Support for students with autism spectrum conditions
We provide a range of support for autistic students.
We know support needs vary considerably for autistic students and we advise contacting us as early as possible prior to arrival at Exeter, so that individual needs can be discussed.
If you are a prospective student, please read through our Prospective Student webpage and fill out our Prospective Student online form at the earliest opportunity.
If you have any questions, please email us at accessability@exeter.ac.uk or call us on 01392 723880.
Autism Spectrum Community (ASC) Social Group
We run an ASC social group through the academic year, and transition days for students prior to the beginning of each academic year.
Transition Days for prospective students
Transition days provide students with an opportunity to become familiar with the University during a quieter period, and prepares them to successfully manage their transition to university.
Dates and times for Transition Days are confirmed here at the earliest opportunity - please see more information in the orange drop-down below.
Further support
If you have not already done so, we strongly recommend that you fill out our Prospective Student Online Form as soon as possible to give us further information about the support adjustments you may require at Exeter. This can include accommodation needs and academic adjustments:
We also recommend you apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) as soon as you can, as this can give you access to support including assistive technology and software, and regular specialist mentoring sessions. DSA can take up to 14 weeks to be agreed, so it is best to start the application process as soon as possible:
If you have any questions, please get in touch with AccessAbility@exeter.ac.uk.
Online Transition Day - Monday 9th September 2024
Numbers for the online event are unlimited, and it offers similar content to the in-person event (without elements that need to be in person such as campus tours and the ASC Social Group taster).
We will send a Microsoft Teams meeting link out to attendees nearer the time and will provide a confirmed schedule and presentation slides in advance. The day will include the following sessions:
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10:20 - 10:30 | Join the Teams meeting |
| 10:30 - 11:15 | Introduction - an overview of AccessAbility and Wellbeing support and DSA info. |
| 11:15 - 11:45 | Break |
| 11:45 - 13:00 | A Question-and-Answer session with current students - current students will answer some prepared questions, with the opportunity for attendees to ask questions also. |
| 13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch break |
| 14:00 - 15:30 | An Academic Overview from a Personal Tutor - including detail on what to expect in your teaching sessions. |
| 15:30 - 16:00 | Break |
| 16:00 - 16:45 | What to Expect When You Arrive - Information on Welcome Week and accommodation. |
| 16:45 - 17:00 | Final comments |
There will be opportunities to ask questions.
How to book your place
Please complete the booking form below. You can also add any questions that you might want us to answer on the day to the booking form.
Further details for the event will be emailed to attendees nearer the time.
AccessAbility Advisors are the initial point of contact for students. During a meeting, the Advisor will set up an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) explaining reasonable adjustments that might be required, including specific recommendations for teaching and exams. We also liaise closely with academic colleges, the Accommodation Office and other University services, as necessary.
If you are a student with ASC you might benefit from:
- Regular 1:1 meetings with a specialist mentor
- Specific arrangements for exams and teaching
- Support for your specific accommodation requirements, such as an ensuite room
- 1:1 study skills support from a specialist tutor
- A support worker to help you access the library or familiarise yourself with your campus
- Access to assistive technology, including apps that help with organisation and managing the transition to University
Some students may not have a diagnosis of ASC, but suspect that they may have the condition. Those students can make an appointment to see an AccessAbility Adviser to discuss this in confidence. We can explore whether an assessment would be appropriate and can advise of the options for referral and assessment.
- SCOPE: Equality for Disabled People. Advice and support on disability equipment, assistive technology, online services, etc.
- National Autistic Society
- Autism UK: Increasing awarenes of diagnoses, education and treatment.
- Autism and Uni: This toolkit contains information and context for autistic students attending university, including student stories and more first-hand advice.
- Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome for Parents, Professionals and You! by Jerry Newport.
- Solutions for Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome: Maximising the Benefits, Minimising the Drawbacks to Achieve Success by Juanita Lovett.
- Top tips for Asperger students: how to get the most out of university and college by Rosemary Martin
