Neurodiversity Support Expands at Michigan’s NMC Campus

Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is expanding its Neurodiversity Support Center services, creating a welcoming environment for neurodiverse students and offering critical support to ensure their academic success. This initiative is part of the college’s ongoing commitment to providing a tailored and inclusive experience for students who may require additional resources due to a variety of neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.

Recently, the college hosted an open house to showcase the services currently provided by the Neurodiversity Support Center. The open house allowed attendees to learn more about the center’s goals, the support it offers, and the positive impact it has had on students.

“I’ve been teaching here for 15 years, and I started to realize that some of the neurodivergent students that I had in my classes as an English teacher needed more support, and I wanted to try to figure out how to give them support,” NMC Neurodiversity Support Center Coordinator Nancy Gray shared. Her words highlight a growing awareness of the specific needs of neurodiverse students, and her desire to ensure they receive the assistance they require to thrive in a college setting.

The college’s Neurodiversity Support Center is a unique program designed specifically to address the needs of neurodiverse students. It’s a program that is gaining more attention, with an increasing number of students taking part. Currently, there are 10 students involved, but plans for future growth are already in place.

“We have ten right now. And we are looking to expand next semester to 15,” Gray said. “Then next fall, we’d like to have 20. So, we’re still in our pilot phase. But it’s going really well.” This expansion reflects the program’s success and its importance in providing crucial support for neurodivergent individuals in higher education.

The Neurodiversity Support Center officially opened its doors in January, marking a significant step toward supporting students who may not otherwise have access to tailored resources. The center was developed with the understanding that neurodiversity encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences and challenges. Neurodiversity refers to individuals with neurological conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more, acknowledging that these differences do not necessarily fit into a single definition or category.

“[We have] our neurodiversity infinity symbol because the idea is that neurodiversity is a spectrum, but it’s not linear,” Gray explained. “Because, if you’ve met one neurodivergent person, you’ve met one neurodivergent person. Everyone is different and they have different needs.” This symbol captures the essence of the program, emphasizing the fluidity and uniqueness of each person’s neurodiverse experience.

The center itself is a safe space located on campus, where neurodiverse students can feel at ease. It offers a variety of services designed to make these students comfortable in an academic environment that may otherwise feel intimidating. For many, the center has become a vital resource.

“It’s been amazing. I had a lot of trouble with social anxiety before this, and it’s just been so helpful,” said student Kae Pearce. “I used to be afraid to leave the house, and now I can actually go to the store by myself.” The center has provided a supportive environment for Kae, helping her manage social anxiety and gain more confidence in her daily life.

The space encourages students to be themselves without the need to mask their neurodivergence. Emma Johnson, another student, shared her experience: “We will try to learn at their speed, we will try to keep up with them physically, mentally, everything like that. So, we mask until we absolutely can’t. And down here, we don’t have to mask it. We can be ourselves.” This philosophy fosters an inclusive space where students can interact and learn at their own pace, free from the pressures of conforming to typical expectations.

However, the center is not just a place to relax and unwind; it also provides a wide range of academic support. Students have access to tutoring, study tables, and one-on-one meetings with staff to help them with their coursework. Logan Beach, a student who utilizes the study tables, appreciates the extra help. “What I really like is the study tables because I can come here and get extra help on a lot of my English stuff,” he said. This kind of academic support is crucial for neurodiverse students who may need alternative learning methods to succeed.

The Neurodiversity Support Center is not only focused on helping students during their time at college, but also in preparing them for life after graduation. It is a place where students can develop skills, build confidence, and receive guidance on how to navigate their futures. The services provided help students with everything from study strategies to personal development, ensuring they are fully equipped to thrive in the world beyond campus.

Through this expanded program, Northwestern Michigan College is helping to create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment for neurodiverse students. As the program grows, it will continue to serve as a model for other institutions, illustrating the importance of understanding, accommodating, and embracing the diverse needs of all students. The Neurodiversity Support Center not only helps neurodiverse students succeed academically but also fosters a sense of belonging, understanding, and respect for their individual experiences.