Course Information
INI Students are required to take one INI specific course each semester. Note: Some courses currently have the same course number as they are new courses. The course numbers will be updated soon.
HDFS 102-Academic Strategies (2 credit hours); Offered in Fall and Spring semesters
This course uses the assignments from your current classes to teach executive function strategies that will promote success this semester and throughout the rest of your academic and professional career. You will learn effective strategies to improve things like: difficulty getting started, staying organized, remembering due dates, paying attention, planning projects, managing stress, and more. Self-awareness and discovery is at the center of all coursework. (Open to new INI students)
HDFS 202-Pre-Employment Seminar (2 credit hours); Offered in Spring semester
Neurodivergent students will learn about employment preparation and opportunities targeting neurodiverse employees in this course. Students will create a resume and elevator pitch, learn about networking and corporate etiquette, practice interview skills, attend career fairs, and gain exposure and confidence in their job seeking skills. Corporate guest speakers will share about various topics related to hiring and supporting neurodivergent talent for internships and permanent positions. (Open to INI students who have completed HDFS 102 or have consent of the instructor.)
HDFS 204-Living On Your Own (1 credit hour); Offered in Fall semester
Neurodivergent students will learn and apply essential skills for living on their own. Topics include practical problem-solving strategies, medical advocacy, money management, navigating the community, home maintenance, interpersonal skills, and healthy relationships. Through interactive discussions, activities, and practical exercises, students will develop the necessary skills to thrive independently. (Open to sophomores and above in INI who have completed HDFS 102.)
HDFS 199– Internship Prep & Experience (2-4 credit hours); Offered in Spring Semester
A guided pathway to career exploration and professional growth through short-term internship experiences for students in the Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative. The first half of the course focuses on students identifying interests, researching potential placements, and learning about workplace expectations. The second half of the course includes a short internship experience either individually arranged or program-supported to allow for hands-on application of the skills they’ve learned. The course includes discussions and reflections about how to navigate and advocate inclusive work settings. Prerequisite: HDFS 202 or consent of the instructor. (Open to sophomores and above in INI who have completed HDFS 202.)
HDFS 398-Leadership in Neurodiversity I & II (2 credit hours each course); L in N I is offered in Spring, and L in N II is offered in Fall
These two courses include student-led group research projects on topics related to neurodiversity. In the first semester course, Leadership in Neurodiversity I, students will create a research plan by conducting a literature review on the topics they choose, identify research questions, form research groups, determine individual roles, obtain necessary approvals, and determine the methodology for their project. In the second semester course, Leadership in Neurodiversity II, students will implement their research plan and develop a dissemination plan to share the results of their research, including presenting at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Throughout both courses, students will also engage in activities focused on developing self-advocacy skills, becoming ambassadors for inclusivity of neurodiversity, and developing self-awareness of accommodation needs. (Open to juniors and seniors in INI who have completed prior courses.)
HDFS 398 – Global Self-Advocacy (1-2 credit hours); Fall Semester Course with Winter Break Short-Term Study Abroad Program in Italy
This course examines the application of self-advocacy skills within global and intercultural contexts, with a focus on supporting the unique strengths and needs of neurodivergent students. Through critical exploration of international customs, and cultural communication practices, students will analyze how advocacy strategies must adapt across diverse environments. Emphasis is placed on developing individualized approaches to navigating unfamiliar systems, articulating needs, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. The course is open to juniors and seniors in INI. For those in the 2-credit section, the course will culminate in a faculty-led short-term study abroad experience during winter break with additional focus on travel preparation. (Open to juniors and seniors in INI who have completed prior courses or have consent of the instructor.)
HDFS 398– INI Legacy (1 credit hour) Spring Semester
For juniors and seniors enrolled in the Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative (INI), this course will teach skills for employment and community engagement. Students will choose and complete a legacy project that will increase education and awareness about neurodiversity in campus, community, or work-place environments. (Open to seniors in INI or have consent of the instructor.)
Application Information
Incoming freshmen, transfer students, and upperclassmen are encouraged to apply. Our application is currently closed, but will open for the 2026-2027 school year in late January, 2026. Students must be admitted to the University in order to apply. Please email us with any questions at iniprogram@illinois.edu.