MIND@Berklee Neurodivergent Program
Who We Are
The Mental, Invisible, and Neurodivergence-based Disabilities program at Berklee (MIND@Berklee), part of Accessibility Resources for Students (ARS), is dedicated to supporting and celebrating neurodivergent* students. MIND strives to create an inclusive community by fostering connection, belonging, and education around neurodiversity within the Berklee community. Through engaging social events, specialized programming, one-on-one coaching, faculty and staff training, and the Boston pre-orientation program, MIND works to amplify neurodivergent culture and identity, ensuring that every student’s unique strengths are embraced and valued.
* “Neurodiversity” and related terms come from the Autistic Rights Movement in the 1990s. In the time since, the definition of “neurodivergent” has expanded to include a variety of neurotypes, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other cognitive or developmental differences. Some neurodivergent people prefer identify-first language (e.g., autistic person), while others prefer person-first language (e.g., person with autism). We use a mix of both in recognition of this fact and to make space for a wide variety of neurodivergent individuals, such as, autistics, students with ADHD, learning disabled, and students with similar lived experiences of neurodivergence.
What We Do
Neurodivergent Pre-Orientation
The MIND Pre-Orientation is designed specifically for first-year Boston campus students who identify as neurodivergent to help them transition into Berklee before the start of the fall semester. Programming during the pre-orientation aims to support students in familiarizing them to campus, building community, connecting to key resources, and addressing specific needs. Pre-Orientation also provides an early, sensory-friendly move-in experience for on-campus students.
Learn more about our Pre-Orientation Program.
Community Events
The MIND Program holds semesterly community events, such as board games, study sessions, community mingles, jam sessions, and collaborative events with other departments for students. MIND also provides specialized programming for Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Autism Acceptance Month, Disability Pride Month, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month. To find out more, please click the hyperlink above in the title.
Yearly Empowerment Showcase
In 2024, MIND started the tradition of The Disabled, Neurodivergent, and/or Chronically-Ill Empowerment Showcase, which is now a yearly event during family weekend in October. It is an opportunity for students to showcase neurodivergent performance styles, and/or share their own original works. MIND empowers the Berklee community by providing this social justice and self-advocacy platform for our students.
Customized Training and Coaching for Faculty and Staff
The MIND Neurodiversity Program Manager develops tailored training for faculty, staff, and other members of the Berklee community. These specialized trainings provide educational opportunities about neurodiversity. Additionally, one-to-one coaching sessions are offered for faculty and staff to support their needs when working with students.
Individualized Meetings and Advising for Neurodivergent Students
The MIND Neurodiversity Program Manager offers one-on-one coaching support to neurodivergent students, helping them navigate the transition to college, develop self-advocacy skills, process their diagnosis, manage social stress, connect with resources, and receive personalized recommendations to enhance their experience at Berklee through an individualized and holistic approach.
Get Involved
For more information about the MIND@Berklee Neurodiversity Program, please reach out to MIND@berklee.edu or call Accessibility Resources for Students at 617-747-2387. You can also reach out directly to the Neurodiversity Program Manager, Tara Allen, at tallen5@berklee.edu.
