Autism and neurodiversity

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Get in touch with Disabled Student Support if you have any questions or concerns.

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Autism and neurodiversity

We support students with autism or a neurodivergence. There are a range of diagnostic terms including, but not limited to:

  • Autism
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
  • Classic Autism
  • Kanner Autism
  • Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
  • High-Functioning Autism (HFA)
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Support offered

If you have autism or a neurodivergence, your Disability Adviser will discuss your needs with you and provide support through a learning contract
Learning contract support may include:

  • adjustments for group work and presentations
  • extensions on coursework
  • adjustments to exams such as a smaller room or rest breaks

We can support you to apply for funded support, such as:

  • a one-to-one Specialist Mentor to help with motivation, organisation and to help keep you on track with your work
  • support from one-to-one Study Skills Tutor
  • access to equipment and assistive software to support notetaking, reading, writing and planning
  • a travel allowance. 

If you require daily living-related support, such as help with shopping, cooking and personal care, this is funded through social service departments. This support will need to be organised before you arrive at university.

Evidence requirements

To get support, you need to provide evidence of your diagnosis or working diagnosis of autism or a neurodivergence. This could be in the form of:

  • a diagnostic assessment completed at any age by a relevant professional.
  • a letter written and signed by your GP or healthcare professional. 
  • an Education, Health and Care Plan.
  • a working diagnosis. We can accept a letter that confirms you have been referred for a diagnostic assessment.

If you can't provide any of the above documents, you could ask your medical professional to complete a disability evidence form (PDF, 203.8KB).

If you would like to chat with us about your disability evidence, please book a Quick Query Appointment

Contact us

Get in touch with Disabled Student Support if you have any questions or concerns.

Contact Disabled Student Support