The Global Classroom: Autistic Sensory Reactivity

The Global Classroom is an international teaching collaboration between the University of Sussex and OP Jindal Global University (JGU), bringing together final-year students from Sussex’s Autism Across the Lifespan module and JGU’s Neurodiversity Across the Lifespan module (JSPC). It creates a shared learning space where students from both countries work together on applied neurodiversity projects with real-world impact.

Mixed groups — combining Sussex and JGU students — are each paired with a community partner such as a cardiologist, radiographer, university student centre, café, or other public-facing service. Students meet with their partner, analyse the sensory, communicative, and procedural demands of the setting, and then co-design a set of research-evidenced, practical recommendations to make that environment more accessible and neurodivergent-friendly. The emphasis is on grounded, realistic changes supported by psychological science and inclusive design principles.

Each group then produces a visually engaging poster capturing their recommendations from both UK and Indian perspectives, highlighting shared problem-solving rather than cultural comparison. These posters were later showcased at the Shine A Light on Autism exhibition during Autism Acceptance Week.

Through joint seminars, cross-campus discussions, and collaborative tasks, the Global Classroom gives students an authentic experience of cross-cultural dialogue, applied psychology, and evidence-informed inclusive practice, showing how neurodiversity is shaped by context, culture, and everyday environments.