Personal Information
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Given name: Ananya









Surname: Gupta









Email: ananya.gupta@universityofgalway.ie









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Your contribution
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Title: Drawing Resilience: Art as Language in Neurodiverse Worlds









Format: Workshop (3)









Main language: English









Abstract:
Over the past decade, the number of neurodivergent students in higher education has risen significantly. While universities aim to support diverse learners, many neurodivergent students face barriers that affect academic success and their sense of belonging. These challenges include difficulties with self-advocacy, academic stress, social isolation, and ongoing mental health concerns. Creating inclusive environments that promote participation, collaboration, and connection is therefore essential to improving their educational experiences. A key factor in improving participation is providing opportunities for students to communicate and collaborate with peers without barriers. To achieve this, it is important to understand the obstacles that prevent neurodivergent students from engaging in group activities. Art and creative practices can serve as powerful tools for non-verbal communication and inclusive participation and can help neurodivergent students overcome social and communication barriers while fostering peer connection. Studying student experiences in such settings can also inform pedagogical changes needed to improve inclusion, participation, and overall academic experience. This proposal explores “collaborative drawing” as a mode of communication through a participatory workshop with neurodivergent students. Participants will work in groups to co-create visual reflections of their campus experiences. The proposal frames visual art not as therapy, but as a primary form of communication and knowledge production, enabling students to express emotion, perception, and experience beyond verbal frameworks. Through a studio-based session, students will engage in illustration of themes of identity, resilience, and belonging. Group reflection will encourage shared interpretation and understanding. The workshop will examine how such participation can build resilience by strengthening self-expression, agency, and peer recognition. 










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Short biographies of the presenter(s):
- Ananya Gupta, MSc. PhD. 	
  Assistant Professor
  Director of Exercise Physiology
  Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, NUI Galway
  
  Ananya is a lecturer in the Discipline of Physiology. She is the Director of the MSc program in Exercise Physiology programme. Ananya has a keen interest in building more engaging curriculum that imporves inclusivity and participation. 
  
  Ananya is also an accomplised visual artist. 










Previous presentations or iterations of the research:
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Requirements
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Additional information:
Through an immersive, studio-based session, students will participate in a structured yet exploratory illustration workshop centred on the themes of identity, resilience, and belonging. The session will begin with guided prompts designed to help participants reflect on personal experiences on campus, cultural backgrounds, community connections, and moments of challenge or growth. Students working in small groups will be encouraged to translate these reflections into visual narratives using a range of materials such as drawing, collage, mixed media, and text-based elements. Throughout the workshop, the facilitator will introduce examples of contemporary artists who explore similar themes, fostering discussion about symbolism, metaphor and visual storytelling techniques. Participants will be invited to share their thoughts and ideas in small groups, discussing intentions, challenges, and discoveries. Co-created visual artefacts, process notes, and feedback will inform reflective analysis










Spatial and technical requirements :
Room with open space for students to work in small groups, small round tables with chairs, art supplies and flip charts. 










Potential risks or ethical concerns:
Students can experience strong emotions when communicating about their experiences. 










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