Neurodiversity Support Office
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is neurological differences among all people. We are ALL neurodiverse.
It is normal for our human brains to intake, process, & express information differently.
It is normal for our nervous systems to function in multiple ways.
It is normal for our bodies to have varying sensory experiences.
Neurodiversity is a strength and contributes to our experiences in the world.
What is neurodivergence? What does it mean to be neurodivergent?
Neurotypicality is a social standard for human behaviour.
Neurodivergence means diverging from this social standard.
Neurodivergence and neurodiversity are NOT a diagnosis.
Self-identifying as neurodivergent is VALID.
Neurodiversity Support Advising (NSA)
- NSA can assist any self-identifying neurodivergent student (no diagnosis needed) in navigating university life on or off-campus.
Students can book a 50 minute NSA appointment to access neuro-affirming coaching, supports, strategies, & resources that may be helpful for their academics, social life, and personal wellbeing.
NSA appointments are available both in-person or online.
Neurodiversity Drop-in Advising
WHAT: One-to-one info & supports with a Neurodiversity Support Advisor (NSA).
WHY: Ask questions, access neuro-affirming care, get connected to helpful resources.
WHERE: Sensory-Friendly Student Lounge (MSC 450).
WHEN: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. 2:00pm - 4:00pm.
HOW: Come by & sign up for a 20 minute session.
Questions? Contact the Neurodiversity Support Office: NSOinfo@ucalgary.ca
Neuro-Inclusive Workshops and Educational training
The NSO team offers neuro-inclusive workshops that can be geared towards students or staff & faculty.
To submit a workshop request, click the button below, then select "Neurodiversity Support" and fill in the information forms. The next section offers specific options to choose from. After submitting a request, a member of our team will contact you to confirm next steps.
Neurodiversity Support Office services:
- Neurodiversity Support Advising appointments.
- Neurodiversity Drop-in Advising.
- Neuro-inclusive Workshops and Education training.
- Neuro-affirming Peer Support programming.
- Sensory-Friendly Student Lounge.
Where are we located?
The Neurodiversity Support Office is located at Student Accessibility Services (MSC 452).
Neurodiversity Drop-in Advising is at the Sensory-Friendly Student Lounge (MSC 450).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
NSA appointments are offered throughout SAS regular operational hours:
- 9:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.
NSA appointments are available virtually (MS Teams) or in-person (UCalgary Main Campus at Student Accessibility Services - MSC 450).
- Book by phone: Call 403-210-9355. Phone lines are monitored by our Mental Health Client Coordinator 9:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays).
- Book online: Click the booking link below. You will need to sign in with your MyUCalgary credentials and fill out the intake forms before selecting an appointment time.
The Neurodiversity Support Office has two NSA's:
Jess Lopez (they/them)
Taylor Robinson (she/her)
Questions? Contact us by email: NSOinfo@ucalgary.ca
There is no cost for UCalgary students to access services provided by Neurodiversity Support Office.
When booking an appointment, you will be asked to complete some online paperwork prior to meeting with one of the NSAs.
If booking online, you will complete the intake forms at the time of booking.
If booking by phone, an email will be sent to you with a link to complete the intake forms.
We may contact you if we need more information from you, or have any questions about your forms. If you opted in to text message reminders, you will receive a reminder two days prior to your scheduled appointment.
If you booked a virtual appointment, you will receive a meeting invite via email to your @UCalgary.ca email address to use for the appointment. Please make sure to accept this meeting request.
You are not required to bring or prepare anything specific for your appointment. Your UCID card can be helpful if you would like to access additional services discussed in your appointment.
Student Accessibility Services (SAS):
SAS Neurodiversity Support Advisors provide options for neuro-affirming care, coaching, resources, systems navigation, and services to any self-identifying (or questioning) neurodivergent student. No diagnosis is needed. We will never ask you to disclose or prove a diagnosis.
SAS Access Advisors can assist with services and supports related to formal academic accommodations. These processes require proof of medical documentation. If you have been diagnosed with a disability (with or without documentation), please visit the SAS website below for more information.