Diagnosed, or think you may be, autistic?
Students who are (or think they may be) autistic, whether they have a diagnosis or not are encouraged to come and speak to a member of the Student Advice & Wellbeing Team to discuss their individual circumstances and support requirements.
Students are welcome to come to Student Advice & Wellbeing whenever they need to, whether it is for some time out in one of our quiet rooms or to talk to an adviser about any social or academic concerns. Our service is professional, non-judgemental and confidential.
Before you come to University
It is important for us to know about your access needs before you start your course here at BGU, so we can make sure you receive the best support possible throughout your studies.
You are given the opportunity to disclose your access needs during the application process, starting with your online UCAS application form. If indicated at this stage, Student Advice & Wellbeing will receive a notification to say that you have disclosed a disability or long-term health condition and we will contact you by email to discuss your support needs.
We can arrange for you to come in and meet members of the Student Advice & Wellbeing Team, talk about your support, familiarise yourself with the campus and meet key staff members in advance of you starting your course.
Diagnosis
If you have not been diagnosed as autistic and would like to arrange a diagnostic assessment, you are advised to speak to your GP in the first instance. Once you have been referred for a diagnosis, either via an NHS Clinical Psychologist or a private diagnostic assessment service, you will need to provide Student Advice & Wellbeing with a copy of your report in order for support to be put in place here at BGU. The report can also be used as evidence if you decide to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).
Support throughout your studies
Once you have provided us with information about your access needs, Student Advice & Wellbeing will make every effort to introduce reasonable adjustments for you straight away, and, with your permission, we will ensure all relevant parties within the University are aware of your needs.
The support you could receive if you are autistic could include...
- as much notice as possible of any changes to your timetable
- essential texts highlighted in reading lists
- permission to record lectures and seminars
- requests for extensions to be viewed sympathetically
- assignments to be in plain English and ambiguity removed
- 25% extra time in exams
As well as providing you with reasonable adjustments, Student Advice & Wellbeing can offer you a quiet space to come and take some time out in a confidential area of the campus. Student Advice can also arrange to meet with you on a regular basis and will contact you throughout the year to review your support.
Applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
We are happy to help you apply for DSA and advise you on the application process. If you decide to apply for DSA you may find you have more support available to you, which is funded through the DSA Team, such as a specialist mentor or specialist equipment.
Contact Us
For more information about the support which is available for autistic students, please contact the Student Advice & Wellbeing Team.
Student Advice & Wellbeing
Monday to Thursday: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Tel: 01522 583600
Email: studentadvice@bishopg.ac.uk
Web: www.bgu.ac.uk/studentadvice