Neurodiverse Community Housing at KU

Gold and Maroon circle with infinity sign in the middle and text at bottom of logo that reads: "Neurodiverse Community"

The Neurodiverse Community is a special interest housing group open to all residential Kutztown University students who identify as being neurodiverse, whether traditionally diagnosed or self-diagnosed. The Neurodiversity community includes diagnoses of attention deficit disorders, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, post-traumatic stress disorders, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others. 

This community seeks to provide a space to help students with unique identities find the support they need to be successful in college by working on skills like time management, organization, notetaking, and self-advocacy; hopes to connect students to others who have similar neurodiverse identities and encourage them to work together to build a better knowledge of themselves and their individual needs; and provides opportunities that include:

  • Sensory-reduced nightly study hours within the residence hall run by staff present to ask questions about assignments and advocacy
  • Access to staff trained to assist neurodiverse students build executive functioning skills
  • Direct contact with student services offices, including Disability Services, Student Success/Tutoring, and the Writing Center
  • Living with other Neurodiverse students
  • Programs designed around advocacy and neurodiversity awareness
  • Easy 24/7 access to the Sensory Room in Rothermel Hall

Community Location

The Neurodiverse Community is located in Rothermel Hall because of the presence of the Sensory Room. Because of its placement in Rothermel Hall, students in the community are not able to receive single room, air conditioning, or semi-private bathroom accommodations. If you require these accommodations but feel the other opportunities would be beneficial to you, please contact Megan Rutter, Assistant Director: Special Programs, Disability Services Office by emailing rutter@kutztown.edu

Community Members Agree to...

  • Attend Community Meetings one night per month
  • Meet individually each month with community staff as needed
  • Attend various events and workshops related to learning about neurodiversity, self-advocacy, executive functioning skills, and more
  • Utilize study hall hours at least once per week
  • Respect the individual identities of the other students in the community, including things like sensory sensitivities, stimming techniques, and special interests

Any questions or concerns should be sent to Megan Rutter, DSO Assistant Director, at rutter@kutztown.edu