Supporting neurodiversity at Monash University Library

During Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16 - 20 March 2026), we are delighted to share how Monash University Library is celebrating neurodiversity.

What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a broad umbrella that recognises natural differences in how human brains think, feel, learn, and process the world. It includes autistic people, people with ADHD, mental health conditions, brain injuries, and other neurological differences. Learn more about neurodiversity.

To celebrate the Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’ll be hosting the following events:

Neurodiversity Superpowers workshops
Guest speakers will share strategies and strengths based reflection to help you explore academic resilience, innovative thinking, hyperfocus and ways to build supportive systems that help you thrive at Monash.
Art & Chill sessions
Join us in celebrating neurodiversity through art. We'll be drawing, creating and exploring what it means to be neurodivergent - and it’s free!

To mark the occasion, we are taking the opportunity to promote our available resources and to encourage users to reach out for help. Indeed, beyond Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Monash University is committed to promoting and supporting Neurodiverse people throughout the year.

Spaces

Adaptive Technology Rooms (ATR)
Private, bookable spaces with accessibility in mind. ATR rooms can be booked at Matheson, Law library, Hargave-Andrew library, etc.
Low-sensory study spaces
A low-sensory shared space, ideal for easing the mind and studying in a calm environment. This space is on the second floor of the Hargrave-Andrew library at Clayton campus.
Monash Sport Quiet Space
A relaxed space formulated to help ease the mind and let people take a break. This space is located on our ground floor at Monash Sport Clayton.
The Wellbeing Hub
The Wellbeing Hub at Clayton campus offers a calm, welcoming space designed to help you feel supported. It’s a great place to visit if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

The Library hosts spaces for activities such as puzzles and Lego, which can stimulate and engage the mind, or calm and focus it, depending on your preference.

Services

Counselling for students and staff
Monash Counselling staff are available to help via in-person appointments on campus or via telehealth (video) consultation. Free for Monash students.
Monash Disability Support Services (DSS)
As a part of a commitment toward equity, Monash offers a range of support, to help members of the Monash community succeed. If you are impacted by a disability or mental health condition, DSS is here to help you. Make sure you register for assistance.

Neurodiversity-oriented clubs

Monash offers a vibrant range of neurodiversity-oriented clubs and societies that foster connection and belonging. Join a community built around shared experiences and mutual support.

Monash Neurodivergent Minds Society (MNMS)
Undergrad Autistic Social Catch-up
A casual social gathering for students.
ADHD Social Catch-up for Graduate Students
A social hub for students to meet up monthly and connect with like-minded people.

Sensory apps

The Library has collated a list of apps designed to mediate your surroundings and take control of your sensory environment. In times where low-sensory spaces are unavailable, these tools can unwind and relax.

Auditory

Auditory apps can be useful for drowning out background noise when trying to concentrate or relax. This can help with focus and staying calm when studying.

MyNoise – available on Android/iOS/Browser
This app uses a range of immersive soundscapes, from natural white noise to calming ambient sounds and nature noises. This can help with tinnitus, anxiety relief, and concentration. It can also be used for meditation, as well as improving sleep and relaxation.
Rain Rain – available on Android/iOS/Amazon
As the name suggests, this app uses the sound of rain and thunderstorms to help with relaxation and sleep. As well as dozens of rain sounds, you can choose from ambient travel noises and familiar sounds of the home.
Rainy Mood – available on iOS/Browser/Spotify/Apple Music
Another generator of weather sounds as well as other soothing soundscapes, Rainy Mood is useful when trying to sleep, study and relax.

Equaliser and volume controls

These controls add a finer level of granularity to audio, allowing greater customisation to suit your hearing needs.

Precise Volume – available on Android
This app is an equaliser and audio control utility. It allows you to customise your audio to sound exactly how you like it. It overrides Android's default 15-25 volume steps and allows you to set a fully custom number.
Equaliser and volume settings guide - available on iOS/macOS
Not an app, but a built-in settings feature for iOS and macOS. The music equaliser lets you fine-tune sound frequencies, choose from presets or adjust manually, and save your own custom settings for later use.
FxSound - available on Windows
FxSound is free open-source software that can boost sound quality, volume, and bass. This includes an equaliser, effects, and presets so you can customise audio.

Visual

Visual apps and settings tweaks can help adjust brightness levels and blue light. This can help reduce the causes of eye strain and headaches.

Twinkle Tray - available on Windows
This app lets you manage the brightness levels across multiple monitors. It adds an icon into your system tray so you can access brightness levels of all compatible monitors.
Display Settings for Night Time - available on Windows
Your display emits blue light which can keep you up at night. To help you get to sleep, turn on the night light and your display will show warmer colours at night that are easier on your eyes.
Night Shift setting guide - available on iOS/macOS
The Night Shift function uses your computer's time and location to determine when it's sunset where you are. It then automatically changes the colours in your display to the warmer end of the spectrum. It then returns to the regular display settings in the morning.
Twilight - available on Android
Similar to the previously mentioned apps and settings, Twilight adjusts your display settings, this time by adding a blue light filter. This can help when using phones or tablets before bed and if you are sensitive to light and prone to migraines.

Stay connected

The Library runs various meet and mingle, and mindfulness activities throughout the year, such as puzzles and Lego, which can stimulate and engage the mind, or calm and focus it, depending on your preference.

Follow us on Instagram and be notified of upcoming events throughout the year.