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SDU UP | NEWSLETTER October 2024

THEME: Student Viktor shares how having neurodiversities affects his studies

Interview with Viktor Schnefeldt Øvlisen, law student at SDU

By Donna Hurford, , 10/31/2024

What are you studying at SDU, and how far along are you?

I'm studying a bachelor's degree in law. I have just started the third semester for the third time, as I've been on sick leave for the past two years.
 

Could you share how having neurodiversities affects your daily life? Please share a couple of examples of challenges from teaching situations at SDU, that you have experienced. 

I have autism, which means that I need a lot of structure in my everyday life,  and that I'm often overstimulated by my surroundings. For example, I prefer to sit in the same place in the same room every class, but that's not always possible. In class, I can't control the light, sound or how much people move around, which disturbs me a lot. Moving around the corridors between classes can trigger my anxiety, because there are so many people around me. 
 
 I also spend a lot of time and energy applying for exemptions, extended time for exams, extra SU grant and things like that, due to my sick leave from my studies. I'm responsible for all that myself, and it’s tricky to navigate.  

 

How do you think teachers at SDU can support students with neurodiversities?

Many teachers don't want to record their classes, but I think it can help a lot of students with neurodiversities. I feel guilty, when I have to stay away from classes due to my autism - it would be great, if I could attend the classes in another way.  

 

What strategies would you recommend SDU implements at institutional or faculty level to support students with neurodiversities? 

A room for students with neurodiversities, where we could take a break, would be great. The room should be a safe space, where people are not afraid to show their special needs.  
 
The dream scenario would be for SDU to have an employee, who specifically helps coordinate teaching, exemption applications etc. for us similar to Syddansk Elite. When you already have problems, it can be really difficult to figure out all the administrative processes and who to contact regarding the different things.    
Editing was completed: 31.10.2024