Neurominority student health and wellbeing
La Trobe has many health and wellbeing services available to Neurominority students
AccessAbility and Inclusion
If you choose to disclose your neurodiversity status to the university, you will do so through AccessAbility and Inclusion. Depending on your situation, you may then gain access to a variety of resources, reasonable adjustments, and accessibility considerations during your studies. This can range from assessment extensions to the use of private study rooms in the library, and beyond. Any information you disclose will remain strictly confidential.
For more information, scroll down to read about Learning Access Plans as they relate to Neurodiversity.
You can also access the full Health and Wellbeing website to view other services and resources for your health and wellbeing, including Counselling, Safer Community, Food and material aid, Legal Aid, Financial Counselling, Multifaith Spiritual support, and LGBTIQA+, Men's and Indigenous programs.
Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion
Counselling services
La Trobe offers all students free, professional psychological, social and emotional care, in order to support academic and personal success.
Access the counselling website for more information on the Counselling service and booking information.
La Trobe Medical Centre
This GP clinic is on the Bundoora campus in the Health Sciences 1 Building. It offers a variety of bulk-billed services for students and staff.
Access the Medical Centre website for more information and booking details.
Learning Access Plan (LAP)
If you decide to register with AccessAbility Hub, you may be eligible for a Learning Access Plan (LAP). A LAP is a document that you can use to demonstrate your need for reasonable adjustments to your lecturers, tutors, supervisors, and other academic support staff. The purpose of this document is to help you effectively communicate and advocate for your needs.
For example, you may benefit from having a LAP if:
-you are Autistic and wish to enrol in online tutorials (where available) due to sensory sensitivities; or
-if you are dyslexic, and would benefit from assistive technology for support with reading or writing
-if you have ADHD and would benefit from extensions to help support your executive functioning needs.
-There are many other reasons you may be eligible, which are covered at the link below.
There are many examples of why somebody might benefit from a Learning Access Plan.
Open the below accordions to learn more about the benefits and process of obtaining a Learning Access Plan, and whether you might be eligible for one.
Np. It is important to know that having a LAP does not mean your co-ordinators, tutors, lecturers, and support staff need to be made aware of your neurotype. For example, if you identify as Autistic, Dyslexic, or ADHD, this document does not need to have your neurotype written on it. It is entirely up to you whether or not you wish to share this information, including when, how, where, why, and to whom you wish to share.
If you are approved for a LAP, you can opt to submit this document to any staff member related to your studies without disclosing why you have the LAP. This document simply communicates your study support needs to the staff, without specifying the reason behind them—protecting both your privacy and equity as a student. The decision about whether or not to disclose these details—be it a condition, minority neurotype, or otherwise—is your decision alone.
To apply for a Learning Access Plan, you need to register with AccessAbility and Inclusion. Go to the AccessAbility and Inclusion website to register.
If you have disclosed a Disability or other condition to AccessAbility and Inclusion, the university has a responsibility to uphold the relevant rights and protections as outlined in the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Disability Standards for Education 2005 .
Special Consideration
You can apply for Special Consideration if you experience serious short-term, adverse and unforeseen circumstances that substantially affects your ability to complete an assessment task. This option is available for reasonable adjustments and extensions which your Learning Access Plan may not cover. For example, if you became suddenly ill for reasons other than what is detailed in your LAP, or you experience the death of a loved one.
Learn more about Special Consideration