Autism support
High levels of motivation, determination and enthusiasm are among the many qualities that we see in students on the spectrum. We welcome early contact from all our prospective students so we can ensure that any support you may need is in place for the start of your course.
Autism support
There is a range of support available for autistic students including:
- In-house Disabled Students Allowances (DSA)-funded support
- Access Statements and exam arrangements
- Social activities, including a weekly lunch club
- Transition support
- Library support
Advice sessions
We offer advice sessions throughout term-time. Our services include:
- Support with applying for Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs)
- Orientation
- Access Statements and exam arrangements
- Accessibility
- Library support
Specialist DSA Funded support
As a student with a disability, you may be eligible for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). DSAs are intended to cover any extra costs or expense that arise because of your disability while studying, as well as recommending any non-medical helper support you might need.
Specialist one-to-one support
One-to-one support can develop your organisational, research and time management skills, as well as your independence.
Specialist mentoring
Mentors work with our students on a one-to-one basis, addressing the barriers to learning created by autism spectrum conditions. Examples of these barriers include anxiety and stress, concentration difficulties, time management issues, and establishing an appropriate work-life balance. A mentor’s role is to promote independent learning, as well as empowering the student to manage their work-load.
Specialist DSA Funded support is provided through a mix of internal support and external agency support.
Your Disability Officer
We have a Disability Officer dedicated to working with students with an autism spectrum condition. They will be your key point of contact while studying at NTU, and can support you to get an Access Statement in place – as well as arranging your support needs.
Diagnosis and screening
We don’t provide screening or diagnostic assessments for autism spectrum conditions. Instead, you should discuss this with your GP, who may then refer you to a specialist. Please inform us if you are on a waiting list for diagnosis.
Visit the National Autistic Society for more information on getting a diagnostic assessment.
Lunch clubs
Join in with one of our lunch clubs. A friendly and relaxed space in a quiet environment to make friends, share in a game or just come along to eat your lunch in a quiet and welcoming space.
Transition support
Meet the teams
Over the summer, we invite students to get in touch to discuss their support needs with our specialist teams. You’ll have the opportunity to meet in person or speak over the phone with a specialist about any adjustments you may need.
Get Sorted!
Each year we run a transition event for students with all disabilities to come and meet their support teams, talk about the support on offer and make sure they have everything in place to start at NTU. Each year is a lot of fun, and feedback has been extremely positive.
Check out Student Minds’ helpful guides on university life.
Welcome Week
There are quiet hours at the start of each of the Freshers’ Fairs, so you can go along before the crowds arrive. There are also a variety of “Small and Friendly” events across all our campuses, offering a more quiet and relaxed welcome to NTU.
Frequently asked questions
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How can I prepare for university?
The most important thing you can do is get in touch with us as soon as possible, so that we can discuss your support needs. You should also apply for the Disabled Students Allowances as soon as possible. We recommend visiting the campus more than once before the start of term, so that you can familiarise yourself with the environment and find your way around.
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I am worried about living in shared accommodation?
The most important thing you can do is get in touch with us as soon as possible, so that we can discuss your support needs. You should also apply for the Disabled Students Allowances as soon as possible. We recommend visiting the campus more than once before the start of term, so that you can familiarise yourself with the environment and find your way around.
Visit our accessibility in halls guide for more information on adaptations or adjustments.
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What should I do if I have any problems?
Please tell one of the Autism Support team and we will do our best to help you. That is what we are here for, and no worry is too big or too small.
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Can I still get support if I didn't disclose on my UCAS form that I have autism?
It is never too late to get in touch with us to tell us about your support needs. If you feel you would benefit from additional support - or if you aren't sure whether you need support or not - please get in touch with us as soon as possible. You can apply for DSAs at any time during your programme of study, but the application process takes quite a long time so you should send your application as soon as possible. We can help you with this, so just get in touch.
Getting around
AccessAble
Nottingham Trent University are working with AccessAble to provide detailed access guides to the buildings, services and rooms across our campuses.
Assistance dogs
The University recognises that a dog kept and used by a disabled person (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) wholly or mainly for the purpose of assisting that person to carry out day to day activities (an “Assistance Dog”), will require access to the University’s estate, relevant buildings and University-owned student accommodation.
Assistance dogs are trained by members of Assistance Dogs (UK), or by an equivalent organisation in another country.
Assistance dogs have formal identification and are permitted to accompany their owners at all times and in all places within the United Kingdom (unless there is a genuine health and safety risk).
If you have an assistance dog, please contact us to let us know you wish to bring them on site so we can answer any questions you may have around this.
Parking
Parking at the City Campus is very limited. However, if you are a Blue Badge holder or need to bring your car to the University because of a medical condition, we may be able to provide a dedicated parking space. Parking is not guaranteed, and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. For further information, please email us.
Contact us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2085 (option 3)
We welcome comments to improve our service. If you have feedback with any aspect of the service you receive from our team, please let us know.