
Student Accommodation and Support
Useful Accommodations

Extended Test Time
This provides students with more flexibility and reduces test stress, which can often be difficult for neurodivergent students.

Pacing Space
Many neurodivergent students are greatly aided by pacing around to reduce stress and anxiety, or simply to think.

Noise-Canceling Headphones
Students can struggle with auditory distractions and overstimulation.
Supports

Access to Counselors/Therapists
Providing on-site access to specialized counselors and therapists can significantly support neurodiverse students' mental health and overall well-being.

Individualized Education
Focusing on each student's needs is far better than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Educating Neurotypical Individuals
Educating neurotypical people about autism is likely the most critical aspect of inclusion. It lets everyone know how to help best and accommodate neurodivergent students.

Quiet Spaces
Some Autistic people and those with other neurological conditions may experience sensory processing difficulties. For example, they may become overwhelmed by loud, noisy spaces. We recommend designating a quiet space for people to recharge their social batteries or to just relax in a calming environment. While this can be beneficial for people on the autism spectrum, it is a courtesy that can benefit all.

Stick to the Schedule
For some Autistic people, a set schedule can be critical. Keep in mind that if you are doing an outreach activity during the school day, you will inherently be disrupting the students' regular daily routine. For some students, this can cause distress. Be sure to plan with the teachers well in advance and adhere to your arranged schedule so that they can prepare the students for the change. Do your best to stay within your allotted time. Note that if you go over time and a student asks you when you are leaving, this is not done out of rudeness, but rather out of a desire to understand the schedule adjustments.
Creating Accessible Outreach Tasks
Capitalizing on Special Interests
As described by the Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), some Autistic individuals experience “deeply focused thinking and passionate interests in specific subjects. ‘Narrow but deep,’ these ‘special interests’ could be anything from mathematics to ballet, from doorknobs to physics, and from politics to bits of shiny paper” (ASAN). If someone shows a special interest, think of ways it can connect to astronomy and the content you are teaching. For example, if someone is passionate about dinosaurs, use their extinction to discuss meteor impacts and asteroids, which can serve as a bridge to the astronomy topics in your outreach activity. It is also essential to keep in mind that this time belongs to the learners. If the design of your event allows it, do not be afraid to let your learners’ questions steer the conversation. At the end of the day, outreach is about engaging and empowering people through astronomy, so we aim to do everything in our power to foster people’s excitement and interest in the subject. Sometimes this means coming up with creative ways to connect seemingly unrelated questions with the activity’s content.
Planetarium Accessibility
Offer noise-cancelling headphones to planetarium and science center guests. People can also be more sensitive to darkness. Consider offering a daily or weekly “Sensory Friendly” planetarium show that is less dark and free of loud noises.
For more information, here are some resources:
* https://www.gograd.org/resources/students-with-disabilities/
* https://www.geo3550.org/rights-benefits/disability-resources/
* https://www.asbmb.org/asbmb-today/careers/071224/accommodations-in-grad-school
* https://www.onlinemastersdegrees.org/student-resources/graduate-students-with-disabilities/
* https://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org/programs/global-astronomy-month/astro-accessibility