Unlock academic success with these five tailored study tips for neurodivergent college students.

5 study tips for neurodivergent college students

Neurodiversity is a term that recognizes and celebrates the natural variation in cognitive functioning among individuals. It encompasses a range of conditions, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Neurodivergent college students often possess unique strengths and perspectives, but they can also face challenges in their academic journey. In this article, we will explore what neurodivergence means, common conditions and their symptoms, the struggles neurodivergent students may encounter, and effective study tips to help neurodivergent college students study smarter and successfully in their college education.

What does neurodivergent mean?

Neurodivergent refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning differ from the typical population. These differences can encompass a wide range of conditions, including autism, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia, anxiety disorders, and more. Neurodivergent individuals may have diverse strengths and abilities, which can be harnessed for academic success.

Common neurodivergent conditions and symptoms

Neurodivergent conditions vary in their manifestations, but some common conditions and symptoms include:

• Autism: Difficulty with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors.
• ADHD: Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty with organization and time management.
• Dyslexia: Challenges in reading, spelling, and phonological processing.
• Anxiety Disorders: Excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty in managing stress.

How neurodivergent students can struggle at school

Neurodivergent college students often face unique challenges in their academic pursuits. These may include difficulties with time management, organization, and focus. Procrastination, a tendency to hyperfocus on certain tasks, and sensory sensitivities can further complicate the learning process. The transition from high school to college can be particularly challenging, as the increased workload and independence require adjustments in study habits to ace all the work on the syllabus and excel at the final exam.

Study tips for neurodivergent college students

To help neurodivergent college students navigate their academic journey successfully, it's essential to develop effective study habits and strategies. Here are some valuable study tips:

1. Develop a study environment

Creating a suitable study space is essential for neurodivergent college students since they may be more sensitive to sensory distractions and environmental factors. Finding a comfortable, quiet study spot that minimizes sensory overload can significantly improve focus and productivity. For example, a coffee shop may be too distracting for neurodivergent college students, so noise-cancelling headphones may help when studying in a public space, such as a library, or a quiet home office may be a better study space.

2. Create a study schedule

Neurodivergent students often benefit from structure and a study routine. Having a well-defined study schedule with specific periods of time allocated for study sessions provides a sense of predictability and control over every study session and helps neurodivergent learners avoid last-minute cramming. Consistency is especially valuable for neurodivergent individuals, helping them manage their cognitive and sensory needs effectively and reducing anxiety associated with uncertainty.

How to create a study plan for a neurodivergent student

Creating a step-by-step study schedule involves several key stages. Here's a guide to help you establish an effective study schedule and study techniques:

Set clear goals and objectives

Identify your academic goals and what you want to achieve with your study schedule. Define specific, measurable, and time-bound objectives. For example, "I want to improve my understanding of calculus by the end of the semester."

Assess your time

Evaluate your daily and weekly schedule to determine how much time you have available for studying. Consider your most productive and least productive times of the day. Plan your study sessions during your peak hours.

Prioritize your subjects and topics

List the subjects and topics you need to cover. Prioritize them based on urgency, difficulty, or your personal preferences. Distribute your study hours across various subjects to avoid burnout.

Break down your study sessions

Divide your study sessions into smaller, focused blocks of time. The Pomodoro Technique (e.g., 25 minutes of studying followed by a 5-minute break) can be effective.

Set specific study goals

For each study session, establish clear, achievable goals. This could be completing a certain number of pages, solving practice problems, or summarizing a section.

Eliminate distractions

Create a distraction-free study environment. Turn off notifications on your devices and use apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites, such as social media websites.

Use a planner or app

Use a physical planner or a digital app to schedule your study sessions. Many apps can help you organize your schedule and set reminders.

Consider active learning techniques

Implement active learning strategies like summarizing, teaching the material to someone else, or using flashcards to reinforce your understanding.

Review and adjust

Periodically review your study schedule to ensure it's effective and make adjustments as needed. If you find certain topics challenging, allocate more time for them.

Track your progress

Keep a record of what you've accomplished during your study sessions. Tracking your progress can be motivating and help you see how you're meeting your goals.

Seek support and accountability

Consider sharing your study schedule with a friend or family member who can help keep you accountable.

Reflect and revise

At the end of each week or month, evaluate your progress and the effectiveness of your schedule. Make necessary adjustments for the upcoming weeks.

3. Seek support

Neurodivergent students may face challenges in understanding class material or clarifying doubts independently. Attending professors' office hours is particularly beneficial for neurodivergent students as it offers a structured opportunity to receive personalized guidance, discuss course content, and build supportive relationships with instructors. This extra support can help address neurodivergent students' unique academic needs and promote their success.

For some neurodivergent college students, such as those with ADHD or dyslexia, joining or forming a study group can also be highly beneficial. Study groups can help students with ADHD by providing a more interactive and engaging learning environment, and dyslexic students can benefit from discussions and shared note-taking, which can help them grasp the content better.

4. Take good notes

Good note-taking is crucial for neurodivergent students and can be a personalized process, as different strategies may work better for different individuals. Well-structured notes assist in information processing and retrieval, aiding neurodivergent students in their understanding of complex subjects and providing them with a reliable resource for exam preparation. Here are some tips and techniques that you can consider to improve your note-taking skills so you can jot down the best class notes in your own words:

Use assistive technology

Many assistive technologies can aid in note-taking. Consider using speech to text software or apps like Dragon NaturallySpeaking or Google Docs voice typing. Text to speech tools, such as Speechify, can also be helpful for reviewing notes.

