Supporting all learning styles is important.

Being able to support all diverse styles of learning fully is vital to upholding UW’s mission. Neurodiversity presents differently in each person and can take on forms that include ADHD, autism, and other sensory processing issues. It is important to consider methods, tools, and ideas that can help support students with neurodiversity if extra support is needed.

Please review the drop-down menu topics (select "^" to expand the text) for additional information about navigating or supporting our new neurodistinct huskies. 

This list does not provide all tools that will work with all learning styles but can be considered to help support neurodivergent learners:

  • Additional visual support
    • Having a clearly marked schedule. Students should review the A&O schedule in your confirmation email.
    • We aim to have visual examples of large concepts; on the  A&O Pt. 2 Agenda, there are tools to tell students when to turn on the camera and additional text about what will take place.  
  • Start the session with a relaxation exercise 
    • If, at any time, students need a break to do a short breathing exercise, they can do so. The agenda has space for breaks, and if a student is overstimulated, they can let their Orientation Leader (peer leader of the session) know and take a break.  
  • Use fidget toys and take notes 
    • During A&O Pt. 2, students can think about how they learn best. They are free to pace, use a wiggle seat, or fidget toys to release excess energy.
    • We recommend creating a notes document that you can access and take notes on throughout the session.  
  • Access session recordings 

Have Questions
If you have questions about the role of the Orientation Leader, session descriptions, or need additional information about navigation do not hesitate to call (206-543-4905) or text (206-207-5564) the First Year Programs office.
 

There are hundreds of events during Dawg Daze, many of which are held outdoors. As is the case with most outdoor spaces and events, it can sometimes be difficult to predict the sensory environment as a result of weather, natural smells, and the volume of attendees at any given event. This guide provides an overview of sensory information for key events: Dawg Daze Accessibility Guide

Accommodations can be requested for all events on campus. All events held in classrooms are accessible. Off campus events are up to the participant’s discretion. Contact information for most events can be found on the Dawg Daze All Events webpage under “Contact”.

Please visit our webpage, dawgdaze.fyp.uw.edu, for general information about Dawg Daze. More accessibility information can be found at washington.edu/accessibility Information about getting around campus can be found at facilities.uw.edu/access-guide.

 

Explore the resources below to understand tips for student navigation in the first year.  

  1. An article covering some basic actions students can take to work on adjusting to college life once in college. Tips include requesting academic accommodations and joining a student organization (e.g. Huskies for Neurodiversity).
  2. A webinar featuring the CEO of a tutoring organization discussing the resources available to neurodivergent students navigating the transition to college and the skills they should focus on developing. The webinar is 40 minutes long and hosted by Your Teen Magazine for Parents.
  3. A collection of resources for neurodivergent students transitioning into college focused on autistic students.
  4. A podcast episode covering the transition from high school to college from a neurodivergent perspective. The episode’s guest is the CEO of a college consulting company with experience guiding neurodivergent students in this transition. 
  5. A webinar panel covering neurodiversity in higher education, presented as part of the 2024 Neurodiversity Celebration Week. The panel is an hour and a half long.

Explore the resources below to continue the journey of supporting an incoming student. 

  1. A podcast series about transitioning to college for students with learning differences and their caregivers/advocates. Each of the twelve episodes centers around an interview with an expert.
  2. A webinar featuring a college consultant discussing the transition from high school to college for neurodivergent teens and their parents. The webinar is 50 minutes long and hosted by Bay State Learning Center.
  3. A webinar featuring a learning differences specialist who has served as a counselor supporting students and parents during the transition to college. The webinar is an hour long and hosted by Cyndy McDonald, a college counselor coach.
  4. An article about how to support neurodivergent students entering college, from a parental perspective. Some tips include becoming familiar with campus resources and building a support network.

Explore the resources below to understand how to support incoming students.