The Dyslexic Academic: uncovering the challenges faced as neurodiverse in academia and establishing a research agenda

Alexander, D. A. (2024) The Dyslexic Academic: uncovering the challenges faced as neurodiverse in academia and establishing a research agenda. Disability and Society, (doi: 10.1080/09687599.2024.2312227) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

This paper considers some of the hidden challenges which may be faced by the neurodiverse academic. The neurodiverse academic, at times, can be seen as something ‘hidden’, remaining undisclosed due to the challenges which can be faced by making this declaration to colleagues and employers. As a result, our voices are often not heard, and, thus, the difficulties we face overlooked. This has begun to be addressed for the student within higher education, but not the academic. Within this paper I, therefore, reflect on my experience as a dyslexic academic. I consider the challenges of excess labour, increasingly needed to ‘make it’ in academia today, the pressures this creates and impact on mental health. I, also, highlight the divergence, from non-disabled colleagues, which can exist in access to development opportunities. I provide this account to challenge assumptions and spur a research agenda.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Academia, disclosure, dyslexia, excess labour, hidden disability, neurodiverse academic.
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Alexander, Dr David
• Authors: Alexander, D. A.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences
• Journal Name: Disability and Society
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 0968-7599
• ISSN (Online): 1360-0508
• Published Online: 16 February 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2024 The Author
• First Published: First published in Disability and Society 2024
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License