Every student at our university has a story. Some are similar, and some are unique or different. Our stories are shared for those to enjoy, even relate to, and learn from. This story dives into my experience as a neurodivergent student.
To introduce myself, my name is Ella. I am 21 years old and in my first year of university. I am currently studying a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology. Additionally, I am taking introductory courses for a Diploma in Languages and working towards qualifications in Auslan. I chose to study Speech Pathology as I currently work as an allied health assistant. My main interests and values involve helping people achieve their fullest potential. Especially working with children and their families, assisting in their development and growth.
I am passionate about alternative communication methods such as AAC devices (augmentative and alternative communication) and sign language. This is why I am enthusiastic about learning Auslan. I believe communication is vital for quality of life and everyone should have access to it. I look forward to furthering my career in paediatrics, finishing my degree, and gaining more skills as a qualified therapist.
A little bit of background.
Before my uni life started, I was basically working full-time in Year 10. I completed a school-based traineeship in my first career interest: Early Childhood Education. Balancing school, friendships, my traineeship, and part-time work kept me extremely busy. I was also a dancer for the first 12+ years of my life. People always asked where I got my energy from, “if I ever just relaxed” and how I wasn’t tired. I was in fact tired, as well as facing mental health struggles such as depression and anxiety. It felt like I was being controlled by a motor that propelled me to keep going.
Long story short, I was diagnosed with mostly hyperactive but combined presentation of ADHD at 18 years old. Currently, I am still investigating a potential Autism diagnosis with my psychologist. Constant perfectionism, people-pleasing, and relentless striving towards goals led me to feel increased burnout and mental health struggles.
In school, I struggled to focus. I was easily distracted or bored and often got in trouble for not using my full potential in class. I had a lot of absences due to working, feeling run-down and like school was too lacklustre. I found completing courses that interested me easy, and I felt more motivated to learn and attend. I chose to study at the University of Newcastle as it was flexible with my work responsibilities. It had possibilities of online or on campus learning and has a good reputation.
I find uni life so much better than school! The atmosphere of being around like-minded people in your courses, flexibility, and not being locked inside a school gate. Also, the clubs, events, and support services. I personally am not in any clubs yet as I live far away but as soon as I am closer, I can’t wait to join!
Scheduling classes with myTimetable to suit my availability has been a blessing. It helps me map out a routine each week. I can choose how many courses to enrol in per semester to navigate the busier periods of life.
ADHD has affected my attention and executive functioning. Caused me fatigue and impacted social factors such as making and retaining friendships. I chose to take medication to support my busy lifestyle.
Seeing a psychologist and psychiatrist has helped me work through and breakdown many life challenges. It helped me grow into a more independent and mature individual taking on life’s adventures as they come. I couldn’t recommend psychology more, especially when starting university. It has helped me stress less about exams and assignments, and also navigate my diagnosis to utilise its strengths.
Using university support services has helped me explore various aspects of life, find information to seek additional support and develop my skills and knowledge. Booking study spaces in the library and accessing the on-campus pharmacy has been an incredible help in my university life. Having most things, you need on campus helps when travelling feels too much.
Being neurodivergent in my experience adds an extra level of anxiety and barriers to reaching out for support. The university website and online support links in the myUni app have helped me overcome challenges related to being neurodivergent. Additionally, the university’s efforts to build understanding and support for neurodivergent students, including events and advocacy, have been beneficial.
The university’s flexibility and support services have prevented further burnout, with additional assistance such as stress-less events during exams and free food from UNSA. Having sleep pods in the library, nourishing food options, and helpful individuals has greatly enhanced my student experience. I’ve developed a newfound love for learning and am grateful to be part of the University of Newcastle for its support, flexibility, and opportunities.
If you need extra support, the University of Newcastle’s AccessAbility team can help. Visit the AccessAbility page on the university’s website for more information.
Thankyou for your story, you’ve described my life struggles that I am just beginning to understand at the age of 50. You’re doing great just getting to where you are so early in life, awareness is the first step to incredible resilience and best wishes for success in your studies.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! You’ve got this! ☺️
Hi Ella, thank you so much for sharing! I can really relate to your story and found it really inspiring. I’m also a childcare worker and aspiring to become a therapist. I’m studying my second year of psychology and want to become a children’s psychologist one day. At the moment I’m often helping children with additional needs in childcare and find it very special. I’d love to make contact and have a coffee together on campus if you ever interested. Please email me if you’d like to connect, thanks, all the best, Anastasia
Hi Anastasia! Obviously I’m not Ella, but I would love to connect with you! I’m autistic and have ADHD, and I am also in 2nd year psychology. I think it’s so important that people working with children in any capacity have an understanding of the wide variety of differences that occur and how to work with, rather than against, these differences. If you see this, please flick me an email at c3302451@uon.edu.au
Hey Kastor, you’re in one of my classes (the dreaded Monday night lecture) and you always ask such thought provoking questions. I’m also in my 2nd year and an AuADHDer too. Happy to you both : ) get me at c3338628@uon.edu.au
Thank you so much for your kind response! Such a rewarding career you are working towards and childcare is the best start for insight into all the amazing kiddos!
Hi Ella, thank you for sharing your journey with everyone! I highly relate to this, as someone who was diagnosed with ASD at 18 and ADHD at 22.
I’ve found that it is such a relief to finally understand why certain things feel like climbing a mountain while they feel like stepping over a pebble to most neurotypical people! On the flipside, I also really struggle with pushing myself too far, perfectionism, and people-pleasing like you’ve mentioned; when we have been told that we could “apply ourselves more in class” about 200 times in our childhood it can be really challenging to change these thought processes and habits. I always love seeing that someone who understands that experience is going into education or allied health, we sorely need more people in those fields who “get it”.
I’m a Psychological Sciences student, 2nd year, so I may be biased but your comments about the importance of psychology are something everyone should take on board, particularly neurodiverse students. However, I will add that UON also has a psychology service! If anyone is reading this and thinking that they’d like to start seeing a psychologist but don’t have the finances to do so, look into the UON Psychology Clinic to see if this would work for you!
Not biased at all, psychology is incredible! Thank you for your lovely comment! And working in any health field is amazing as you can work with people who do understand so it’s beneficial in so many way! Good luck with your future adventures
Thank you so much for sharing Ella! I too am neurodivergent, I have both ADHD and Dyslexia. This is my second stint studying at UON, originally completing my undergrad about 10 years ago long before my diagnosis. However, I’d always wanted to study Psychology. So after working out why the heck studying felt so unbearable even though I had a hunger to learn, I’ve been able to come back and complete my Masters in Business Psychology (I’m now about to commence my last trimester before I’m done). I’ve found the UON to be incredibly supportive and accommodating.
It takes bravery to share your story, as unfortunately we live in a world where not everyone understands the challenges we face living in a world that’s not been built for our brains. How privileged the next generation will be to have your skillset and passion out in the world. All the best!