Support for students with autism spectrum conditions

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.

ASC Transition Days 2026:

• In-person - Summer (exact date to be confirmed)
• Online – September (exact date to be confirmed)

AccessAbility will be running two transition days for any students who identify as autistic. If you would like to attend for more information about the support available for autistic students at the University of Exeter, you will need to complete the booking form to register your interest. Talks usually include a Current Student Q & A, an introduction to AccessAbility and Wellbeing Services, an Academic Talk and Q & A, and an Accommodation talk.

The online event will run on Teams, and we ask that the mics and cameras of attendees are turned off to allow us to record the event.

How to book your place

We are not currently taking bookings, but we will upload the booking form for 2026 in due course.

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.
• Student Minds have put together a Life as a Neurodivergent Student webpage, with resources including podcast episodes and short videos.

• 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