Disabled Students Allowance - Autism

[BethanG]

Hi - my eldest has autism and has been accepted for DSA. We both know that we think regular counselling / mentoring sessions will be essential for him to adjust to life at uni. I am just wondering if anyone has any helpful hints on things their kids with autism found helpful to use their DSA for? he is fine on transport but has high levels of anxiety and I find it hard to know what he needs (as I have always met his needs!) apart from counselling. Any discussion welcome and thank you x

It is not a financial benefit as such but funding towards specific support, such as a weekly mentor, organisational help or software for recording/dictation on a laptop. This is determined by a Needs Assessment just prior to or on starting the course but may be reviewed over time. The uni may outsource this but coordinate appointments. The Student Support office may also be able to help with securing quieter or accessible room in halls.

Some of the things autistic students I’ve worked with, have had through DSA include:

• extra visits before the start of term to acclimatise
• a peer mentor
• extra appointments with academic staff
• a pastoral contact with regular meetings set up
• 1-2-1 sessions with library staff on how to use different features
• study skills support
• various softwares to support in lectures
• for lectures where attendance contributes to grade, an exemption on this in case anxiety was bad
• a pre set up extenuating circumstances form
• transport allowance
• quiet accommodation, with a review meeting after x weeks to see how it was working

Will add if I think of anything else!

Thanks so much - this is very helpful!