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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Which (South East/London) university might suit my autistic daughter?

34 replies

SorciereDesMemises · 28/08/2025 13:01

Any advice or insights would be really helpful. DD is just going into year 12 and is beginning A-levels in maths, economics and history. She is reasonably, but not highly academic (8x 7’s, 8’s at GCSE and one 6.) she’s hoping to study economics or data sciences with a view to a career as an accountant, actuary or tax consultant. She is academically reasonably ambitious but hates highly competitive environments.

We are just starting to look at universities now, because this will probably be a long process involving several visits and she does not want to feel rushed at the beginning of year 13. She said she wants somewhere not too big, where she can meet like minded people and where she can be independent (such as self catering) without too much need to be in huge social spaces (such a a a refectory.) She is happy to consider somewhere less academic if it is right for her socially. She absolutely loves singing, especially church music and folk and is practising Christian but very socially liberal. Doesn’t care for sports or drama, doesn’t drink but loves a dance. She knows London well and is more than happy to consider a london university, but does not want somewhere with halls miles away from lectures. She wants to be within 2 hours of home (Epping.)

Any help appreciated!

OP posts:
FrenchandSaunders · 29/08/2025 12:23

Brighton

SorciereDesMemises · 29/08/2025 12:28

Thanks all. We will certainly apply for DSA. I can’t quite imagine what she might need, probably mostly a friendly and familiar face, so perhaps a bit of mentoring.

I’d forgotten about Brunel, and DSIL and BIL are in Chiswick so that might be a good call.

DD has keenly announced that she (and hence I) is off to her first open day next Saturday- UEA and then to QMUL in October. Exciting times!

OP posts:
UncorrectedPersonalityTraits · 29/08/2025 12:32

Reading was extremely supportive and helpful with my ND and socially anxious DS2. The Lizzie line makes it a great option from London. The campus is lovely and it is on the small side so not overwhelming. He was in accommodation which was prioritised for students in receipt of DSA and guaranteed hall accommodation for all three years, if he had wanted it.

AnastasiaCrumpet · 29/08/2025 12:46

Another vote for Reading. They do a scheme called Reading Scholars for ASD students, although you join in year 12 (https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/visiting-and-open-days/activities-for-schools/reading-scholars)

They have early, relaxed moving in days for ASD students, with low key meet and greets and campus tours before everyone else starts.

They also have enough accommodation for students to stay on campus for all 3 years.

Reading Scholars outreach programme

The Reading Scholars programme gives Year 12 students a real taste of undergraduate life, combining the insights of leading academics and undergraduate mentors.

https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/visiting-and-open-days/activities-for-schools/reading-scholars

Seeline · 29/08/2025 12:53

UncorrectedPersonalityTraits · 29/08/2025 12:32

Reading was extremely supportive and helpful with my ND and socially anxious DS2. The Lizzie line makes it a great option from London. The campus is lovely and it is on the small side so not overwhelming. He was in accommodation which was prioritised for students in receipt of DSA and guaranteed hall accommodation for all three years, if he had wanted it.

Edited

Just remember that very few students will be around on UEA campus next Saturday as term doesn't start for another 3 weeks, so the vibe will be different. A quieter visit may suit your DD in the first instance, but you may want to visit again when it is more busy to get a feel for things.

Student Support Services will be around to chat to - we found them very helpful (they were in Congregational Hall when we visited, but may be different this time - just ask someone).

You might also find a chat with Accommodation helpful. You will be able to visit some of the accommodation available. Have a look at The Village - just outside campus - the flats are a bit smaller (usually 6 people), and being able to escape the general hub bub of campus might be helpful (it's still a busy and social space though!).

OOps - quoted the wrong person, and now can't change it!
Meant for OP @SorciereDesMemises

MrsEmmelinePankhurst · 29/08/2025 12:56

Another vote for Winchester. It’s very very autism-friendly, and it’s a small city where everything is walk-able easily.

Onlyseeingitnow · 29/08/2025 13:19

Southampton Uni is very low key and highly academic. One of mine loved it there. Feels very much the traditional uni town in student areas such as Portswood. Being on the coast adds another dimension. Also very well connected with public transport. Winchester is nearby for posh days out.

pringleaddict · 29/08/2025 16:49

Bath Uni has excellent support - a residential stay for year 12 autistic students, a “club” for them to meet each other, they can stay in uni accommodation for their full degree. My AuDHD DD is loving it there. As Bath only does maths/science subjects, I think it actually attracts a higher % of ND students! It’s very highly ranked and lots of courses also offer a year in industry.

CautiousLurker01 · 01/09/2025 09:15

Am a recent Surrey grad and the support there for ND students is excellent. Would say the same for Reading (Godson’s recently there, one was ND, but the other was there during lockdown and the pastoral and student support was apparently excellent). Have several friends with autistic DC’s looking at Royal Holloway at the encouragement of their specialist school, so would also say those three are definite contenders. My DD is ASD/ADHD and going to KCL - so far the disabilities team have been great and the support we’ll be getting from SFE in the form of DSA is, well, mind-boggling so I’d have a look at the support your DC can get in tandem with what the uni will offer (an academic study tutor and a separate disability mentor, 30hrs each per annum plus a load of incredible software and tech to help with the course and time management for example.)

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