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Advice on choosing a uni

NAS71158

Hi,

My daughter was diagnosed with ASD at the start of lockdown just before she was 16 and about to do her GCSEs. She is now in L6 and keen to go to uni after her A levels. I am wondering if any of you have any advice about how we can help and support her in making her decisions and any tips anyone may have who have been through this process. 

She is in a mainstream school and receives no additional support at the moment, which is OK as she has been at the school since she was 11. I know she is concerned about the transition to uni and move away from the friends she has/familiar locations etc and is clear on some of what she thinks she needs to help her (quiet spaces/small classes etc). 

If anyone has any wise words they could pass on I would be hugely grateful!

TIASlight smile

Parents

  • Hello Tia

    I have already been thinking about this for my 17 year-old daughter. I would look for a University that offers good pastoral care. Universities receive rankings for this. Some are excellent, some very poor indeed. When you look at their websites I would look specifically for support for students with ASD. If they don't mention it then I would say that they don't consider it seriously enough. Some Universities offer induction weeks/courses prior to the start of term to help with the transition. I would also consider a University that wasn't too far away from home. My niece was at Exeter and her family lived in Essex. When she was having problems the drive back and forth added to the stress for everyone. My sister-in-law seriously regretted her being so far from family support which she desperately needed. Like Plastic says look at what different types of accommodation they offer. Maybe catered halls is the way to start. They may even have 'quiet' floors in some of the halls. 

    Also please encourage your daughter to tell all her teaching staff that she has ASD. I teach at post-graduate level and want to know about any educational, health or support needs that my students have. That way I can deliver a better educational experience that works for everyone. 

    Good luck

Reply

  • Hello Tia

    I have already been thinking about this for my 17 year-old daughter. I would look for a University that offers good pastoral care. Universities receive rankings for this. Some are excellent, some very poor indeed. When you look at their websites I would look specifically for support for students with ASD. If they don't mention it then I would say that they don't consider it seriously enough. Some Universities offer induction weeks/courses prior to the start of term to help with the transition. I would also consider a University that wasn't too far away from home. My niece was at Exeter and her family lived in Essex. When she was having problems the drive back and forth added to the stress for everyone. My sister-in-law seriously regretted her being so far from family support which she desperately needed. Like Plastic says look at what different types of accommodation they offer. Maybe catered halls is the way to start. They may even have 'quiet' floors in some of the halls. 

    Also please encourage your daughter to tell all her teaching staff that she has ASD. I teach at post-graduate level and want to know about any educational, health or support needs that my students have. That way I can deliver a better educational experience that works for everyone. 

    Good luck

Children
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