Structured notes

Create a structured note-taking system that works for you. Some options include the Cornell Method, the Outline Method, or mind mapping. Experiment with different methods to find the one that best suits your needs.

Color coding

Using color-coding can help you quickly identify key points, headings, and subheadings in your notes. This can make your notes more visually engaging and easier to review.

Chunk information

Break down information into smaller, more manageable chunks. Use bullet points, numbering, or indentation to organize and make your notes less overwhelming.

Visual aids

Incorporate visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and illustrations to help you better understand and remember complex concepts. Visual representations can be particularly helpful for neurodivergent students.

Recording lectures

If you struggle to keep up with note-taking during lectures, consider recording them (with permission) so you can review the material later. You can then take notes from the recording at your own pace.

5. Try apps

Apps can be invaluable tools for neurodivergent college students, offering a range of support that can significantly enhance their academic and personal success. These apps can assist with organization, time management, and study skills, providing structure and routine that can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as ADHD and autism. By tailoring technology to meet the specific needs of neurodivergent individuals, these apps empower students to harness their unique strengths and thrive in the academic environment. Let’s explore a few apps any neurodivergent student could benefit from:

Speechify

Speechify is a text to speech app that can convert written text into spoken words. It's incredibly helpful for neurodivergent students who struggle with reading or have conditions like dyslexia. Speechify can read aloud any digital or physical text, including study guides, articles, research papers, emails, and more, allowing students to absorb information through listening.

Evernote

Evernote is a versatile note-taking app that allows users to create and organize digital notes, documents, images, and audio recordings. Its robust search functionality makes it easy to find and review notes. For neurodivergent students, this app can help with note-taking, organization, and accessing information.

Notion

Notion is an all-in-one workspace app that enables users to create and customize notes, databases, task lists, and more. It's great for students who need flexible and personalized organization methods to suit their specific needs.

MindMeister

MindMeister is a mind mapping app that helps students visualize and organize their thoughts and ideas. It's beneficial for neurodivergent college students who prefer a more visual and non-linear approach to note-taking and idea organization.

Todoist

Todoist is a task management app that can assist students in keeping track of assignments, due dates, and daily tasks. It's useful for neurodivergent college students who struggle with executive function and time management.

Focus@Will

Focus@Will is a music app that offers curated music playlists designed to enhance concentration and productivity. It can be helpful for neurodivergent college students with attention difficulties, including ADHD, by providing a focused auditory environment.

Calm

Calm is a meditation and relaxation app that can help neurodivergent students manage stress and anxiety. It provides guided meditation sessions and calming content to promote well-being and reduce anxiety.

Focus Booster

Focus Booster is a time management app that uses the Pomodoro Technique to break work into short, focused intervals followed by short breaks. It's helpful for neurodivergent college students who need structure and support in managing their study time effectively.

Forest

Forest is a timer app that gamifies the Pomodoro Technique. When you set a timer, a virtual tree starts to grow. If you leave the app to check your phone, the tree dies. This encourages neurodivergent users to stay focused and resist distractions.

Freedom

Freedom is another app and website blocker that helps users temporarily block distracting websites and apps. It allows for scheduling focused periods, which can be particularly beneficial for students who need to concentrate on their work.

Speechify - #1 tool for neurodivergent college students

Speechify is a game-changer, providing a host of features that can significantly support the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals. Speechify's text to speech technology not only enables students to convert any text into speech, it also allows students to customize the reading speed, voice, and highlight text, offering a personalized learning experience. Its accessibility features make it an ideal choice for those with reading or attention-related challenges, as it provides a multisensory approach to learning. It also offers OCR scanning, which allows students to convert even physical documents and study guides into accessible speech. Unlock your full academic potential and improve comprehension, retention, and overall success by trying Speechify for free today.

FAQ

How do neurodivergent students navigate college?

Neurodivergent students navigate college by seeking support services, using accommodations, and developing study strategies that suit their unique learning styles and needs.

What is a neurodiverse student?

A neurodiverse student is someone who has a neurological difference or condition, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or others, that affects the way they process information and interact with the world.

How do I know if I am neurodivergent?

You can know if you are neurodivergent by seeking a professional evaluation or assessment from a qualified healthcare provider, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

How do neurodivergent students find jobs and internships?

Neurodivergent students can find jobs and internships by utilizing career support services, disclosing their neurodivergence when necessary, and seeking employers who promote diversity and inclusion.

What is the neurodiversity movement?

The neurodiversity movement is a social and civil rights movement that advocates for the acceptance and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in society, recognizing neurodiversity as a natural and valuable part of human variation.

What is the best way to study for neurodivergent students?

Neurodivergent students often benefit from a deep understanding of the material rather than rote memorization. Good study habits for neurodivergent students include practicing with mock tests and using visual aids like PowerPoint slides to enhance retention.

What are some neurodivergent rights?

Neurodivergent rights include the right to accommodations, equal access to education and employment, protection from discrimination, and the right to be treated with respect and dignity.