Transitioning to University

I would suggest asking the university what support they could offer for autistic students, and if they could help in between.
You could then look into any other support that's available, the NAS might be able to help with that.

It can be daunting when thinking about Uni, I had the chance for a sponsored placement at my first job, but rejected it outright because of difficulties I had with college and working. Kind of regret it as it would have been better to have faced it and see how I got on, but it may have been a car crashing waiting to happen.

Its different times now though, Uni's are much more aware and supportive (though not always good at it, from what I've read), and also there are ways to reduce anxieties, build confidence, and learn to cope independently - such as 'dry runs' to the Uni, get used to going there, and what its like so its not a shock on day 1, and if the Uni can let them sit in on lectures then they could experience that.  Also, help them be more independent at home - cooking, shopping, managing money, cleaning, etc.  May also be local support services for independence skills, have at look online or maybe ask social services.  Local disability charities might also help with independence skills.

Two years provides enough time to develop, but also too much time to think/worry so important to manage that side of it.

So interesting to read your post here as my son is just taking a break from college as he was struggling to cope. He was doing quite well until the pandemic hit and that completely disrupted his education - and when he eventually returned he couldn’t cope with it. He had sensory overload and going back to having Selective Mutism (he only has this in educational settings) was horrendous for him. His social anxiety also hugely increased going back to college after the isolation of lockdown. It was all too much.

My son is at a further education college (not a university) so has lived at hipbone throughout - so that is different to your situation. My son’s college have not been great at offering support I must say - they say they cannot provide the specialist support he needs for his Selective Mutism - even though he has an EHCP. We’ve always struggled to get support for him. I hope you have more luck with the University. As is often the case I suspect you’ll have to do a lot of work to find the support never mind to actually get it! Good luck x 

When they were at Sixth Form they had a one-to-one learning assistant which was incredibly helpful. I don't think they would have made it through otherwise.

When they were at Sixth Form they had a one-to-one learning assistant which was incredibly helpful. I don't think they would have made it through otherwise.