CampusCompass Neurodivergence
Table of contents
Our applications for the 2026/2027 Winter Term are closed!
If you have questions and inquiries, see our contact box at the bottom of this page!
The introductory week with AD(H)S, autism, dyslexia & co - that's what it's all about
Get-to-know-you brunches, club tours and packed seminar rooms: the first few days at university are usually saturated with new impressions and people. For many first-year students, the social factor and the fast pace are what make this initial phase on campus attractive and unforgettable.
But what if self-organization is such a challenge that you can't even make it to the kick-off event? How does someone feel who takes noticeably longer than the others to read what is written on the blackboard in the first few lectures? How difficult is this time for someone who hears the tube light just as loudly as the conversation of fellow students at lunch?
For people who are neurodivergent, hurdles like these can lie in the background of everyday scenarios. Many offers and events at universities do not cater to their needs enough, which not only saps energy, but also results in the loss of neurodivergent potential. After all, creativity, unconventional thinking, precision or a high degree of empathy are also things that can be characteristic of a neurodivergent person.
The CampusKompass Neurodivergence project would therefore like to offer a starting week that addresses precisely these issues. With low-barrier offers and target group-oriented approaches, new students should receive support at the start of their studies and be encouraged that they have a place at the TUD - with everything that belongs to them.
Our Peer Program
The starting week is accompanied by seasoned students and employees of TUD who are active as "peers". Within the week, a peer supports you in navigating the campus or working through your study plans and timetables.
Participants who would like support after the week when taking their first steps at TUD can trust in CKN-peers as well. You are a bit nervous about your first visit to the examination office? Your peer will accompany you gladly. Lost in the thick of registering for your exams? Your peer will help you master Selma, HISQIS &Co. You just need somebody who reminds you of deadlines or checks in with you once in a while? Your peer will stay in contact.
You can find a selection of the peers who shape CKN here.
What we mean when we talk about neurodivergence
The term "neurodivergence" has been documented since the 1990s and was originally used primarily in research and online forums on the autistic spectrum. It was intended to express a new view that did not see autism exclusively as a disability or deficit, as had previously been the case. The focus was on viewing the differences in cognitive functions in a value-neutral way.
This core idea still resonates today: Swedish activist Greta Thunberg describes her autism as her "superpower". And its reach has also increased, so that neurodivergence can be used to describe a greater number of conditions, including
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention deficit disorder (AD[H]S)
- Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, ...
- Dyslexia and dyscalculia (reading, spelling and arithmetic difficulties)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders and Tourette's syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Fetal alcohol syndrome (FASD)
Autonomy and self-determination apply to the understanding of CampusCompass Neurodivergence - anyone who sees themselves as neurodivergent, whether on this list or not, is in the right place with us. And how a person views their neurodivergence, whether as a disability, a minor deviation from a norm, their superpower or all of these things, is up to them. With our work, we not only want to honor the diversity of the human brain, but also the diversity of experiences and perspectives.
The CKN-NeuroConference
On August 27th, a hybrid conference provided to all peers in the project took place. The conference took a closer look at neurodivergent perspectives and needs. Curious? You can access a description of the conference and all slides here!
The CampusKompass team
FAQ
The kickoff week will take place from September 28 to October 2, 2026. Below is a general overview; the detailed schedule, including locations and times, will be posted on this page in early September and emailed to all participants.
Registration is possible using the online form, in which data such as name and degree program will be requested. Once you have registered, you will initially receive an automated email, but we will contact you personally by email shortly afterwards.
A maximum of 35 participants will be admitted, but it is of course possible to move up if there are short-notice cancellations.
Our offer is explicitly not only aimed at first-semester students - returning students who are already further along in their studies can also register. However, we ask for your understanding that in the event of very high demand, first-semester students will be prioritized when allocating places.
No.
We are aware of the current emergencies in psychotherapeutic care and the long waiting times for diagnostic appointments. In addition, pursuing a diagnosis is always associated with a revelation to a medical system in which discrimination still occurs and depends on many factors, such as family support or financial means. We want to create a space in which support is offered without stigmatizing. Anyone who feels addressed by our offer is welcome to join us.
The program will be conducted primarily in German. We ask for your understanding that our resources require us to focus on one language.
However, if you’re an international student—write to us and sign up anyway! We’ll do our best to make the workshops accessible in both German and English, and the peer mentors who’ll be supporting you usually speak both German and English. Some of our peer mentors are international students just like you, so they know exactly how doubly challenging starting college can be for you.
No.
We’re here to help you feel as prepared as possible for your first few weeks at TUD and to offer you activities to that end. You know best which of our program events are right for you and which might be less so. If you don’t show up for an event or leave early, we may ask you to briefly let us know you’re leaving or check to see if you have everything you need. But you never have to explain yourself to us.
For a few select program events—such as the neuroqueer game night—we’ll ask participants in advance, in a fairly binding manner, which participants plan to attend.
With the kind support of the Teaching and Learning Space for Inclusion (which, by the way, you can rent for your everyday academic activities!), we’re providing a few tools that you’re free to use throughout the week.
These include:
- various sensory toys
- sensory balls and weighted pillows
- silent disco headphones
- anti-aggression bats
- Painting and drawing supplies for doodling
- Room dividers
- Reading aids and magnifying glasses
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sunglasses
- Chairs and stools that allow you to adjust your sitting position at any time
Of course, you’re also welcome to bring your own tools or, for example, knit during the events. The rule is: Whatever helps you is welcome here. It’s also important to be considerate of each other’s diverse needs.
Do you have any questions or needs you’d like to share with us? Feel free to let us know in your registration form or via email!
Above all, you should bring patience, understanding and time. During the week itself, you will run along, help with the timetable and clarify initial organizational questions. It is not important that you have the right answer to every question straight away - it is important that you are there to help find the answer that people may not yet know.
Your main task after the week will be to listen to problems and concerns and to refer your person to authorities such as the Examination Office or the SBS working group. If necessary, you will accompany the person to appointments or to their first visit to a university group at their request.
This may not sound like much, but it can make a significant difference to the person you are supporting. This job definitely involves responsibility - we therefore recommend that you do not look after more than 3 people at a time.
Personal or professional experience with neurodivergence is welcome, but not essential. A briefing to get to know each other will take place at the beginning of July 2026.
The duration of the peer activity is ultimately up to you and the person you are accompanying. However, you should plan for at least the winter semester 2026/2027 in order to remain the contact person for your peer.
Being active as a peer is essentially voluntary work. However, peers will receive a certificate issued by the Diversity Management upon request. This functions as a proof of activity when applying for scholarships or jobs.
© Zoe Rühle/ Diversity Management
CampusKompass Neurodivergenz
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