Providing tailored support to neurodivergent nursing students during their placements

The term neurodivergence encompasses conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, developmental language disorder, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dyslexia and Tourette syndrome. In recent years, there has been an increase in the reported numbers of neurodivergent nursing students. The Equality Act 2010 promotes inclusivity by placing a duty on organisations, including education providers, to make reasonable adjustments aimed at removing or reducing the disadvantages faced by people with disabilities. However, there are several barriers to making reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent students in placement settings. This article explores how to provide personalised support to neurodivergent students that is tailored to their needs and enables them to thrive during placements. It discusses the role of practice education facilitators, practice supervisors and practice assessors in promoting inclusion for these students, and describes a proposed flexible package of support developed by one of the authors in collaboration with a neurodivergent student.