Championing neurodiverse learners on the national stage

Student Council representative Claire Johnston represented Unitec at last month’s NeuroAbility Symposium 2025 in Dunedin where she shared her experience of being a neurodiverse leader within a tertiary environment.

Supporting Ms Johnston was Whaikaha/Supported Learning kaimahi, Chang Zang, Caroline Leader and Academic Programme Manager, Dave Hicks.

The conference held at Otago Polytechnic saw over thirty presentations, workshops and panels – focusing on tertiary education, transition, education in the workplace.

Learners, educators, researchers, and practitioners from universities, institutions and organisations from across Aotearoa shared their insights on creating neurodiverse-friendly learning environments.

“Claire’s attendance at the symposium and in particular her presentation gave Unitec recognition as being a place where all minds are supported in their education,” says Mr Hicks.

The main theme for the NeuroAbility Symposium 2025 was ‘Solutions’ that focuses not only the challenges neurodiverse learners are faced, but solutions that have worked for them and sharing these solutions with others.

“I had the honour of speaking as the first Unitec student to attend this event,” says Ms Johnston.

She says she learnt a lot about solutions for neurodiverse learners during the two-day event; from childcare to tertiary level, as well tools and resources that are beneficial for teachers and students.

Ms Johnston shared her personal story during her presentation: How to be you: A Neurodiverse Woman In a Position of Power, changed to A Neurodiverse woman in Finding Her Power.

“I explained what it’s like knowing yourself and finding your power, and the benefits of having more neurodiverse leaders especially in positions of power.

“This will be so crucial in any positions of leadership for the future and beyond.”

Attending this conference has taught Claire the importance of sharing personal experiences and the impact it can have to inspire others.

Ms Johnston served as General Representative in Unitec’s Student Council this year and was elected last week to be vice president on next year’s council. She says the experience serving on the council and advocating for other students, especially neurodiverse learners, has helped grow confidence in her own abilities.

“My experience at this conference has been life changing and I cannot thank Unitec enough for their support and well as the Whaikaha lecturers for their support on this amazing journey,” Ms Johnston says.

Mr Hicks adds: “Her presentation was insightful, thoughtful and entertaining. I was proud that she was able to juggle the work required to present, to navigate approval and the pragmatics of getting to Dunedin and her irrepressible enthusiasm.

“Claire is role-modelling to other students, to Unitec kaimahi and to the general population what someone with motivation and a clear goal can achieve. She has consistently reminded me that my work is not about how we may define tauira differences and limitations, but how we support, interact, and engage with the learner that makes all the difference.”