The University of Montpellier commits to better inclusion of students with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD)

[Press release] - Published on September 23, 2024 in Press room

On Thursday, October 3, the University of Montpellier and its Handiversité service of the Direction Vie des Campus (DVC) are organizing the signing of the new Atypie-Friendly charter, in the presence of Philippe Augé, President of the UM, Agnès Fichard-Carroll, Vice President in charge of training and university life and the UM's handicap referent, and the national Atypie-Friendly program team. The signing ceremony will take place on the Triolet campus from 1pm, and will be followed by presentations on neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).

PDD includes autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) and "dys" or specific language and learning disorders. In France, one person in ten has one of these disorders. By signing the Atypie-Friendly charter, the University of Montpellier is pursuing its strong commitment to the inclusivity of people with autism or, more generally, with an ASD.

From Aspie-Friendly to Atypie-Friendly

Included since 2018 in the national strategy for autism and winner of a Call for Projects from the Programme Investissements d'Avenir (PIA), the "Building an Aspie-Friendly University" project has been engaging universities for 5 years to become more inclusive towards students with autism without intellectual disabilities. The aim is to improve their progress in higher education and support them towards social and professional integration. The project aims to address all issues, from working with national education partners prior to university entry, through to social and professional integration, via pedagogical adaptation, digital tools, social support and training. Today, it brings together more than 25 partner establishments in France. Since July 2023, Aspie-Friendly has become Atypie-Friendly, to embody the gradual extension of the approach to other TNDs, starting with ADHD and "dys" disorders.

The University of Montpellier continues its commitment

The signing of this charter will formalize the University's efforts to support the inclusion of future and current students with autism and, more broadly, those with an autism spectrum disorder. The charter defines the joint actions of the establishments and local teams involved, with concrete measures to promote the well-being and academic and professional success of people with an autism spectrum disorder.