What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a concept that regards individuals with differences in brain function and behavioral traits as part of normal variation in the human population.
The movement of Neurodiversity is about uncovering the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and utilizing their talents to increase innovation and productivity of the society as a whole.
Key Objectives
- Establish a culture that treasures the strengths of neurodiverse individual
- Empower neurodiverse individuals to build their identity and enhance their long-term skills of daily living throughout the lifespan
- Attract talented neurodiverse individuals to study and work at Stanford
- Train talented individuals to serve the neurodiverse population
- Disseminate the Stanford Neurodiversity Model locally and nationally
- Maximize the potential of neurodiversity
Quick Links Featuring the Stanford Neurodiversity Project in the Media:
Oct October 17 Thu 2019
Hiring neurodiverse people like me can give companies a competitive advantage - Wall Street Journal
Haley Moss, Esq
Jun June 27 Thu 2019
Tech Companies Lead the Way in Hiring People with Autism: What Can We Learn From Them? - Triple Pundit
Laura Wise
New Courses:
PSYC 229 - Topics in Neurodiversity:
Introduction and Advocacy
This year long course over three quarters will provide students with the foundation, knowledge and essential skills for understanding, engaging with and advocating for the neurodiverse population. In addition, this course will also cover topics including social communication strategies, navigating social relationships, self-regulation, asking for accommodations and support in career development.
2019-2020
- PSYC 229A | 1 units | Class # 30988 | Section 01 | Grading: Medical Satisfactory/No Credit | SEM | Students enrolled: 8
09/23/2019 - 12/06/2019 Mon 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM at 320-109 with Fung, L. (PI); Sperry, L. (PI) - PSYC 229B | 1 units | Class # 31463 | Section 01 | Grading: Medical Satisfactory/No Credit | SEM
01/06/2020 - 03/13/2020 Mon 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM with Fung, L. (PI); Sperry, L. (PI) - PSYC 229C | 1 units | Class # 31614 | Section 01 | Grading: Medical Satisfactory/No Credit | SEM
03/30/2020 - 06/03/2020 Mon 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM with Fung, L. (PI); Sperry, L. (PI)
PSYC 223B - Topics in Neurodiversity:
Design Thinking Approaches
The course provides essential background about neurodiversity, the design thinking process and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to guide students in developing projects that maximize the potential of neurodiversity. Through case studies, field trips, guest speakers, and community engagement, students will explore approaches to maximizing inclusivity in realms such as education, employment, community and beyond. Students will use their knowledge to design and develop (or revising and enhance) processes, systems, experiences and/or products to maximize inclusivity and the potential of neurodiverse individuals. Based on student's interests and areas of focus, projects may include digital tool development such as app concept and design, redesign of standard processes such as job interviews/ candidate evaluations, design and development of physical products or spaces such as sensory-sensitive dorm rooms, "stim tools" and more. This course will meet for two hours on Wednesdays for all students; students taking this course for 4 units will also attend "lab hours" on Mondays to support with project development. This course is open to undergraduate and graduate students in all schools.
2019-2020 Winter
- PSYC 223B | 2-4 units | Class # 32101 | Section 01
01/06/2020 - 03/13/2020 Mon, Wed 9:30 AM - 11:20 AM with Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD (PI)
Current and Upcoming Events
Nov November 01 Fri 2019
Autism Tree Project Foundation Annual Neuroscience Conference
Speaker: Lawrence Fung, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University
Presentation: "Neurodiversity is Strength: The Power of Neurodiversity in School and at Work"
Location: Sanford Consrtium of Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA
Nov November 06 Wed 2019
Psychiatry Grand Rounds, Stanford University
Speakers: Lawrence Fung, M.D., Ph.D., Alison Morantz, J.D., Ph.D., Nicole Ofiesh, Ph.D., Stanford University
Location: 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA
Nov November 11 Mon 2019
Meeting of the Special Interest Group for Neurodiversity
Anthony Pacilio, JP Morgan Chase
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, 1520 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, Room 117
Nov November 16 Sat 2019
San Francisco Autism Society
Speaker: Lawrence Fung, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University
Location: Li Ka Shing Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Dec December 16 Mon 2019
Meeting of the Special Interest Group for Neurodiversity
Siena Castellon, creator of Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, 1520 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, Room 117
Jan January 10 - 12 Fri-Sun 2020
Second International Conference on Autism
Lawrence Fung, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University
Location: Kolkata, India
Jan January 20 Mon 2020
Meeting of the Special Interest Group for Neurodiversity
Location: 1520 Page Mill Road, Room 117
Feb February 17 Mon 2020
Meeting of the Special Interest Group for Neurodiversity
Nancy Doyle, Ph.D.
Location: 1520 Page Mill Road, Room 117
Mar March 16 Mon 2020
Meeting of the Special Interest Group for Neurodiversity
Marcelle Ciampi and David Hall of NeuroGuides
Location: 1520 Page Mill Road, Room 117
May May 05 Tue 2020
Psychiatry Grand Rounds, University of California at San Francisco
Speakers: Lawrence Fung, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University
Location: UCSF Parnasus Campus, San Francisco, CA