Just before the semester break, PHI THETA KAPPA (PTK) welcomed a diverse panel of neurodivergent Brookdale students to share their individual stories and experiences.
“We had a good amount of volunteers,” said Yelena Gavrilovic, a 24-year-old, business major, from Long Branch, regarding the number of students who agreed to participate in the Dec. 12 event, “The Power of Stories: Neurodivergent Voices.”
Gavrilovic explained PTK was looking for speakers “who spoke about their personal experiences as neurodivergent students” and highlighted “we had one student who has experience working with neurodivergent individuals.”
Students who wanted to participate could join a panel for a moderated discussion, submit artwork or submit personal experiences, (even anonymously, if they preferred). “The Power of Stories” is a new PTK theme, which celebrates individuals sharing their stories and advocating for themselves.
“I became my biggest fan,” said Jacob Leiser, a 19-year-old, from Manalapan, president of the Neurodivergent club. “Take action, get started. Once you overcome anxiety, the rest fixes itself.”
The objective of the December event was for non-neurodivergents to be aware and inclined to the needs of neurodivergents, and for neurodivergents to widen their knowledge of resources available to them.
“When you transition to an adult you have to create a support system,” said Alexandra Mock, a 23-year-old education major from Hazlet and former president of the LGBTQ club.“My mother has been my biggest advocate,” said Mock. “If people can advocate for you, then you can advocate for yourself.”
In addition to advocacy, the group discussed employment. “Seventy-one percent of neurodivergents have problems with their jobs,” said the moderator, who asked panelists to give their thoughts on the statistic.
“For neurodivergent people, it takes them longer to get jobs… Workplaces need more education on people with disabilities,” said one panelist.
More organizations and more knowledge shared through transition programs such as STEP can contribute to assisting neurodivergents with employment issues.
“It would’ve been helpful if I had transitioned earlier,” said one panelist, sharing how late diagnosis is affecting them now.
The overall lesson was, “People with disabilities can do the same as people without.”
The meeting also advertized a pizza competition, to pick your favorite slice from local pizzerias, courtesy of The Center for Adult Transition at Brookdale. That program was held on Dec. 18.
In addition, flyers were presented from Oasis, tlc, “because children with autism grow up.”
Sandwiches from Jersey Mike’s were provided for attendees. Snacks, such as brownies, cookies, chips, and beverages, were also available.
