Latest news on this topic

NEW: Discussion groups for autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and dyslexia

In the 2025/26 winter semester, TU Wien will once again host its accessible Coffee Hour, offering opportunities to engage in dialogue and ask experts questions about ASD, ADHD, and dyslexia in discussion groups. BOKU students are warmly invited to participate in the monthly events. For more information, please visit the TU Wien website: https://www.tuwien.at/studium/student-support/coffee-hour-barrierefrei

The sessions will be held in german!

 

General Informations

Neurodiversity is not a medical term, but describes people whose brains work differently from those of so-called neurotypical individuals. This includes, for example, people with ADHD or autism spectrum disorders.

Those who describe themselves as neurodivergent often experience particular challenges in everyday life or when performing certain tasks, but have distinct strengths in other areas. Neurodiverse people perceive their environment in their own way and often learn differently than neurotypical people—their ways of thinking broaden the spectrum of human diversity.

Autism spectrum

Here you will find more detailed information about the autism spectrum and challenges in studying.

ADHD

Here you will find more detailed information about ADHD and the challenges it poses for students.

Past events at the Awareness Days

Please find below the links to our events on neurodiversity at Awareness Days 2023 and 2024:

Awareness Days 2024 and 2023 page

Frequently asked questions about ADHD and ASD

How does a diagnostic process work?

First, it is important to find a place where a diagnostic procedure can be carried out. The test procedure itself consists of several tests and examinations. Especially in adults, diagnostic interviews and questionnaires are predominantly used as a basis. However, vision and hearing tests are also sometimes used. It is important to differentiate between coexisting or other disorders using differential diagnosis.
 

 

 

Who should I contact for a diagnosis?

A diagnosis can be made by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. A contact list with addresses of diagnostic and therapeutic centers can be requested from the ADAPT association: Contact form to request a contact list

How much do such diagnostic procedures cost?

This depends largely on the choice of diagnostician. Many psychologists and psychiatrists in this field do not have contracts with health insurance companies, which means that the treatment costs must be paid by the patient. Most hourly fees range between €100 and €180.

Private doctors bill their treatments directly, although in some cases up to 80% of the treatment costs can be reimbursed by the Austrian health insurance fund.

Can I study with ADHD?

Yes, studying is possible. Since ADHD can affect academic performance, there is also a right to compensation for disadvantages in this case.

What is disadvantage compensation?

Students with disabilities or chronic/mental impairments have the option of adjusting their examination modalities. However, the study objective must remain achievable. Further information and details are available from the Coordination Office for Equality, Diversity, and Disability.
 

When am I entitled to compensation for disadvantages?

If a medical or psychological certificate is provided as proof.

 

 

 

Where can I go if I have questions about studying with ADHD?

Information is available from the Coordination Office for Equality, Diversity, and Disability at BOKU. Psychological counseling is also available from the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) and the Ministry's psychological student counseling service. However, these services are not specifically familiar with the topic of AD(H)D.
 

 

 

Where can I go for more information on ADHD?

Here are some links with additional information and services related to ADHD, specifically in Austria:

ADAPT – Working group for the support of people with ADHD

Team ADHD

Margot Lepuschitz – Life and social counselor for people with ADHD
 

 

 

 

 

 

Is there an opportunity to network with other affected individuals at BOKU?

There will be networking meetings for those affected in the future. As soon as a date has been set, it will be published on the homepage of the Coordination Office for Equality, Diversity, and Disability.