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A lot of us at Collarts know what it feels like to sit in a classroom that wasn’t designed for the way our brains work. Some of us are students, some of us teach and some of us work behind the scenes, and plenty of us are neurodivergent. We know what it’s like to mask, over prepare or wonder why something that looks easy for everyone else takes so much energy.
That understanding shapes how we think about education. When learning is built around one way of thinking, talented people get left behind, so we’re committed to building systems that work for every way of learning and putting neuroinclusion at the heart of the student experience.
That’s why we’re proud to share that Collarts is now a Neurodiversity Academy Endorsed Provider, and the first higher education provider to receive the endorsement.
What is a Neurodiversity Academy Endorsed Provider?
Choosing where to study is a big decision, and for neurodivergent students it often comes with extra questions. Will I be understood? Will I have to fight for support? Neurodiversity Academy exists to help answer those questions, giving students, parents and carers a clear look at how education providers support neurodivergent learners, along with honest feedback from students who’ve been there.
Becoming endorsed meant opening our practices up to assessment, and because our endorsement is reviewed every three months based on student feedback, the people who know best whether we’re getting it right will keep holding us to it.
This endorsement is an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to creating an educational environment where neurodivergent students are not only supported, but genuinely valued, understood and empowered to thrive.
says Cas Guerra, who leads Equitable Learning and Accessibility at Collarts.
Most importantly, it provides our students with confidence that inclusion is not an afterthought. It is embedded in the way we design learning, provide support, and cultivate safe, welcoming environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
[Cas Guerra, Equitable Learning and Accessibility lead]
Why neurodiversity in higher education needs more than good intentions
We’ve always worked to make Collarts a place where different kinds of people can do their best work, but trying isn’t the same as checking, so we asked someone to check our work.
“True inclusion requires reflection, accountability and continuous growth,” says Cas.
“Working with Neurodiversity Academy provided an opportunity to celebrate what we are doing well while also identifying areas where we can continue to improve… Inclusion is never a finished destination. It is an ongoing commitment to listening, learning and evolving alongside our students and community.”
How we support neurodivergent students at Collarts
There’s no single right way to learn, so there’s no single support plan either. Our Equitable Learning and Accessibility team works with each student to understand their strengths, challenges and goals, and then builds support around them. That support includes:
Individualised support plans, created with you rather than for you
Reasonable adjustments
Flexible assessment options
Recorded live sessions you can rewatch at your own pace
Assistive technology
A designated neuroinclusion champion
We’re also working on external neurodiversity training for staff, a standalone neuroinclusion policy and sensory friendly spaces on campus.
“We focus on reducing barriers rather than expecting students to fit into rigid systems,” says Cas.
“Importantly, neuroinclusive practice extends beyond formal supports. It is reflected in the way educators communicate expectations, provide multiple pathways for engagement, foster psychological safety in classrooms, and recognise that different ways of thinking, processing information and expressing creativity are valuable assets.”
Why neurodivergent thinking thrives in creative education
Look back through the history of music, film, design or performance and you’ll find neurodivergent creators shaping it at every turn. Hyperfocus, pattern spotting, sideways problem solving and noticing what others miss aren’t side notes in creative work, and often they’re exactly what makes the work stand out.
“The arts have always been a place where different perspectives can flourish,” says Cas.
“At Collarts, we recognise that creativity does not thrive through conformity. It thrives when people feel safe enough to experiment, challenge assumptions and bring their individual perspectives into their work.”
Support from people with lived experience
Policies are important, but the people behind them matter even more. Many of our academic and professional staff have lived experience of neurodivergence, including the person leading Equitable Learning and Accessibility, so when you reach out for support there’s a good chance the person you’re talking to already understands.
“This combination of professional expertise and lived understanding helps ensure that student support remains practical, compassionate, responsive and future focused,” says Cas.
You belong here
If school never felt like it was built for you, we understand, because a lot of us felt the same way.
“Whether you have a diagnosis, are exploring your identity, or simply know that you learn differently, you will find people here who are ready to listen, support and work alongside you,” says Cas.
“You don’t need to change who you are to fit in here. Bring your curiosity. Bring your creativity. Bring your unique way of seeing the world. We’ll meet you there.”
FAQs for neurodivergent students
Do I need a diagnosis to access support at Collarts?
No. Whether you have a formal diagnosis, are exploring your identity or simply know you learn differently, our Equitable Learning and Accessibility team is here to talk through what support could work for you.
What kind of reasonable adjustments are available?
Support is individual, but it can include flexible assessment options, recorded live sessions, assistive technology and a support plan created together with you.
Where can I study creative arts at Collarts?
Collarts offers creative arts degrees at our campuses in Melbourne and Sydney, with online and hybrid learning options available for some courses.
If you’re thinking about studying a creative arts degree with us, explore our courses, check out our Neurodiversity Academy profile, or get in touch with our Equitable Learning and Accessibility team to talk through the support that would work best for you.