Improving Access, Support, and Wellbeing for Neurodivergent Students 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 support individuals who identify as neurodivergent or self-identify as neurodiverse, including but not limited to:
- Autism spectrum (ASD)
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Bipolar
- DiGeorge syndrome
- Down syndrome
- Dyscalculia (difficulty with math)
- Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing)
- Dyslexia (difficulty with reading)
- Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination)
- Intellectual disabilities
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Sensory processing disorders
- Social anxiety (a specific type of anxiety disorder)
- Tourette syndrome
- Williams syndrome
- and others…..
We acknowledge 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 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 🙂
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) and Sturt Library (level 3) at Flinders University.
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.
This initiative is a collaboration with 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.
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.
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