As colleges and universities welcome increasing numbers of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other learning differences, advisors play a critical role in fostering environments where all students can thrive. This microcredential responds to that need by blending research, lived experience and actionable advising practices.
Developed through a national partnership led by Marshall Online, the microcredential was created with funding from the Advising Success Network (ASN) Pitch Competition. The course was co‑created with advisors and student‑support experts from multiple institutions across the country, including the Indiana University–Bloomington, Marquette University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of South Carolina–Columbia. Many of the course developers identify as neurodivergent themselves, producing content that is both authentic and grounded in real advising practice.
To accompany the launch, Marshall Online published a blog highlighting the collaborative, cross‑institutional process behind the microcredential. The post introduces the subject‑matter experts, shares personal reflections from advisors with lived neurodivergent experience and explores how the course shifts advising from transactional to relational. The blog offers an insider look at how national partnerships, student voices and instructional design came together to create a learning experience grounded in empathy, sustainability and real‑world advising practice.
Read the blog here.
The course is offered at no cost and is available nationwide through the Marshall Skills Exchange.
About Marshall Online
Marshall Online advances innovative, student‑centered online education at Marshall University. With a focus on student engagement, faculty support and workforce‑aligned microcredentials, Marshall Online is committed to expanding access and improving outcomes for learners everywhere.
About the Advising Success Network (ASN)
The Advising Success Network is a national partnership of organizations working to advance evidence‑based advising practices that promote equitable student success. ASN supports institutions across the country through funding, professional learning and open‑source resources.