Experiences of Neurodiverse Women in Student Affairs
I am writing to seek input from people who identify as women and are neurodivergent (with particular interest around ADHD and Autism) and work in student affairs.
I am speaking at a conference about the intersection of womanhood and neurodivergence in higher education, and would like to gather short stories with real examples to share about lived experiences. This can include anything related to working as a neurodivergent woman in higher education.
As a student affairs professional myself, I identify as AuDHD (ADHD and Autism) and will be sharing my experiences, as well, but want to amplify others' voices within this sphere. You do not need to be officially diagnosed to share your experiences; self-identification is perfectly valid!
I want to show that we are not a monolith and my experiences with neurodiversity and womanhood in higher ed may have connections to others’ but we’re all different and unique. This is solely an opportunity to amplify voices and lived experiences!
All blurbs will be anonymous in the presentation and I will omit all identifying information. Thanks for considering!
Editing to add questions for consideration:
Some questions I’m exploring and would be curious to learn more about:
• Do you have any specific sensory needs (or “icks”) that impact you at work?
• Have you experienced challenges with “unwritten rules” of working in higher education?
• If you’ve had to mask your traits to be taken seriously or to advance, what has the cost of that been to your mental health?
• Have you ever had to ask for accommodations? If so, what was your experience navigating this process and what was the outcome?
• What strengths or advantages does your neurodiversity bring to your work?
• What type of work do you prefer to do? Are there tasks you hate and avoid?
• What does a successful work day look like to you? How might that differ from traditional/neurotypical views of success?
- Have you experienced misogyny in higher education? If so, what were those experiences like?
- Do you disclose your neurodiversity at work? Why or why not?