Exploring generative AI in learning: neurodivergent and disabled students' voices in higher education

He, Y ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9982-7491, Chen, E ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2773-2933 and Fletcher, R, 2025. Exploring generative AI in learning: neurodivergent and disabled students' voices in higher education. In: 26th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED 2025), Palermo, Italy, 22-26 July 2025.

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Abstract

In recent years, the number of neurodivergent and disabled students enrolled in universities in the UK has increased. These students often face challenges related to cognitive processing, self-regulation and social acceptance. Meanwhile, the rise of generative AI (GenAI) chat-bots, such as ChatGPT and MS Copilot, has gained significant attention in higher education and has potential for personalised support for these students. Despite this growing focus on GenAI, the perspectives of disabled and neurodivergent students remain largely overlooked. This paper amplifies the voice of these students through a survey of 54 neu-rodivergent and disabled students in one of the largest UK universities between March and May 2024. It explores their perceptions of GenAI, how they use GenAI for supporting their studies and related activities, and how GenAI complements the institutional support that they can receive. A quantitative analysis of the survey responses revealed diverse opinions and experiences of using GenAI. Additionally, a framework was developed based on the information processing theory for analysing open-ended questions of the survey. The analysis confirmed the biggest challenges faced by these students and highlighted the most beneficial applications and primary concerns that they have about GenAI. This paper concludes with recommendations and future research propositions.

Item Type:	Conference contribution
Creators:	He, Y., Chen, E. and Fletcher, R.
Date:	3 April 2025
Identifiers:	Number Type 2424016 Other
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	08 Apr 2025 10:49
Last Modified:	08 Apr 2025 10:50
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53378

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