Different diagnostic manuals, and the different autism profiles presented by individuals have resulted in a range of diagnostic terms. You may have a diagnosis of one of the following:

• Autism
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Classic Autism
• Kanner Autism
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
• High-Functioning Autism (HFA)
• Asperger Syndrome
• Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Support offered

The autism spectrum is very diverse and no two individuals with autism are the same. We tailor our support to the individual, so book a Disability Adviser appointment to discuss your specific needs.

We can provide practical and tailored support with your course through a learning contract and will discuss your individual needs with you in your disability adviser appointment or study needs assessment.

We will work with you to understand how your studies are affected and how we can support you as a learner. We can provide support for lectures and seminars, assignments and exams, including:

• adjustments for group work
• extra time to complete assignments

You could also receive additional support, such as:

• support from a mentor
• support from a study skills support tutor
• specialist equipment and software

Our Inclusive Support team provides Autistic Student Support, The Social for autistic students and a peer mentoring scheme.

Getting support put in place as early as possible can help you gain more independence in your university life. However, you can opt into support at a later stage of your studies if you wish.

If you require daily living-related support, such as help with shopping, cooking and personal care, this is funded through social service departments. This support will need to be organised before you arrive at university.

Evidence requirements

To get support, you need to provide evidence of your diagnosis or working diagnosis of autism, Asperger Syndrome or another condition on the autism spectrum. This could be in the form of

• a diagnostic assessment completed at any age by a relevant professional. If your diagnostic assessment was completed a number of years ago - for example whilst you were in primary school - it is less likely to include information relevant to studying at university. In this case you may need to send your funding body additional medical evidence completed more recently, which confirms the potential impact of your diagnosis on your studies.
• a letter written and signed by your GP (on headed notepaper or stamped with the surgery details) confirming that you have had a diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition, and giving details of the potential impact of this diagnosis on your studies.
• an Education, Health and Care Plan completed by a relevantly qualified professional, which states clearly that you have autism, Asperger syndrome or another condition on the autistic spectrum.