Introducing the Autistic and Neurodivergent Student Association

In October 2023, the Sonoran Center and student partners established the University of Arizona Autistic and Neurodivergent Student Association (ANDSA). Now, ANDSA is thriving. As club leader Ajai says, “It’s a place for autistic and neurodivergent students to relax and socialize together.”

ANDSA meets on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. in the University of Arizona Highland Commons Campus Health & Disability Resource Center, in room B116. At the meetings, participants discuss neurodiversity advocacy and life, and have opportunities to socialize with other neurodiverse students. While advocacy is one focus of the group, the main purpose is to give autistic and neurodivergent students a place to congregate without the stresses of neurotypical spaces. “We do try to deconstruct the stigma around neurodiversity, but mostly we’re here to have fun,” according to Ajai. 

In addition to the regular meetings, the organization has put on several events, including mixers, study groups, and a ‘community clean’ where participants encouraged each other over Zoom to clean their living spaces. ANDSA is looking to grow, and that means new participants. You can also visit their instagram @ua.andsa to learn more. If you are a neurodivergent student at the University of Arizona, click here to sign up for the listserv.