The population of neurodivergent (ND) students in engineering programs is a topic of growing interest and importance in both academia and industry. Neurodivergence encompasses a range of neurological differences, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and dyspraxia. This diverse group of students brings unique perspectives, skills, and challenges to engineering education and the workforce. Understanding and supporting neurodivergent students is crucial for promoting inclusivity and diversity in engineering. This paper summarizes existing literature on the prevalence of neurodivergent students. This is followed by data from a large public institution, exploring the extent to which undergraduate engineering students self-identified as neurodivergent. Among over 1000 students, 18% identified as neurodivergent, 19% as maybe neurodivergent, and 62% as not neurodivergent (and therefore neurotypical). Junior and senior students were given the opportunity to self-identify types of neurodivergence, with ADHD and anxiety found as the most common write-in responses. A number of students identified multiple conditions. A higher percentage of female compared to male students self-identified as ND or maybe ND. Large percentages of students who indicated a gender that was not male or female also self-identified as neurodivergent. Similar percentages of White and Hispanic/Latinx first-year students identified as neurotypical; a higher percentage of Asian students identified as neurotypical. The results indicate that studies on the experiences of neurodivergent students in engineering should consider intersectional demographics. Given the significant percentages of engineering students identifying as ND, faculty should work to ensure these students are supported.
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WIP: Comparison of Neurodivergent Student Prevalence in Engineering Across Two Institutions
This work-in-progress research paper describes the prevalence of neurodivergent students (ND) in engineering across two institutions. There is growing awareness that engineering students who are neurodivergent bring unique assets and face challenges to their higher education experience. Neurodivergent students may also face additional challenges associated with chronic illness or being marginalized due to their gender or race/ethnicity. This paper provides background on these issues, followed by demographic data from two institutions. The goal of the paper is to raise the awareness of engineering faculty that the variety of differences and medical conditions among engineering students may be more diverse and/or prevalent than many realize. Students may not disclose these conditions or receive formal accommodations but can be successful. With a notable percentage of engineering students identifying as ND, faculty should ensure these students feel supported. Higher education institutions should also prioritize systematic planning and programming to support the retention and success of these neurodivergent students.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2205067
- PAR ID:
- 10575514
- Publisher / Repository:
- IEEE
- Date Published:
- ISBN:
- 979-8-3503-5150-7
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 1 to 5
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Location:
- Washington, DC, USA
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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