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'It was a road to understanding that I was always different': Experiences of receiving a neurodivergent diagnosis at university.

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Title: 'It was a road to understanding that I was always different': Experiences of receiving a neurodivergent diagnosis at university.
Authors: MacLean, Stephanie (AUTHOR), Jones, Siân (AUTHOR)
Source: Psychology of Education Review. Autumn2025, Vol. 49 Issue 2, p12-19. 8p.
Subjects: Neurodiversity, Student well-being, College students, Self-consciousness (Awareness), Social networks
Abstract: This study explored how receiving a neurodivergent diagnosis at university affects undergraduates' academic experiences. We conducted semi-structured interviews with six Scottish students (diagnosed between ages 21 to 37 years). Reflexive Thematic Analysis revealed three key themes: Academic Struggle; Self-Discovery; and Support. Participants reported low wellbeing prior to diagnosis, with improvements afterwards. The diagnostic journey was closely linked to their self-understanding, academic challenges, and access to helpful support. Findings highlight that university environments often overlook neurodivergent needs, influencing students' wellbeing and access to study. This research underscores the importance of inclusive academic practices and timely recognition of neurodivergent identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Psychology of Education Review is the property of British Psychological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
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  Data: 'It was a road to understanding that I was always different': Experiences of receiving a neurodivergent diagnosis at university.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22MacLean%2C+Stephanie%22">MacLean, Stephanie</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Jones%2C+Siân%22">Jones, Siân</searchLink> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Psychology+of+Education+Review%22">Psychology of Education Review</searchLink>. Autumn2025, Vol. 49 Issue 2, p12-19. 8p.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Neurodiversity%22">Neurodiversity</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+well-being%22">Student well-being</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22College+students%22">College students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Self-consciousness+%28Awareness%29%22">Self-consciousness (Awareness)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+networks%22">Social networks</searchLink>
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  Data: This study explored how receiving a neurodivergent diagnosis at university affects undergraduates' academic experiences. We conducted semi-structured interviews with six Scottish students (diagnosed between ages 21 to 37 years). Reflexive Thematic Analysis revealed three key themes: Academic Struggle; Self-Discovery; and Support. Participants reported low wellbeing prior to diagnosis, with improvements afterwards. The diagnostic journey was closely linked to their self-understanding, academic challenges, and access to helpful support. Findings highlight that university environments often overlook neurodivergent needs, influencing students' wellbeing and access to study. This research underscores the importance of inclusive academic practices and timely recognition of neurodivergent identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Psychology of Education Review is the property of British Psychological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.53841/bpsper.2025.49.2.12
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        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Neurodiversity
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      – SubjectFull: Student well-being
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      – SubjectFull: College students
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      – SubjectFull: Self-consciousness (Awareness)
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      – SubjectFull: Social networks
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      – TitleFull: 'It was a road to understanding that I was always different': Experiences of receiving a neurodivergent diagnosis at university.
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              Text: Autumn2025
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