Graphic showcasing the unique way neurodiversity students' brains work.

Neurodiversity Support Services

Neurodiversity support services is here to help students who identify as neurodivergent in their academic, social, and professional goals.

we're here to help you

Dana Jenkins-Post and Samra Ward — Dana Jenkins-Post (left) and Samra Ward (right)

At San Jac, we define neurodivergent students as those who self-identify as having:

ADHD/ADD
Autism
Learning Disabilities
Mental Health Conditions
Tourette Syndrome
Other Unspecified Neurodivergence

If you self-identify as neurodivergent, you can complete individualized academic coaching sessions with our neurodiversity support services coordinator. Goals and topics are selected together by you and our coordinator. These typically include: social skills, self-advocacy, communication skills, time management and balancing deadlines, general academic coaching, and establishing professional goals.

To begin this process, please complete the following steps:

Submit the Neurodiversity Intake Form

If you are interested in working with a neurodiversity coordinator, please fill out the neurodiversity intake form. We support students who self-identify as neurodivergent. Documentation is not required, but may be uploaded to help us understand and support your needs more effectively.

Neurodiversity Intake Form
Have an Intake Meeting with a Neurodiversity Coordinator

After reviewing your intake form, our coordinator will email your San Jac account to set up a meeting. This one-hour intake meeting helps us to learn more about your strengths and where you would like additional support. During this meeting, you will set goals and a schedule for coaching sessions. Your coordinator can also connect you to other departments on campus for additional support.
Achieve Your Goals

You will meet with your coordinator to discuss your progress and gain support toward your goals. The exact schedule and amount of meetings is up to you and your coordinator. You are eligible to meet while actively enrolled in classes at San Jacinto College.

Neurodiversity presented while painting in class with their peers

Connect with Neurodivergent Peers

San Jac's neurodiversity support services hosts campuswide events to increase neurodiversity awareness. We also offer an online support group. Current students can visit MySanJac* for dates and times.

*Use San Jac student login name and password.

Neurodiversity staff meeting for training about how to better serve neurodiversity students.

Faculty and Staff Training

We also support San Jac faculty and staff by offering neurodiversity ally training*.

*Must have a San Jac email address to access.

I know I’m neurodivergent, but I don’t have documentation to prove it. Can you still help me?

Absolutely! We understand that obtaining a diagnosis can expensive. Therefore, we support any student who self-identifies as neurodivergent and completes the outlined steps above to access services.

Do neurodiversity support services students take special classes?

Neurodiversity support services is not a separate course curriculum. Students who work with us will take the same curriculum as their peers and are eligible for the same degree programs. Neurodiversity support services is here to offer additional support to help you reach your academic and professional goals.

What role do my parents play in the process?

If you’re 18 years or older, you’re responsible for your own requests and participation within neurodiversity support services.

We understand, however, that parents can provide more information and be a source of support. It is your decision whether you would like to include your parents in the intake process.

Is my information confidential?

Yes, your information is confidential, and your participation in neurodiversity support services cannot be shared with anyone without your permission.

The Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA regulates disclosure of disability documentation and records maintained by San Jac. Under this federal act, we need your written consent before we can release any disability documentation or records.

However, FERPA does have exceptions that allow us to disclose records without your prior consent. These exceptions include:

To other school officials who have “legitimate educational interests,” as defined by the institution
To officials of other schools in which you seek enrollment
In connection with your application for, or receipt of financial aid
If disclosure is necessary to protect your, or another student’s health or safety
In response to a lawfully issued subpoena

Learn more about FERPA

I think my student would benefit from your program. Can I fill out the application form on their behalf?

While students may ask for assistance from a family member or peer, they should be the ones leading the process. By allowing them to complete the application, our neurodiversity coordinator can ensure that individualized coaching services align with the students’ goals and needs. Students should never have a form completed on their behalf without their knowledge or consent.

Does neurodiversity support services provide classroom accommodations for neurodivergent students?

Neurodivergent students in need of classroom accommodations should register with our accessibility services department.

Are autism and neurodiversity the same thing?

Neurodiversity is not a synonym for autism. While autism is a type of neurodiversity, San Jac uses a much broader definition of neurodiversity.

Our neurodivergent students identify as having a wide range of experiences, such as: ADHD/ADD; AuDHD; autism; learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia; mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD; and neurological conditions such as Tourette Syndrome. Any student who identifies as neurodivergent is welcome here!

Neurodiversity support celebrates diverse minds

Neurodiversity items to help students focus on their studies and be successful.

Rather than seeing these differences as deficits or disorders, neurodiversity highlights the unique strengths and perspectives that individuals with unique neurological makeups offer. ”

Dana Jenkins-Post

Neurodiversity support services coordinator

Since 2023, Jenkins-Post has blended her professional experience to support San Jac’s neurodivergent students — those with brain differences like autism, dyslexia, ADHD, brain injury, and more.