Strategies for supporting neurodivergent nursing students in practice placements

Neurodivergent conditions include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia. An increasing number of people with these conditions are entering higher education. Neurodivergent nursing students may experience increased challenges during their practice placements and require reasonable adjustments to be made. Despite the best intentions of staff, these students' placement experiences and outcomes can be adversely affected, and without appropriate support they may become less likely to engage with some learning opportunities. Additionally, staff may not always have a clear understanding of these students' needs or confidence in meeting them. This article provides an overview of some of the challenges that neurodivergent nursing students may experience during their placements, and outlines some potential strategies that staff supporting them can use.