Arden University

NeurodiversityNetwork Hub

An Educational Community for all

A student and staff collaborative network, open to neurodivergent and neurotypical Arden students and staff members. Here you will find resources, events and discover more about the improvements we are making to your student experience. You can also find more about the support available to you, all in one place.

The Neurodiversity Network provides a space for:

• Sharing our understanding of neurodivergent experiences in a university setting.

• Conducting research to ensure Arden is accessible and offers the right type of support for everyone.

• Improving accessibility and showcasing the benefits of neurodiversity in higher education.

How you can get involved:

• Attend our meetings (details of meetings can be found in the events section).

• Become a neurodiversity ambassador (see details below).

Join the Neurodiversity Network or become an Ambassador. Contact us to find out more or to join our network below

Become a Neurodiversity Network Ambassador

Help shape an inclusive Arden community, where students and staff can connect, access support, and drive positive change together

Email Us

Become a Neurodiversity Network Member

Join our student and staff network to connect with others, access resources and support, and be part of positive improvements to the Arden experience.

Neurodiversity Network Events

Stay connected and get involved with our vibrant student and staff network. Here you’ll find the latest event updates, helpful resources and information. Discover what support is available to you and join us in creating a more inclusive, supportive environment for everyone.

Meet the Arden University Neurodiversity Network Team

Lucy Anacleto. Co Lead

Hi, I am Lucy Anacleto, and I am the Programme Leader for the PG Cert in Neurodiversity. I am passionate about improving the lives of neurodivergent individuals and have years of experience in this field both professionally and personally. I was one of the founding members who set up the Neurodiversity Network which is for both students and colleagues across the university. The network is a supportive environment where staff and students can meet. We invite guest speakers as well as having more informal chats sessions. We share and develop our knowledge of neurodiversity to inform practice and policy in a positive way.

Hilal Yildiz. Co Lead

Hello everyone! I have been working as an EDI lecturer at Arden University since February 2023. I am passionate about the experiences of international and refugee communities, as well as those of people who are neurodiverse and have received a late diagnosis. One of my main interests is supporting individuals who come from diverse backgrounds and have diverse expectations in their educational journey. I strongly believe that life can be challenging, but we can make it better by working together in the kindest possible way. That’s why I dedicate most of my time to thinking, talking, and researching in these areas. In addition, I am a devoted mother to six rescued cats and I dream of opening a cat sanctuary in the future.

Fawn Hunkins-Beckford. Student ambassador

I’m Fawn, I’m a level 5 distance learning psychology student and NDN ambassador. I’m passionate about neurodiversity and accessibility. I’m interested in the Social Model of Disability, MAD studies and Open Science and enjoy exploring underrepresented demographics in psychology. The NDN provides a great opportunity for people of all neurotypes to pair lived experience and academic skills with meaningful growth in Arden University.

Gemma Pearson. Student ambassador

I’m Gemma. I am a Level 6 DL Psychology student and will be moving on to the PG Cert in Neurodiversity. As a mum to a neurodivergent teen, as well as being neurodivergent myself I am always interested in neuroinclusivity and how we can improve experiences of neurodivergent students. My particular interests are SEN laws, late diagnosis and gender differences in presentation of neurodivergence. I am fascinated by neuroscience so try to merge the 2 where possible!

Emma Craven. Student ambassador

Emma is a passionate Psychology undergraduate and Distance Learning student. Living with ADHD, CPTSD, Fibromyalgia, and fluctuating mental health, she brings first-hand insight into the challenges faced by neurodiverse students and those with physical and mental health barriers. With 20 years of experience advocating for marginalised communities, Emma is driven to create a more inclusive, equitable environment in higher education. She champions open conversations, even the uncomfortable ones, to dismantle the barriers students face – especially those with ADHD, who continue to be disproportionately affected by dropout rates. Emma’s approach is solution-focused, empowering, and grounded in lived experience. She believes every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Her mantra? – “Feel empowered. Never give up. Create a better future. Use your unique brain to shine.