Just before the semester break, PHI THETA KAPPA welcomed a diverse panel of neurodivergent Brookdale students to speak into the mic and share their stories and experiences.
The event, “The Power of Stories: Neurodivergent Voices,” was open to all students who identified as neurodivergent.
Powerful lessons emerged from this program, which demonstrated that “people with disabilities can do the same as people without” and “early diagnosis help(s) transition.”
To be part of the Dec. 12 program, students could join a panel for a moderated discussion, submit artwork or submit personal experiences, (anonymously, if they preferred).
“The Power of Stories” is a new PTK theme highlighting individuals sharing their stories and advocating for themselves.
Six Brookdale students , four women and two men, took seats on the panel, which was moderated by a PTK member. Each shared experiences and highlighted the importance of a support system.
“When you transition to an adult, you have to create a support system,” said panelist Alexandra Mock.
Support needs to be maintained and recreated in relation to school, family and transitioning to work, panelists said.
Issues with job employment was a topic discussed at length. “Seventy-one percent of neurodivergents have problems with their jobs,” said the moderator.
“For neurodivergent people, it takes them longer to get jobs… Workplaces need more education on people with disabilities,” said one panelist.
“It would’ve been helpful if I had transitioned earlier,” said a panelist sharing how late diagnosis affected their ability to find work.
Self-advocacy was a theme in the discussion. A panelist shared, “I was told I couldn’t” as they described the journey in taking more credits than their adviser suggested they managed, and the panelist exceeded expectations and passed all her classes to take on a 12-credit semester in the next academic term.
“My mother has been my biggest advocate,” said Mock. “If people can advocate for you, then you can advocate for yourself.” Mock said while pointing to the crowd.
“I became my biggest fan. Headphones in, talking to myself… Take action, get started, once you overcome anxiety the rest fixes itself,” said Jacob Leiser, a 19-year-old student from Manalapan and a member of the Neurodivergent Club.
The meeting advertized a pizza competition, to pick your favorite slice from local pizzerias, courtesy of The Center for Adult Transition at Brookdale, which was held on Dec. 18. In addition, flyers were presented from a Middletown organization, known as Oasis, “because children with autism grow up.”
PTK Honors in Action held the discussion to promote understanding between neurodivergent and non-divergent students on campus. The premise of the conference was for non-divergents to be more aware and for neurodivergents to widen their knowledge of resources available to them, and to know PTK adviser Angela Saragosa is a supportive-”Brookdale blue jay” to connect students with proper assistance.
Sandwiches from Jersey Mike’s were provided for attendees. Snacks such as brownies, cookies, chips, and beverages were also available in abundance for guests at the event.
