Autism support

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

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.