Autism and Aspergers

Learn more about the support the Disability and Dyslexia service can offer you as a student with autism spectrum disorder, including Asperger syndrome.

We are committed to supporting our staff to develop their careers and if you work at the University, you will have access to a range of development opportunities, including:

Tell Us About Your Needs

It is important that we know about your condition as early as possible in your application so that we can arrange suitable support.

If you are applying through UCAS there is a section which asks if you have any conditions. If you have an Autistic Spectrum condition it is helpful if you can tick the box B disclosing this. After we receive your application we will write to you to find out about your condition and your needs using a Disclosure Form SN1 form.

If you have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder or Aspergers and have not told us yet, please email us to request the form and send your completed form with your reports or medical evidence by email to disabilitydyslexia@chi.ac.uk or by post to:

Disability and Dyslexia Service
University of Chichester
Upper Bognor Road
Bognor Regis
PO21 1 HR

Interviews and Auditions

If you are invited for an interview or audition we will write to you to ask if you have any particular needs on the day. Please tell us if you have any particular concerns because of your condition so we can do our best to support you.

Accomodation

Moving away from home can be daunting, especially if you find it difficult to talk to people.

If you are offered a place to study at the University and want to live on campus then we can prioritise you for the most suitable accommodation and make sure that you are placed on campus rather than in our satellite accommodation. We can also prioritise you for en suite accommodation if you are worried about sharing bathrooms, and prioritise you for catered accommodation if you are not confident cooking for yourself.

To make sure we can prioritise you for the more suitable accommodation you need to tell us about your needs as early as possible by emailing disabilitydyslexia@chi.ac.uk. If you can please let us know your needs before you have to apply for accommodation online.

Find out more on our Adapted and Priority Accommodation page.

Getting to Know the University

We know that going to University is daunting and are happy to arrange orientation around the campus to help you become familiar where things are.

We will also invite you to a Pre Induction Day, a few weeks before you start. This gives you the chance to meet other new students with autism who may be worried about University. Second and third year students with autism will tell you about their experiences at Chichester. You will be able to meet the Student Support and Wellbeing Services at the University, so you know who to go to if you do have problems.

Exams and Assessments

We know that people with Autism or Aspergers can find exams difficult, especially in a large examination hall.

We will agree with you what adjustments you need to perform your best in your exams. This might mean allowing you to take exams in a small group room or in a one-to-one situation, giving you extra time, or using a word processor if you have problems with handwriting or arranging a reader and or a scribe.

We can also discuss other sorts of assessments that may worry you, such as presentations or group work. We can agree with you some information that is passed on to your tutors to let them know your difficulties.

Getting an Assessment for Autism

The University is unable to provide assessments for autism. Autism can only be officially diagnosed by appropriately qualified medical professionals.

In the UK the route for adults to get a diagnosis is through your GP.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) have lots of useful advice about how to speak to your GP about getting a diagnosis. You can find out more about this on their website:

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/pre-diagnosis/adults

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/diagnostic-assessment/adults

The waiting list for assessment can be quite lengthy in most areas. The NAS website can also give you information about private assessments for autism.

It is important that you make sure that people offering assessments are suitably qualified and offer appropriate assessment tools. The NAS website can give you further information on this:

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/diagnostic-criteria/all-audiences

Mentoring Support

Many of our students with Autism or Aspergers find it useful to have someone they can see on a regular basis who can help them keep up-to-date with their academic work.

The DDS Team have a number of Mentors who can provide one or two hours a week to provide this support. These Mentors are highly qualified and experienced tutors who can support you becoming independent in your studies. Download 'Role of the Mentor' for more information.

This support is normally funded by the Disabled Students' Allowances so we advise you to apply for this before you start your course.

Supporting Someone with Autism or Asperger Syndrome

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