Starting uni on the spectrum

Hi everyone,

I am 17 ( S6 in Scotland, and I'm not sure the equivalent in England sorry, but the year you start applying for university and UCAS things). I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about starting a whole new chapter and experience ( I am applying to start in September 2020). We have started out personal statements but I feel like everything is going so fast! I am also concerned that uni's will not want me because I am on the spectrum and am not the " normal" expected students as I am applying for a very competitive course.

Does anyone have any advice about this whole UCAS and uni experience with having Asperger's?

I would be really grateful - the school have been good but I feel like no one really, truly understands.

  • Oh yeah, and I love autistic students (though admittedly I’m biased!). Almost without exception they are studying something they are passionate about and it shows. Go for it!

  • Yep, you being autistic really won’t affect your chances of getting in, so don’t worry about that. 

    Once you’re there there should be quite a lot of support you can access including extra funding. There will undoubtably be challenges though. I’m an autistic member of uni staff and thre are still challenges!. My advice would be to try to find someone you’re comfortable talking to early on so you can approach them if you need help. That could be someone in disability support, your tutor, another academic, a support mentor, a member of your departments office staff... as long as there’s someone who’s got your back it should really help.

    Good luck - I hope everything goes well for you :o)

  • Former Member
    Former Member

    I only know the English system and am studying at PHD level now. I found my BA hard due to living in halls. I didn't know I was autistic at the time and the constant social expectations were too much for me. During my MA, and now PHD, I've had my own home and studied at a distance, which works better for me.

    Being disabled brings in extra money to the uni in the form of a premium, which is a good thing. I know someone who works in admissions at an elite uni and they don't even read the personal statements as all they're interested in are the student's grades. Despite this, I'd still try your hardest with your statement just in case your prefered uni's do read it.