The dyslexic academic: uncovering the challenges faced as neurodiverse in academia and establishing a research agenda
Open accessAbstract
This paper considers some of the hidden challenges which may be faced by the neurodiverse academic.The neurodiverse academic, at times, can be seen as something 'hidden' , remaining undisclosed due to the challenges which can be faced by making this declaration to colleagues and employers.As a result, our voices are often not heard, and, thus, the difficulties we face overlooked.This has begun to be addressed for the student within higher education, but not the academic.Within this paper I, therefore, reflect on my experience as a dyslexic academic.I consider the challenges of excess labour, increasingly needed to 'make it' in academia today, the pressures this creates and impact on mental health.I, also, highlight the divergence, from non-disabled colleagues, which can exist in access to development opportunities.I provide this account to challenge assumptions and spur a research agenda.
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It is important not to minimize the difference in experiences between neuro-divergent and neuro-typical individuals: the experiences may be similar, but the impacts may not be and the energy and effort required are also likely to differ.
“However, it is important not to minimize the difference in experiences between neuro-divergent and neuro-typical individuals [39]: the experiences may be similar, but the impacts may not be and the energy and effort required are also likely to differ [66].”
From Homeworking experiences of neuro-divergent workers: systematic review (2024) · cites this paper as [66]
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Ableism in academia: where are the disabled and ill academics?
Brown, N., & Leigh, J. (2018) · Disability & Society · doi:10.1080/09687599.2018.1455627 · Cited by 372 · see citing works
Unreasonable adjustments: the additional unpaid labour of academics with disabilities
Inckle, K. (2018) · Disability & Society · doi:10.1080/09687599.2018.1480263 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
Mellifont, D. (2021) · Disability & Society · doi:10.1080/09687599.2021.1965547 · Cited by 60 · see citing works
The additional labour of a disabled PhD student
Hannam-Swain, S. (2017) · Disability & Society · doi:10.1080/09687599.2017.1375698 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Stoeber, J., & Rountree, M. L. (2020) · Dyslexia · doi:10.1002/dys.1666 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Dyslexia: Investigating Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts/Attempts as a Coping Strategy
Alexander‐Passe, N. (2015) · Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy · doi:10.4172/2161-0487.1000224 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Exploring perceptions of and supporting dyslexia in teachers in higher education in STEM
Hiscock, J. R., & Leigh, J. (2020) · Innovations in Education and Teaching International · doi:10.1080/14703297.2020.1764377 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
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Homeworking experiences of neuro-divergent workers: systematic review
Brooks, S. K., Hall, C. E., Rogers, M. B., & Greenberg, N. (2024) · Occupational Medicine · doi:10.1093/occmed/kqae095 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
- Authors
- Alexander, D. A.
- Affiliations
- University of Glasgow (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Alexander, David A.
- ORCID
- Alexander, David A.
- Venue
- Disability & Society
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2024-02-16
- Volume
- 39
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 3036-3041
- ISSN
- 0267-4645 (ISSN-L)
- 0968-7599
- 1360-0508
- OpenAlex
- W4391878567
- Cited by
- 17
- References
- 7
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 4
- FWCI
- 7.02
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Disability & Society (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- ENLIGHTEN (Jurnal Bimbingan dan Konseling Islam) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Safety Research › Disability Education and Employment
- Social Sciences › Safety Research › Disability Rights and Representation
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Doctoral Education Challenges and Solutions
- Keywords
- dyslexia, neurodiversity, higher education, disability disclosure, hidden disabilities, academic work, mental health, career development opportunities, disability in academia, research agenda
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