This spring, the Institute for Human Development launched a new course, “Neurodiversity in Society,” developed in collaboration with a student with autism and informed by lived experiences and insights from other neurodivergent students, creators, thinkers, and activists.
Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in how people think, learn, and experience the world, such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia, are natural variations of the human brain rather than deficits that must be “fixed.” Reflecting this perspective, the course is an innovative addition to NAU’s Minor in Disability Studies and also satisfies general studies requirements, making it accessible to students across a wide range of disciplines. The class filled quickly, with many students joining a waitlist for the limited spots. This enthusiasm reflects growing awareness of neurodiversity on campus and highlights the importance of this topic for students in public health, speech-language pathology, psychological sciences, education, and related fields.
Course Leadership
Dr. Jade Metzger-Rifkin, a neurodivergent researcher with over 10 years of college teaching experience, serves as the course instructor. Dr. Metzger-Rifkin has presented extensively on neurodiversity in postsecondary education and recently co-presented with Anirudh Subramanian, founder and former president of the Autistic Student Union at The Ohio State University, at the 2025 Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability. Their presentation focused on strategies for improving learning outcomes for neurodivergent students in STEM disciplines.
Course Structure
Designed around student choice and autonomy, a core principle of universal design for learning (UDL), the course includes both required core assignments and optional enhanced assignments. Students complete all core assignments and select several enhanced assignments to explore specific topics in greater depth.
The course is organized into six modules:
- Introduction to Neurodiversity – Core concepts, including neurodiversity, neurodivergence, and neurotype.
- Neurodiverse Origins – Historical perspectives on neurodiversity, from ancient times to the modern Neurodiversity Movement.
- Neurodiversity, the Self, and Relating – Collective narratives exploring diagnosis, identity, and interpersonal relationships.
- Neurodiversity in Education, Labor, and Health Systems – Experiences of neurodivergent individuals in learning, working, and healthcare environments.
- Representations of Neurodiversity in Media – Critical analysis of portrayals in film, television, social media, politics, and journalism.
- Neurodiverse Futures – Examination of emerging issues such as gene editing, workforce development, and curative political rhetoric.
Student Engagement
Students and instructors interact through social annotation technology, which encourages collaborative reading and discussion. Within the first five weeks, students generated nearly 600 comments, engaging deeply with course materials, asking thoughtful questions, and connecting course content to their personal experiences and professional goals.
For the final capstone project, students choose one of three options:
- creating an informative podcast
- participating in a deliberative dialogue on a relevant public policy issue
- designing new learning modules for future Neurodiversity in Society students
Looking Ahead
Currently offered as a 300-level special topics course, Neurodiversity in Society will soon be cross-listed with Sociology as a 200-level course. Plans are underway to offer the course both in person and online, further expanding access for NAU students.