Does anyones dd/ds have ASD; do they get extra support?

[Gatekeeper]

Morning all

we finally got dd's diagnosis yesterday after three years- she has accepted offer from Newcastle Uni but am really worried on how she will cope. Is anyone in same position whose child has completed 1st year (or whatever) can advise

thanks

I work in HE. If your dd declares her asd there should be some support via disability services. It will also be flagged to tutors and your dd should have a personal tutor who will support her. However, I'll be honest, it is tough for tutors to get enough time for the demands of some students. I have several with asd. One in particular really struggles with instruction and it is hard not to have my time completely taken by this one student in class. Despite my best efforts they still don't understand the assignments and I'm worried how they will progress. I honestly don't think HEd is right for all.

I've seen many asd students flourish but many struggle. So yes to support and hope your dd is one that will get a lot out of her course.

Yes! Far better than school here (not Newcastle). Dd has a weekly support session plus email/phone

Ps dd chose to stay living at home because the though of halls filled her with dread

I have ADHD and the support from university has been amazing. I had to apply for disabled students allowance which I was awarded and then I had a needs assessment which tailored my support. I don't get a note taker as I don't need one but my friend who has ASD has one for each lecture. I also get study skills sessions for modules I struggle in.

DS is struggling in his first year at uni. Even though at the open day they promised all sorts of support for students with ASD, it hasn't materialised. At his uni they have the same mindset as his 6th form, which is that the onus is on him to approach student services and tell them what support he needs (despite it being detailed in his EHCP). I think he will drop out soon as the effect on his mental health is not good. He has also struggled in halls, as he just doesn't know how to make small talk etc with his flat mates in the shared space, and so spends all his time in his room.

A colleague's DS has had a brilliant experience at his uni however, who have gone out of their way to support him. So my advice would be to do your homework on how real, and what sort, of support they offer.

My DS is autistic and is loving uni. He declared it on his UCAS application and went through the DSA process to access support. He has two mentors (one for social stuff and one for learning/organisation) but it’s up to him to access that. It’s tricky taking a step back but he’s blossomed which is lovely to see. He plans to take part in at least on uni social activity a week which works for him. He decided to commute for the first yr (easy as we’re in London) but he wants to live away next yr. So far it’s been really positive

thanks everyone

Student disability at Newcastle has been excellent with DD's CFS. It is worth contacting them about your DD. So far they have actually done what they said they were going to do. I am impressed.

Slightly different scenario but dd has ASD and dyspraxia and we struggled to get support at school (outstanding grammar). I on the other hand have dyspraxia (diagnosed about 8 years ago at uni and the support was immense - ex poly).

I think what I'm trying to say is in my experience the support is there at university via disability services at a much better level than at schools.

I think what I'm trying to say is in my experience the support is there at university via disability services at a much better level than at schools.

Oh god yes - I've ranted about this a fair bit recently - I'm recently diagnosed dyslexic (and have MH problems) and the support I've had via uni is immense... and then I switch to my SN mum hat and have to fight for every single scrap for DD2 in school. The contrast is insane (and shouldn't bloody be like that but that's my regular rant)!

Get DSA applications in early though if you're wanting any support via that to be in place for when you start - I applied into the term and my "physical" stuff (in terms of software I have to help me structure and manage lectures) won't be in place until the end of this month (thank heavens for free trials of software which I'm running on at the moment). Apart from the timescale to work its way through the system (and the eternal joy of dealing with the fucknuggets of uselessness that are Student Finance England) - I've found the DSA needs assessment system really really helpful - and while by and large our university couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery, the disability services department are generally very useful and efficient - although you do tend to have to take needs to THEM and them not chase you.

I do find the university campus very sensorily challenging though - really struggled at first - headphones and music on low got me through for a good few months and then I found all the quieter study/breakout spots on campus and tend to hide in them during the day.