Tips for Neurodiverse Students

It’s common for people with neurodiversity to feel overwhelmed at college. Whether it’s adjusting to a new place, adopting a different schedule, or missing familiar comforts, there’s a lot that goes into moving into higher education that every student doesn’t expect. Here are some great study tips that are specifically designed for neurodiverse students.

#1 Use colored overlays for accessibility For some, words might be hard to focus on on a written page. They could appear to flicker or move around. Introducing a colored overlay to text makes it clearer for some, harmonizing what’s on the page and reducing confusion. Green is a common choice, but everyone’s eyes will be different. Play around with a few colors to see what works for you.

#2 Make use of bold font While a relatively simple trick at its core, bolding text that you think is important is a great way to make it visually more striking and easy to find. Traditional methods rely on highlighting paper text with a marker, but some prefer to use digital platforms for notes and studying. If that’s you, try the bolding approach to pull out key phrases or sentences.

#3 Create a physically comfortable setup If you’re someone who can become stressed by sensory overload, it’s important to use a study area that’s comfortable both physically and mentally. Finding this zen space can remove stressors and aggravators that might trigger negative responses to certain sounds or smells. The more at ease you feel with the environment you’re working in, the more productive you’ll be.

#4 Make the most of flashcards Flashcards are a great way to absorb bite-sized chunks of information without feeling too overwhelmed. You can use these to quiz yourself on certain answers, formulas, or more general topics. They’re also a good study aid for anyone who enjoys working with another person. A good way to use them is to organize your cards into three piles: “got it” (where you immediately knew an answer), “nearly there” (where you were close with your guess), and “not a clue” (where you need to learn the subject better.) Over time, the first pile should grow, while the other two shrink.

To read the full list of 40 tips visit the Studocu Blog.