CKN NeuroConference
On August 27, 2026, a hybrid conference was held to provide professional development in a targeted manner for the peers involved in the CampusKompass Neurodivergence project. The conference was organized by the CKN team with peer participation.
The primary goal of the event was to learn about the various forms of neurodivergence and to raise awareness of related needs. This is because, even beyond Orientation Week, the CKN aims to provide support and make everyday student life easier for students with autism, anxiety disorders, dyslexia, epilepsy, and many other conditions.
By making the conference materials and presentations available, the CKN hopes to not only allow all interested, (prospective) students and TUD staff to gain insight into the CKN’s work but also to share resources that extend the positive impact of this educational effort beyond the project’s primary target group.
Currently, the slides are only available in English, with limited accessibility; we are working as quickly as possible to create a more accessible version and provide German translations!
Table of contents
Introductory Method: Spectrum
Using an opinion scale format, participants were able to express their views on various questions. Am I picky about food? Have I ever forgotten something really important? Would I spontaneously give a presentation in front of this group?
On a voluntary basis, participants could exchange views on these topics and discuss the different perspectives. This method allows for an initial, superficial exploration of neurodivergent needs—needs that may initially seem mundane but often define daily life for many affected individuals.
Download “Spectrum” Presentation (English)
Presentation 1: ADHD - It's All in Your Head (Literally)
CKN peer Genna gave a presentation on the biological background of ADHD, the complex relationship between the brain and dopamine in those affected, and the unique situation faced by women in society and research. She also shared her own experiences as a woman who was diagnosed late in life. Conference participants thus not only gained a scientific perspective on the topic but were also able to ask Genna questions during a subsequent Q&A session on topics such as medication, diagnosis, and stigma. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Genna for her expertise, her time, and her openness!
Download Presentation: ADHD—It’s All in Your Head, Literally (Eng)
Presentation 2: The ABCs of Neurodivergence
In a detailed presentation, CKN team member Zoe Rühle addressed various symptoms across the neurodiversity spectrum. She deliberately took only a loose approach to diagnoses, as the CKN’s work operates within a constant tension between naming realities and avoiding stereotyping. Using personal accounts, video footage, and images from those affected as well as experts in healthcare and research, a sort of guide was created—one that neither claims nor intends to be exhaustive. The alphabetical entries were linked to specific recommendations for action, which the CKN hopes to use during orientation week to create a positive first experience at TUD that is as accessible as possible.
Download the “ABCs of Neurodivergence” presentation (Eng.)
Further Ressources
The most important sensitivation happens when interacting with neurodivergent individuals; To allow for further perspectives, CKN would like to highlight these following projects:
„Den Menschen eine Stimme geben“ – Universität zu Köln
„Studieren mit einer psychischen Erkrankung“ – HAW Hamburg, HOOU
„Autism & Uni Student Stories“ – Dublin City University
„Celebrating Scientists with Disabilities“ – The Royal Society
„Barrierefreies Blinddate“ – SHUFFLE
„Disabled Role Models at Queen Mary“ Queen Mary University of London
Die CKN Movie Library
As part of a project, a listing of motion pictures and documentary features looking at Neurodivergence from diverse points of view has been created. This list is available through the media platform letterboxd, creating an account or downloading the app is not required for useing the list. The "read notes" funtion clarifies the topic of each film (i.e. epilepsy, suicide, bipolar disorder).
We hope to allow for another entry into the topic as well as discussions regarding representation with these movie recommendations. The list is currently comprised of close to 90 entries and is steadily growing
You can acces the CKN Movie Library here!
© Zoe Rühle/ Diversity Management
CampusKompass Neurodivergenz
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