荔枝视频

Neurodivergent post-secondary students, including those diagnosed with learning disabilities (LD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are three times more likely to withdraw from college or university after their first year compared with their neurotypical peers.

To boost the academic and career prospects of neurodivergent youth, a team of researchers from the 荔枝视频 and the University of Manitoba has created , a self-paced, choose-your-own-adventure-style video game designed specifically for students with LD and ADHD.

Barriers beyond accommodations

Despite access to learning accommodations, these students are often unprepared for the demands of post-secondary education and experience higher levels of stress, decreased well-being and social isolation.

, PhD鈥�10, associate dean of graduate programs with the , says failing to earn a degree places this population at an even greater disadvantage, as they already contend with unemployment and underemployment.

鈥淚ndividuals who do not attend post-secondary education can experience negative long-term outcomes, including earning up to 50 per cent less throughout their lifetimes than individuals who have a post-secondary degree,鈥� says Schroeder.

Game-based learning approach

GEARS aims to bridge this performance gap by helping students develop the skills and confidence to prosper.

鈥�GEARS is a story-driven video game that translates complex, often-overwhelming academic navigation processes into an interactive, low-pressure experience tailored to neurodiverse learners,鈥� explains , PhD, an associate professor in the 鈥檚 Department of Computer Science. 鈥淚t adapts its content to each player, helping neurodiverse students build self-advocacy and access supports in a personalized way.鈥�

Through gameplay, users learn practical skills for transitioning from high school to post-secondary education, including time management, financial budgeting and accessing learning accommodations.

Players also gain a better understanding of their personal strengths and needs, as well as strategies for managing stress and academic responsibilities.

Benefits beyond the individual

With more neurodivergent students pursuing post-secondary education, helping them realize their full potential is increasingly important 鈥� and the benefits extend beyond the individual, says Werklund Master of Science student Stefanie Ng.

鈥淣eurodivergent graduates bring valuable skills, such as creativity, attention to detail and innovative thinking, that strengthen the workforce, particularly in fields like STEM,鈥� Ng says. 鈥淪upporting their success reduces long-term social and economic costs while enriching the talent pool.鈥�

Study seeks participants

To evaluate the effectiveness of GEARS, the interdisciplinary research team is recruiting grade 11 and 12 students preparing to enter post-secondary programs, as well as first-year students who have recently transitioned.

Participants will be asked to complete a self-paced tutorial over three one-hour Zoom sessions, along with brief pre- and post-game surveys.

Results from the study will be used to assist students across Alberta advance from high school to post-secondary.

Full details are available on the .