For Vanguard University’s March Celebration of Service, the campus community is recognizing Neurodiversity Awareness Month. Through workshops and other programming, students, faculty, and staff are exploring how to better understand and serve one another by honoring the unique ways God designed each person.
Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in how people think, learn, process information, communicate, and experience the world are a natural and valuable part of human diversity. This includes individuals who identify as autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic, or who have other cognitive or neurological differences. Rather than viewing these differences solely through a deficit-based lens, neurodiversity invites us to recognize diverse cognitive styles as meaningful and necessary expressions of humanity.
At a small university, our strength lies in knowing one another, learning together, working together, and supporting one another as whole people. Neurodiversity awareness invites us to reflect on how our classrooms, offices, shared spaces, and our campus community can better honor different learning styles, communication needs, sensory experiences, and problem-solving approaches. As the Apostle Paul writes, ‘If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it’ (1 Corinthians 12:26).
Scripture also reminds us that human diversity is part of God’s intentional design: “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). Each person reflects the creativity of our Creator, bearing unique gifts, perspectives, and ways of engaging with the world. At a Christ-centered university, this understanding shapes not only what we believe, but how we live in community.
As the university continues its Year of Service, this month serves as a reminder that honoring one another’s differences strengthens the entire body of Christ and reflects the heart of a community committed to truth, virtue, and service.
Additional Resources:
March 24, 6-8 p.m.: A.B.L.E. Club Game Night in the Library: Take a break from studying and play some board games! First Floor, O. Cope Budge Library
March 31, 6-8 p.m.: A.B.L.E. Club Movie Night in Heath 108: Join us as we watch and discus “Out of My Mind", a film based on the 2010 novel of the same name by Sharon M. Draper.
General Information about Neurodiversity
The Theology & Neurodiversity Project
Center for Autism and Theology (University of Aberdeen): Neurodiversity and Faith Series
Landmark College: Postsecondary Institution Specifically for Neurodiverse Students
Article for Faculty on Neurodiversity, Writen by a Landmark Faculty Member
The Center for Universal Design in Education
UC/CSU Collaborative for Neuroscience, Diversity, and Learning