Neurological disorders
If you experience difficulties in your studies as a result of a documented neurological disorder, you can receive assistance through the special educational support system (SPS).
On this page, you can read more about the support options.
What are neurological disorders?
Neurological disorders relate to the brain, the spinal cord, or both. They are usually categorized as congenital or acquired neurological disorders.
Examples of neurological disorders include:
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Chronic migraines and chronic headaches
- Cerebral palsy
- Residual effects from diseases such as stroke, blood clot, or tumor
- Epilepsy
- Meningitis
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and you are always welcome to contact us if you want to learn more about the support options that are available to you
Typical study difficulties
Common study difficulties for individuals with neurological disorders may include:
- Severe concentration problems during reading, writing, and participation in classes
- Low energy levels and an increased need for breaks
- Lack of overview of the studies and difficulties in structuring and planning the study progression
- Problems with getting an overview of assignments and the course material
- Difficulties in prioritizing tasks and focusing on the essentials in the subjects
- Challenges in forming and utilizing study networks
- Struggles with managing multiple tasks at once and reduced stress tolerance
- Difficulties in attending classes or exams due to extreme sensitivity to light or noise
- Students with neurological disorders may also experience issues related to low self-esteem and performance anxiety."
Possibilities of support
As a student with a neurological disorder, you can be granted hours with an educational counselor and with a mentor. For some, it may also be possible to obtain IT aids or ergonomic furniture. You can read more about the options below. In the conversation with an SPS counselor, you can also learn more about the support that can be applied for on your behalf
Mentor
You can receive support through an academic mentorship program, where your mentor is typically a more experienced student or a graduate within your field of study or a related field. Your educational counselor ensures that you and your study mentor are well introduced to each other, and that the focus of your collaboration is agreed upon and adjusted along the way. Additionally, your study mentor receives ongoing supervision from your educational counselor to ensure that the effort supports you as effectively as possible.
You and your mentor can, for instance, focus on:
- Gaining an overview of the semester and establishing a good study structure.
- Deciphering the real expectations of your studies and individual courses and exams.
- Incorporating good study habits and reading strategies.
- Building confidence and enthusiasm for participating in academic and social opportunities within your program.
- Discussing what you've learned to enhance your learning outcomes and active participation in classes and study groups.
- Preparing effectively for meetings with your academic advisors and translating their input into concrete tasks.
- Learning to navigate and use the study's communication platforms, allowing you to manage your own course schedules and exams effectively.
Educational counselor
You can also go through a counseling process with an educational counselor, possibly along side a mentorship program. The counseling process is designed to assist you in managing your emotional, behavioral, and cognitive difficulties related to your education. The counseling process consists of a series of conversations with a counselor from Rådgivnings- og støttecentret.
Other possibilities of support
Some students with neurological difficulties may require various other aids - these can include both IT aids and ergonomic furniture.
For some, it may be necessary to undergo an aid assessment at the Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IBOS). Here, you can have a specific evaluation of which aids might be useful for you, such as a laptop stand, film for your computer screen, IT aids, or something entirely different.
Other students may need ergonomic furniture, such as a height-adjustable desk or an ergonomic chair.
There are various possibilities if you have a neurological disorder, which we would be happy to provide more information about during your initial consultation with an SPS advisor.
