Graduate School

Neurodiversity and Graduate Education

Neurodiversity and Graduate Education

While awareness of neurodiversity continues to grow across college campuses, many graduate students struggle to identify as neurodivergent or seek support. Students and faculty navigate unique accommodation challenges across advanced coursework, research, and teaching duties.

Understanding and supporting neurodivergence in graduate education is critical to fostering academic excellence and student well-being. For graduate students, navigating advanced coursework, research, and degree milestones often requires tailored support systems and accessible campus resources. Equally important is the role of educators in creating inclusive learning environments that empower every student to thrive. To bridge this gap, this series brings together experts in neuropsychology and higher education accessibility services. Together, we will explore the multifaceted ways neurodivergence presents in graduate study and provide actionable strategies for accessing essential resources to support diverse learners and scholars.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/hBdEra8BdZo

Neurodiversity and ADHD in Graduate Education

What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and How Does It Manifest in Graduate Students? Brett Leimkuhler’s presentation will examine the cognitive mechanisms behind ADHD, demystify its complex presentation in high demand academic environments, and highlight strategies for managing executive dysfunction in graduate study. Presented by the Graduate School at Brown University, these sessions offer expert insights and practical guidance to help improve the graduate experience for students and faculty alike.

Brett Leimkuhler, Ph.D. is a clinical neuropsychologist whose practice is dedicated to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive and emotional disorders in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and up. He specializes in neurodivergent conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disability, and Executive Function Disorder but has deep experience in the assessment of a broad range of cognitive and psychological conditions.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/tPlVXYxBmTc

Neurodiversity and Autism in Graduate Education

Neurodiversity and Autism in Graduate Education. This session with Brett Leimkuhler explores the unique cognitive strengths and challenges associated with Autism in higher education, offering insights into navigating social, research, and self-advocacy dynamics in graduate school. Presented by the Graduate School at Brown University, these sessions offer expert insights and practical guidance to help improve the graduate experience for students and faculty alike.

Brett Leimkuhler, Ph.D. is a clinical neuropsychologist whose practice is dedicated to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive and emotional disorders in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and up. He specializes in neurodivergent conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disability, and Executive Function Disorder but has deep experience in the assessment of a broad range of cognitive and psychological conditions

https://www.youtube.com/embed/2VZru0oHdng

Neurodiversity at Brown University

Campus Resources for Neurodivergent Graduate Students: Student Accessibility Services. In this session, our speaker, Lori Connolly, from Student Accessibility Services will outline assistive technologies and personalized support systems available to help neurodivergent graduate students navigate their academic programs successfully. The presentation will also detail how the office collaborates with faculty, advisors and academic departments to streamline accommodations, foster inclusive learning environments and ensure coordinated support for neurodivergent scholars. Presented by the Graduate School at Brown University, these sessions offer expert insights and practical guidance to help improve the graduate experience for students and faculty alike.

Lori Connolly is an accommodations specialist in Student Accommodations Services at Brown University. Lori has a B.S. from Rhode Island College in Elementary and Special Education. Lori began her career as a special education teacher at Nathanael Greene Middle School in Providence, RI. She went on to teach in Maryland and most recently in Sartell, MN. She sees the potential and ability in every student she works with. She will assist in accommodations requests for graduate and undergraduate students. Lori has a passion for supporting the unique and varied needs of individuals who identify as having a disability. She enjoys finding creative ways to create equitable access to academics and experiences for all individuals.  She will work to ensure that students have access to the resources they need to succeed socially, emotionally, academically, and professionally. She is excited to be able to continue to use her background in special education to support the students at Brown University.