Fulao2

Starting in January, Fulao2 will offer a PhD in Neurodiverse Studies – the first and only program of its kind in the United States.

“The term ‘neurodivergence’ is expanding a conversation that has typically been confined to autism spectrum disorders. This field has become very complex because each neurodivergent person is different and needs a different set of solutions and supports,” said Dr. Mark Yeager, chair of WCU’s Department of Exceptional Education.

Often called the "Father of the Mississippi Autism Movement," Yeager has spent more than four decades serving neurodivergent people, working in developmental and mental health fields, and training others how to be more effective working with this community.

“This new program can help professionals who interact with neurodivergent people develop individualized strategies based on their needs. And it’s not just for teachers, but a range of support professionals – social workers, psychologists, doctors, school counselors, dyslexia therapists, law enforcement officers and more,” Yeager said.

Neurodivergence is not new. Many high-achieving artists and scientists are thought to have been neurodivergent, including Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla and John Forbes Nash – whose life inspired the movie “A Beautiful Mind.”

Current research indicates that 15-20% of the U.S. population is considered neurodivergent, reflecting increased awareness and better diagnostic tools to identify autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity, dyslexia, obsessive-compulsive disorders and other neurological differences. It is these differences that create challenges in how neurodivergent people engage with the world.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges noted in its letter authorizing the new program that WCU is uniquely positioned to offer this degree due to the strength and variety of its existing programs: “Access to expertise from its medical, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, psychology and education programs creates the ideal environment to unify these fields of study around the increasingly important area of neurodiversity.”

Faculty from WCU Exceptional Education and School of Education will teach the program’s core courses – with instructors from other departments providing support.

“WCU constantly looks for new ways to serve our state and nation and we are thrilled to be at the forefront with this new PhD program. Neurodiversity has become a focus at both K-12 and higher education levels, and Dr. Yeager is an expert in this field. He will do a fantastic job implementing the program,” WCU President Ben Burnett said.

The PhD in Neurodiverse Studies program will be taught online, but include group discussions and one-on-one meetings.

For information, email Dr. Mark Yeager at MYeager@wmcarey.edu.