Autism Friendly Universities

[TheMysteriousJackelope]

My DD will be applying to start university in 2021 to study neuroscience or molecular biology. She is on the autism spectrum, has dyspraxia, some sensory seeking issues, and some fine motor control problems. She knows Sheffield is very good for working with autistic students, but does anyone know if Manchester, Cardiff, or Exeter are equally helpful? Are there other universities she should be thinking of applying to? She would prefer one with a strong research background as she would like to pursue a research based career.

I don’t have any specific advice but I would suggest also thinking about what sort of environment would suit your Dd. For example my Ds was quite young starting uni & anxious about changes. For him a compact campus uni was what he needed. Everything was close together, easy to navigate, no need to venture further afield until he felt ready, no worries about public transport or being late.

Of course these things may not apply to your Dd!

I would have thought all universities have to follow the equality laws, they have a duty to provide support academically & pastoral

I agree with @Decorhate . My daughter ( with autism) went to Kingston uni for this reason and loved it.

I agree with your advice about the type of campus Decorhate and Yogafairy. DD liked Exeter and Sheffield campuses very much (we went to the open days last year). A quiet, compact campus is what she needs as she does have a tendency to get lost. Kings in London just seemed too hectic.

WeMarchOn when we visited another university open day and asked what support there was for students the staff at the disabled student booth just told us to apply for a grant that DD won't qualify for and isn't what she is looking for in terms of help. On the other hand Sheffield would ensure she had a tutor used to interacting with students with autism, and would set her up with peer support, a mentor, and help with lab work as her motor control can make micro- pipeting occasionally difficult. It is that sort of additional support that she is looking for beyond just bare legal requirements. She could manage without, but if there are universities who go out of their way to help students it would be helpful to know about them.

Hi there

I've heard really good things about Bath uni and Royal Holloway (Egham, Surrey) uni for students with autism. They are worth checking out.

Best of luck to your DD

We're not at uninstage but following for interest.

I got lost easily....

@TheMysteriousJackelope
Yes that's what I meant with pastoral, a mentor, support group, peer social meets etc
I thought that was a given 🤷🏻‍♀️

When applying, DS emailed all the universities on his shortlist to ask about support for ASD, particularly quiet accommodation. They all responded, but Warwick's reply was the most helpful and comprehensive.

He had initially looked at Imperial, but decided that a big city would not be a good fit for him.

Not sure what they're doing in the current situation but Bath used to have specific events for new students on the spectrum, allowing them to start a week earlier and other sorts of support.

some universities have a special pre-freshers-week settling in week for students with autism to allow the students to get to know the campus before it gets overwhelmingly crowded. I read an article about it once but sorry I don't remember what unis.

Is the grant she was advised to get a DSA (disabled student) assessment? I understand everyone is entitled to thus, I’m just going though it with my second DS. He should get a pc, additional software etc but also one to one support from uni. I even know people who have had extra moves for appropriate accommodations

DS did investigate Manchester, as it has a strong reputation for the subject he wants to study, but decided that he didn't want to be in such a large city so far from home.

He ended up firming an offer from Cambridge because he loved the structure of the course; unfortunately he doesn't have the coordination or spatial awareness needed for cycling.

He has been assessed for DSA and has had a package approved to assist him with his learning and help him access the course.

WeMarchOn Sorry, I didn't know what was standard support for UK universities. We were a bit taken aback by a couple of universities we contacted who weren't very supportive in their information.

iamme21 although we are British, we have lived abroad for the past 30 years. We are moving back to the UK when DD starts university but she will be considered an international student and won't qualify for the grant. The money isn't so much of an issue as finding a university that matches her needs and degree choice.

@YinuCeatleAyru

some universities have a special pre-freshers-week settling in week for students with autism to allow the students to get to know the campus before it gets overwhelmingly crowded. I read an article about it once but sorry I don't remember what unis.

Warwick has an early arrivals programme for students on the autism spectrum; they can arrive a day early to settle in before the crowds descend.

Ironoaks That is good news about Cambridge, congratulations to your DS. DD would love to go to Cambridge for post graduate studies.

I've also got an ASD daughter who has categorically ruled out London for undergrad courses, and I think she's right to. Anxiety over the unknown and coping with crowded places are probably her main issues.

@TheMysteriousJackelope I'm autistic, what i would like from a uni had i gone is a support worker and an education plan in place

Ironoaks DD has just registered for the Warwick virtual open day. Thank you for that information.

WeMarchOn I agree with you on the support worker. DD and I really liked the Sheffield approach as the peer mentor would help navigate things like disputes between room mates.

YinuCeatleAyru Thank you for the information on moving in early, DD will look into that when the time comes.

OP Sheffield was my son’s 2nd choice (he’s at Bath but not sure what Bath is like for your dd’s subject).

In terms of campus, Birmingham is another one we liked. And Southampton.

Hertfordshire has had a good programme for a long time including reserved housing options (presume its still going)

Sheffiled isn't a campus university. The university buildings are all near each other but are on the edge of a vibrant city (under normal circumstances). Not all of the halls are close to the university either.

Imperial college London is Autism friendly. It has a Disability Advisory service, can help with assessment s of study needs, adjustments, reasonable adjustment. They did have pre COVID ASD peer groups, study skills and mental health mentors, counselling service. Think because it is a STEM university they have a lot of neurodiverse students.

OP, if you are paying international fees anyway, and depending on a students needs and abilities, the private Buckingham University is worth looking at.

They provided a safe space for a friend's DS who had had a breakdown elsewhere, and intervened quickly, in partnership with the parents, when problems started to reemerge. The DS graduated and stayed on for a Masters.

I would also echo the positive comments about Imperial, though agree that London as a location may not be ideal. As a STEM only University they have a pretty neuro-diverse student group. DD knew no fewer than three Imperial students through her extra curricular. Two started aged 14 (one of the mums also moved to London for the duration and enrolled them in age appropriate EC) and one, a Londoner, aged 16. One of DS' friends did not turn 18 until a week after freshers, so got a full and varied programme, but without the alcohol and designed for those who needed a gentler introduction. I would assume that the support continues.

Does anyone know how ASD friendly Bournemouth, Brighton or Chichester are ?