Supporting autistic students at college and university

As students with autism make the transition to higher education, it’s important that colleges and universities foster a supportive, inclusive, and accessible environment. This blog offers practical advice for supporting autistic students – whether they’re currently at college or university, or preparing to take the leap.

Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act

Under the Equality Act 2010 (as well as the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland), universities are legally obligated to support students with disabilities, including autism, by implementing “reasonable adjustments.” These adjustments aim to ensure that autistic students are not disadvantaged compared to their peers. Reasonable adjustments can differ significantly and may include:

Extra time for assignments and exams

Alternative assessment methods such as 1-on-1 presentations instead of group work

Autism awareness training for staff to increase understanding

Quiet spaces or low-arousal accommodation to reduce sensory overload

Access to a support worker or mentor for academic and emotional guidance

Colleges and universities may have different guidelines about what sort of evidence they require to make different reasonable adjustments. It is therefore worth approaching the specific colleges and universities the student is considering to understand what kind of evidence they require. The student should be involved in the process to ensure that the adjustments meet their needs. It’s also important for students to check with what is often called the university’s Disability Advisory Service (some may use a slightly different name) to confirm which adjustments are in place and to ensure that the necessary support is ready for the start of their academic year.

In addition to academic adjustments, universities should promote inclusive practices that benefit all students. For example, making lecture materials available in advance and offering a variety of assessment methods can help autistic students engage with their education in a way that feels manageable.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government grant that offers financial support for students with autism, covering the costs of additional resources or services required for their studies. This can include:

– Assistive technology such as speech-to-text software or mind-mapping tools

– Recording devices to capture lectures or seminars

– Note-takers or study mentors for academic support

– Transport assistance for travel to and from campus.

Students should apply for the DSA as early as possible (ideally before the course commences) to ensure that support is available when needed. The application process involves a needs assessment, during which the student’s specific requirements are discussed and outlined.

Navigating university life beyond academics

Fresher’s week and the broader social environment at university can be overwhelming for autistic students. To ease this transition, students can connect with the Students’ Union or the university’s Disability Advisory Service, for alternative activities that better suit their needs. Many universities have welfare officers or designated student representatives who can provide support during this adjustment period.

Preparing for life after university

As university life draws to a close, autistic students often feel anxious about their future. It’s essential to explore potential career paths, acquire work experience through internships or voluntary roles, and connect with career services for guidance. Many autistic students may benefit from workplace support programmes, such as Access to Work, which helps fund necessary adjustments in the workplace.

Universities can also support students in developing transferable skills such as communication and problem-solving, which are highly valued in the job market. For those contemplating postgraduate studies, it is crucial to consider the benefits and challenges of further education, as the intensity and diminished support structures in postgraduate programmes may not suit every student.

At the Gesher Assessment Centre we offer private ADHD and autism assessments for children, adolescents and young adults from our centres in North London and Hertfordshire. We offer autism assessments up to age 18 and ADHD assessments to age 25. Find out more or book a call with us here.