Support at University

[OneInEight]

Has anybody managed to get good support at University for very anxious & ASC youngster. Cunning plan to encourage ds2 to go to local university has failed as not offered a place. He has, however, been offered a place at one an hour or so (car) away but honestly none of us know if he will cope. ds1 has had minimal support at his university other than quiet exams but in fairness has not really needed much & has coped well. But ds2, although improved from where he was a couple of years ago i.e. he will sometimes leave the house. is still way behind in social and independence skills than ds1 was. So, basically, what support, if any, has helped your young adult at university.

Have you applied for DSA @OneInEight?

Our DS is starting this September and has been offered a laptop, software and an hours mentoring each week to help with study skills.

Will they be staying in accommodation and have they got specialist accommodation?

And would an apprenticeship be a better option?

DD2 has ASD although her needs aren’t as significant as your DS’s. She has had good support at university via DSA. For example, a mentor, study skills sessions, laptop/printer, software/equipment and training to use it, travel costs, exam access arrangements, and the additional cost of an en-suite compared to a room without was not charged or refunded (if a specific accommodation is needed for disability reasons and the accommodation is university owned or owned by a third party acting on behalf of the university the university should not charge the extra. If it’s private accommodation DSA can refund the difference).

As well as DSA support can also be provided via social care if necessary.

Thank you. We will have to look more into DSA it seems. Letting go is so difficult though - particularly when it has gone spectacularly wrong in the past. dh would prefer him to do a supported apprenticeship but I have not been able to find any information about actual roles rather than just the theory of the scheme.

Definitely discuss DSA with them.

If DH is keen on a supporter apprenticeship, what information has he been able to find?

That is a very good question that I have been asking him repeatedly!!!! Sadly, these days dh's health is pretty poor so anything requiring the slightest mental effort is beyond him most days.

Your LA should have information about supported internships and supported apprenticeships on their website. Some colleges might have information on their websites, too. There may also be a local group/charity/project that could help - e.g. project SEARCH in Lancashire and The Education People in Kent. If DS is interested in either working in the NHS (not necessarily clinical) or police they often have schemes.

The British Association for Supported Employment may be able to help.

Wow is that reflective of all universities or is the one your DD goes to particularly good? We are just starting to look into this (DS currently in year 12).

@lifeturnsonadime all the DSA support DD2 had (she has just finished but going onto further academics and is awaiting to hear about DSA support for that) can be provided at any university. It is all about making sure the DSA assessment includes all their needs and the support required. You can see the DSA policy guidance here.

DSA is absolutely nothing like the EHCP process. Support is more forthcoming, the process is less adversarial and bureaucratic.

Thanks @ThomasWasTortured will look into it now.

Hi one in eight nice to see you. How is Ds1 doing?

As well as DSA, it is worth contacting the disability services at the university concerned. They do vary from university to university but will, at the minimum, provide a contact point for exam arrangements and course adjustments (eg automatic assignment extensions or reading lists in advance).
Some will also arrange introductory courses for ND students, Buddy schemes for new starters and social groups aimed at ND students.

It is also worth contacting accommodation services to see what they can provide. Some have quiet flats or blocks, some have more hands-on warden or security systems than others. They also vary in how much housekeeping is provided.

It is possible to get social services support too though not easy. You approach the home LA not the university one.

Don't forget to maximise all the general disability support available even if it hasn't seemed necessary while Dcs are at home (PIP, Blue Badge, bus pass, railcard, health costs certificate, statutory or voluntary ASD services for example).

Thank you NoHaudinMaWheest.

ds1 I think is the most competent one of the family at the moment and doing really well. Absolutely amazing given how he was at ten. End of second year & waiting for his exam results. He has got a lot out of university as managed to find 2 niche societies to make friends and do stuff with. He failed to get an internship for the Summer but hopefully has learnt the lesson that you do really need to know what you are applying & show some semblance of enthusiasm & meanwhile will probably do the casual cleaning job he did last summer.

We have contacted student support. Our main difficulty is that ds2 refuses to admit he needs help. He has at least given us permission to talk to them on his behalf. He has PIP at least for another year so that is something. Social services discharged him because they basically have zero to offer for HFA young adults in our LA. It may all be academic if C&G don't send him his certificate for functional skills English (six months and waiting).

Good to hear how ds1 is doing.

Yes very difficult if they don't realise that they need help.
If ds is living away from home, he may qualify for SS help that he wouldn't at home. Ds got a support worker who helped him with cooking, shopping, laundry, cleaning etc. Though admittedly not until his course was on the verge of breaking down.