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:

• Online transition day (Microsoft Teams) – Wednesday 15th July 2026
• In-person transition day (Streatham Campus) - Tuesday 1st September 2026

AccessAbility will be running two transition days for students who identify as autistic.

Online Transition Day - recording available

The online event included a Current Student Q & A, an introduction to AccessAbility and Wellbeing Services, an Academic Talk and Q & A, and an Accommodation talk. The in-person event will include a campus tour and a taster session of the weekly ASC Social Group that we run in term time. 

If you would like access to the recordings of the online transition event, please email us at accessability@exeter.ac.uk to request this, and include your full name and student number (e.g. 760112345).

In-person Transition Day on Tuesday 1st September

IMPORTANT: There has been unprecedented demand this year for the In-Person ASC Transition Day with places being booked within minutes of the invite being sent. Unfortunately, the event is now fully booked so it is unlikely that you will get a place. You can still complete the booking form, and we will add you to a reserve list and let you know if a space becomes available. We will confirm places on Tuesday 25th, so we would advise you not to make any travel arrangements until you have heard from us to confirm whether you have a place. 

There are still likely to be places at the Settle in Session. 

In-Person Autism Spectrum Community Transition Day booking form.

There are limited places due to room capacity.

The schedule will include the following (attendance is flexible - you do not have to attend every session):

09:00 – 09:15	Registration and refreshments
09:15 – 09:30	Welcome and short introduction
09:30 – 11:00	Campus and Accommodation Tour
11:00 – 11:15	Break with refreshments
11:15 – 11:40	Introduction to AccessAbility and Wellbeing Teams
11:40 – 11:45	Brief movement break
11:45 – 12:45	Academic talk and Q&A or Current Student Q&A
12:45 – 13:45	Lunch break  (Please ensure you complete the booking form by 27th August if you would like us to provide lunch.)
13:45 – 14:45	Current Student Q&A or Academic talk and Q&A
14:45 – 15:00	Break with Refreshments
15:00 – 16:15	ASC Social Group Taster or Supporter Q&A

Attending with a supporter/family member

You are welcome to attend with one supporter/family member. This is restricted to one supporter per student due to room capacity.

Other transition events

Our Widening Participation team are running enhanced induction events to support the transition of a range of student, including those with disabilities. Please see further details on the Transition Support and Enhanced Induction webpage. This includes Settle-In Sessions on Streatham Campus on Wednesday 2nd September.

The University may be able to contribute to travel costs and offer discounted overnight accommodation if you intend to come to the ASC Transition Day and the Settle-In Sessions the next day. Further information is provided in the invitation email. Please contact accessability@exeter.ac.uk to let us know if you have not received the invite and would like to do so.

External: The University of Bath is running free online talks in September for all autistic students entering UK universities in 2026 onwards. Please see further details on their autism transition webpage.

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