Neurodivergent students can find tailor-made resources to aid in their academic excellence through the Neurodivergent Student Support Organization (NSSO).
NSSO, a student organization at Iowa State, was founded as a club this fall with the mission of promoting academic excellence and career success for neurodivergent students.
“Through NSSO, neurodivergent students at Iowa State can get connected with uniquely-tailored resources, including a safe space for all, study groups, academic support, skill development strategies, social events, trips and more,” according to the organization’s website.
Neurodivergent is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “differing in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or normal.” It is also commonly used to describe people with autism, as well as those who have ADHD and other mental disorders.
Nova Stiles, the treasurer of NSSO and a senior in technical communication, said they have found community through being part of the organization.
“It’s been a very close-knit group,” Stiles said. “It’s easy to get along with other people and it feels comfortable to be in a space with people that are kind of into similar things to me.”
Elizabeth Willey, the organization’s academic excellence chair, said she has had a similar experience working with members of NSSO.
“It’s been really fun to be around people that have a similar mind to you,” Willey said. “I’ve made some great friends already.”
As an organization, NSSO hosts weekly study sessions for students seeking more support with their academics. One unique facet of these sessions is the concept of “body doubling.”
“It’s a word that a lot of neurodivergent people use because basically you’re able to get things done when someone else is around,” Willey said. “We don’t always study. Some people will work on their resume… they’ll do things they have a hard time doing without someone else around.”
Because the club was only recently founded, Willey said there have been issues with recruitment.
“It has been a struggle to get new members and to get people to show up,” Willey said. “We’re trying really hard to get new members and figuring out how to do that.”
Stiles urged those who are interested in joining to attend the group’s general meetings and to join their Discord.
“You can get help at any time from everybody else in the club,” Stiles said. “You don’t have to meet with us.”
On Wednesday, Student Government passed legislation approving $1,150 in funding for NSSO. Willey said this was an exciting development for the organization.
“It’s gonna be towards the spring semester, so we’ll be able to do some more fun things,” Willey said.
Students who are interested in joining NSSO or learning more about the organization can find more information on their website.
