Prevalence of Student Pharmacists with Neurodivergent Conditions in a School of Pharmacy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of neurodivergent learners within the student pharmacist population to help better support educational needs and inform faculty development initiatives. METHODS: An anonymous survey was administered to first-, second-, and third-year student pharmacists. The survey included items about student demographics, neurodivergent conditions, communication preferences, sensory sensitivities, barriers to learning, and how best to support students with neurodivergent diagnoses. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Of 237 student pharmacists surveyed, 195 responses were analyzed (82.3% response rate). Eighty-three (42.6%) student respondents reported having either a formal diagnosis or self-diagnosed neurodivergent condition. The most commonly reported neurodivergent condition was attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 28.7% of the surveyed population (n = 56/195). Over half (55.42%, n = 46/83) reported that they believe their neurodivergence has negatively impacted their academic performance in pharmacy school. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of neurodivergent conditions present in our student pharmacist population. Faculty should be aware of the make-up of the student cohorts they are teaching as well as their learning needs. Other institutions may want to conduct a similar survey to determine the needs of their student population.