Does anyone have any experience of SEN provision at Sussex, Kent or Queen Mary (London) Unis?

[Muppet2022]

DS (diagnosed with ASD+ADHD) has got offers from these three Unis. He doesn't have an EHCP, would he get any help or support at Uni? In particular with organisation and emotional support.

I'd love to hear of anyone's experiences, whether good, bad, or indifferent, which I can pass on to him to help him choose. Also, did the university connect with parents at all?

He does not need an EHCP just a Needs Assessment which can be arranged prior to starting privately or via the uni Student Support Services. If he ticks the DSA box on his UCAS application it would be flagged. Support can include practical help, equipment and mentoring. Worth speaking to the Student Support office at open days or via email.

Watching as mine is younger but this kind of question very much on my radar

Thank you @LIZS - I'll speak to the support officers, that's really helpful!

Is there anyone who might have (grown up) children at one of these who might be able to comment or maybe have some experience?

A lot of the support is given though the DSA system independent of the university (mentoring, study skills support, specialist software and computer equipment etc). The universities cover things like extra time in exams, providing lecture notes etc themselves. Definitely worth emailing the learning support departments, but unless your son has given consent on UCAS for you to speak to unis on his behalf they will only be able to speak to you in general terms because of data protection. Mine is the same year, hasn't applied to any of these unis but has just had the DSA assessment.

You will need diagnosis letters etc to access the DSA system.

My advice would be to apply for support via the DSA now. Have it in place before he starts - don't wait until your DS has started. Most universities provide very little independent support ime.

My dd is at Sussex just finishing her first year. There are loads of students with SEN there and they seem to get lots of support, mainly through DSA.
After dd accepted her place she had a long conversation with a woman from the wellbeing and support service who really put her mind at ease about how Sussex would support her both academically and socially. She was given an ensuite and will be refunded the difference in price at the end of the year, fridge in her room etc. Academically she gets extra time for assessments, can access quiet spaces in the library, doesn't have to do presentations to her peers if she feels she will struggle. Apparently there is a note put on her file about her adaptations but no-one other than the lecturers know she has SEN and they don't know why.
Dsa had provided her with a printer, recording software etc etc and a mentor once a week who has been amazing! I'm sure there's more I've forgotten... if only all this was available during A-levels😭

Gleegeek that sounds amazing! So good your DD has that level of support. If only things were that good at school!

Oh wow @gleegeek that sounds so good. Can I ask what DSA is?

Dsa is Disabled Students Allowance. You apply for it when you apply for student finance. You need evidence of whatever disabilities, either from specialists or your gp and then you have an assessment, which is amazing, not a scary experience at all. The assessor really seemed to understand dd's conditions and made suggestions about what might help her. It was all very positive.

@gleegeek that sounds great - thanks so much for explaining.

is DSA means tested then?

www.disabilityrightsuk.org/applying-disabled-students%E2%80%99-allowances-dsas

...Eligibility for DSA does not depend on your income or the income of your family.

No it is assessed on need not income. The assessment looks at whatever issues are involved and how adjustments can be made. Ie. A mentor to help manage workload , dictation software to help with note taking.