I have recently found out that neurodivergent students and students with learning disabilities are not allowed extra time in their assignments. I found this out as I am dyslexic and was denied an extension on the grounds of my dyslexia through mitigating circumstances as my dyslexia is "not unforeseen". Although it does make sense that students who have confirmed diagnoses of neurodivergence and learning disabilities are not unknown to the university or themselves, as a result of their brain cognitions, they may require extra or more time to process and complete their work than the rest. Therefore another platform to request extra time on these grounds should be created to offer necessary support to these students. Neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities, often face unique challenges that affect their ability to complete assignments within standard time frames. These challenges can include difficulties with attention, processing speed, executive functioning, and sensory sensitivities. Providing additional time for assignments allows these students to fully demonstrate their knowledge and skills without being unfairly disadvantaged by time constraints.
Granting additional assignment time is a crucial step toward creating an equitable and supportive learning environment for neurodivergent students and students with learning disabilities. This allows our university to be equitable and fair whilst working in alignment with recommendations made by the Government's Disabled Students' Allowance assessments and assessors.