Life as a neurodivergent student can be exciting: learning a subject you’re passionate about and making new friends. However, it can also come with unique challenges. We caught up with Matthew, Sarah, and Ali, current students and alumni who opened up about their experiences as neurodivergent students at Salford.
Q1. Please introduce yourself
Matthew Frohock (He/Him): Hello! My first degree was in theatre design and I’m currently studying MA Adult Nursing.
Sarah Thompson (She/They): Hi! I studied Mental Health Nursing at Salford and I’m currently a mental health nurse practitioner at the Aspen Clinic, a specialist service in autism, ADHD and learning disabilities.
Ali Wilson (She/Her): Hey! I studied BA Contemporary Theatre Practice and MA Contemporary Performance Practices. I’m now an engagement producer for a dance company based in Dundee, alongside making comedic work.
Q2. What’s your favourite thing about being neurodivergent?
Matthew Frohock (He/Him): I love the attention I get from my autistic tendencies and the drive I get from having ADHD. For example, if I need to learn something, I can learn it in six weeks with no prior knowledge. I love the fact that if I want to learn something, I can throw myself at it. That is why I love university; there’s so much to learn.
Sarah Thompson (She/They): I love finding the beauty in small things that others don’t notice. Sometimes that can be the pattern on a drain cover that everyone is stepping over, oblivious.
Ali Wilson (She/Her): My favourite thing is that the existence of neurodiversity demonstrates how many endless unique experiences of the world exist.
Q3. How do you think we can create a more neuroinclusive society?
Matthew Frohock (He/Him): As a student nurse, there’s an expression I’ve coined – “I’m here to treat the patient, not the symptoms”. People need to be prepared to speak to individuals and forget about the traits. If someone shows neurodiverse traits they’re still a human being.
Sarah Thompson (She/They): Learn and understand the neurodivergent community and adapt to what we need to thrive.
Ali Wilson (She/Her): I believe that change starts with those who hold power – managers at work, teachers in schools and parents/careers at home – making more time to ask and listen to our unique experience of the world. Many people assume that one autistic person shares the same experience as another, which is both unhelpful and untrue.
Q4. What would you tell your younger self?
Matthew Frohock (He/Him): Be proud of who you are! Take on board that there will be things that’ll challenge you in life, and you’re going to find certain situations harder than other people – but be proud of who you are and be confident that you’re able to do things. You’ve got to university at your own merit. You’ve worked hard for it, and you deserve to be here. At the end of your degree, take that moment to take in that you’ve done it!
Sarah Thompson (She/They): Embrace your uniqueness and never be afraid to ask for support. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Ali Wilson (She/Her): I would tell them not to ignore their signs of neurodivergence. I burnt myself out at uni by masking and trying to fit in with everyone. I encourage anyone wondering about themselves to read, listen and learn as much as you can about neurodiversity. Find ways to hold its hand, rather than push away. You don’t have to scream it from the rooftops (unless you want to, love that energy), but accepting it in yourself will make a huge difference to how you feel in the world.
Looking for support? Find out more about how we support neurodivergent students at Salford on our webpage below.
