Meet Ruth Monk

The University's Inclusive Learning support was a game-changer for Dr Ruth Monk, now a researcher in FMHS.

Dr Ruth Monk holding her thesis.
Dr Ruth Monk received transformational support from Inclusive Learning during their PhD and wants others to know it's never to late to get help.

Despite hard graft and a stellar academic history, Ruth Monk (they/them/their) consistently found it difficult to keep up with their studies at the Faculty of Medical and Health Studies.

They frequently felt anxious and overwhelmed.

“I struggled to focus, I was distracted by every sound and movement around me, and no matter how much I studied, I could not seem to absorb what I was learning,” Ruth says.

Eventually, Ruth received a diagnosis of ASD (autism spectrum) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Ruth Monk outside the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.
Inclusive Learning had an endless supply of strategies and tips that helped Ruth work efficiently and complete their PhD, a goal that once seemed impossible.

However, despite having access to medication and a better understanding of their neurodivergence, they reached breaking point mid-PhD.

“I was in a constant state of anxiety as I tried to navigate communication differences, I lost all self-confidence, and I struggled to advocate for myself.

“I reached out to Student Disability Services in a last-ditch attempt to salvage any chance I might have had of getting through my PhD.”

Student Disability Services referred Ruth into Inclusive Learning, which proved transformational.

One of the most helpful things I found about seeing an Inclusive Learning adviser was how the support they provided was flexible and completely tailored to my specific situation and challenges.

Dr Ruth Monk

Inclusive Learning had an endless supply of strategies and tips that helped Ruth work efficiently and complete their PhD, a goal that once seemed impossible.

The Inclusive Learning adviser introduced Ruth to organisations that provided assistive technology like noise-cancelling headphones and helped them acquire workplace adjustments.

Ruth defended their thesis and attained a Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Science in 2020, and is currently employed as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Centre for Brain Research.

Inspired by their interactions with the University’s Equity Office Te Ara Tautika, Ruth has served as the FMHS PGSA representative on their faculty’s equity committee. They are also involved in the University’s Rainbow Network and Staff with Disabilities and Impairments Network.

Ruth established and co-facilitates a fortnightly Inclusive Learning Autism Spectrum Hangout Group, with a friend, as a safe and inclusive space for autistic students.

Ruth is also involved with local autism organisations and researchers, helping to bridge the gap between Autistic people and the broader Autism community.

Ruth intends to remain in neuroscience research and hopes that their accomplishments will be seen as a product of their neurodiversity, not despite of it.

  • If you are interested in finding out about the autism spectrum hangout group, or an ADHD hangout group, email Inclusive Learning at inclusivelearning@auckland.ac.nz
  • Staff members with disabilities, including autism, can find information and resources on the Staff with Disabilities web pages or contact Shasha Ali at staffdiversityequityandinclusion@auckland.ac.nz

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