Primary Supervisor: Dr Claudia M. Diaz
Co-Supervisor: Dr Adam Brett
Location: All campuses/Online, Albury
Keywords: innovation, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD,
Tourette’s, dyslexia, cPTSD, OCD
Type of Project: Quantitative and qualitative
Project availability: Until December, 2026
Australian Universities are currently attracting large and extremely diverse student populations, including an increase in neurodivergent students. Neurodivergent individuals have brain functioning and processing styles that are different from what is considered typical or neurotypical. Neurodivergence includes a variety of divergences in the brain which includes, but is not limited to, Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Tourette’s, dyslexia, dyspraxia, auditory processing disorder, cPTSD, OCD and sensory processing disorder. It is estimated that 15-20% of the world’s population is neurodivergent. In Australia it is estimated that 15-20% of students, 11% of Australian employees are neurodivergent. In Australia neurodivergent people are not as likely to attend university compared to neurotypical people and they face many challenges such as sensory overload, social and emotional challenges, academic difficulties and often a lack of appropriate support.
This research project aims to investigate the experiences and perceptions of neurodivergent students using innovative approaches to learn anatomy, including assessment, in several subjects using surveys (quantitative), focus groups and interviews (qualitative). Furthermore, we will explore approaches to enhance the peer interactions between neurodivergent and neurotypical students for better recognition and understanding of neurodivergence to help create a more inclusive learning environment and support systems for these individuals. This project will promote acceptance and understanding of neurological differences that are not necessarily deficits, and that may present as strengths using these different ways of learning.
Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Claudia M. Diaz