Environmental Scan of Neurodiversity Affirming Approaches in Higher Education

With the growing presence of neurodivergent students in higher education, there is a crucial need for neuro-affirming approaches that move beyond individual, deficit-based models of support. Using an environmental scan, we examine neuro-affirming practices and resources through educational databases and grey literature warranting 179 sources. Articles were categorized and thematized by target audience and thematically. Six key themes for service providers were identified including; basics of neurodiversity, disclosure, accessing support, Universal Design for Learning, community belonging, and cripping academia. Three themes arose for the resources for students including basics of neurodiversity, accessing support, and disclosures. The environmental scan underscores the importance of inclusive, strengths-based approaches in higher education that require systemic changes and understanding.