategies rather than prescriptive advice. The guide uses both identity‑first and person‑first language, reflects diverse autistic experiences, and provides tools, explanations and options that users can adapt to their own needs, alongside FAQs and opportunities to stay connected with the project.
