Symposium in Jena: Opportunities for neurodive students uncovered!

Symposium in Jena: Opportunities for neurodive students uncovered!

Jena, Deutschland - On June 27, 2025, a groundbreaking symposium entitled "Studying with Neurodivergenz" took place at the Ernst Abbe University of Jena. Around 260 participants, among whom were 100 on site and 160 online, gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities of neurodive students. The initiator of the event, Laura Steiner, a committed student of the university, led through a varied program that included specialist lectures, panel discussions and technical demonstrations-such as a VR simulation for stimulating overstimulation. Thanks to a broad coalition of university internal and external partners, this event, including the AOK Plus and ADHS Deutschland e. V., to be realized. Uni-Trier emphasizes that students with dyslexia in particular have significant difficulties in written exams and need up to 50% more time to process texts.

challenges and support for neurodive students

The difficulties do not stop here: Students with ADHD, which estimates about 2.5% of adults in Germany, often fight with self -organization, deadlines and concentration. ADHD Germany therefore offers a variety of support options, including self-help groups, online meetings and contact advice, to help these people. The topics range from concentration training to burnout prevention to ensure holistic support.

The panel participants of the symposium, including prominent voices such as Prof. Dr. Sven Bölte and Dr. Mark Benecke, not only the challenges, but also the need for an inclusive university system. Teachers can make a significant difference through disadvantage compensation measures, such as more time for exams or the provision of their own examination space. Such measures are essential to reduce prejudices and stigmatization and to ensure the important access to high -quality education for all students.