OU celebrates neurodiversity week

Posted on 18 March 2025 • University news

To mark neurodiversity week, 17th -23rd March,  The Open University has created a hub of resources on its free online learning platform, OpenLearn, designed to educate and inspire neurodivergent learners, allies, educators, and employers.

The OU has a long history of teaching neurodivergent learners, such as those with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, autism, dyspraxia, Tourette’s syndrome, through its commitment to flexible, accessible education.

The hub has a wealth of free educational courses, quizzes and guides on neurodiversity topics, including:

• Understanding ADHD
• Understanding Autism
• Neurodiversity: What is it and what does it look like across races?
• Is there such a thing as male and female autism?
• Beyond the plate: Autism, food and sensory sensitivities
• Dyscalculia, maths, anxiety and numerophobia in nursing practice
• Why an autistic meltdown or shutdown is not a tantrum
• Preparing tutorials for dyslexic language students
• Introduction to autism and inclusive practice
• Neurodivergence and birth trauma
• How to support neurodivergent mothers during pregnancy and birth

…And many more.

Dr Alex Twitchen, Media Fellow and Lecturer in Sports Coaching and Learning from The Open University, said:

“The growing awareness of neurodiversity and its presence in different ways at different times is important for everyone to know about. The breadth and depth of the content on OpenLearn is a great place to start learning and reflecting on neurodiversity and what it means for those who are neurodiverse.”

Through the disability support team, neurodivergent students who choose to study with the OU can tailor their studies to suit their needs as neurodivergent learners.  This might be through access to specialist technology and equipment, accessible study materials, reasonable adjustments or additional arrangements for exams or activities assessment options, or tailored support and guidance from tutors and support staff.

 The OU’s flexible distance learning model also removes many barriers that traditional universities often present to neurodivergent learners, enabling those who prefer to study in their own environment, at their own pace, perhaps due to sensory sensitivities or anxieties.

If you would like to learn more about neurodiversity, visit the OpenLearn hub here: Neurodiversity Celebration Week | OpenLearn – Open University

If you are neurodivergent and would like to find out more about studying with the OU and the options available, please visit Contact Us | Open University