Autism and Asperger's syndrome

The transition to university life can be particularly challenging for those on the autistic spectrum, especially while they are adjusting to a new environment. However, the Disability Advisory Service (DAS) is here to help students with Autism flourish at the University of Reading.

Students with Autism have numerous potential options for support and adjustments at the University of Reading. Some students choose not to access these, but we encourage you to consult with us to find out what options are available for you, as others find our support highly beneficial.

A full diagnosis of Autism is not necessarily required in order to access support and adjustments at the University of Reading. We encourage you to contact us regardless of how far through the Autism assessment process you are as we may still have options for supporting you.

If you feel you have autistic traits and are interested in a full assessment, or aren’t sure what steps to take next, DAS can provide confidential advice and guidance including on potential referral routes and how the process works.

If you receive a full diagnosis while studying with us, whether you are already registered with our service or not, please contact us so that we can review your support.

Early Start

At the beginning of each academic year, DAS co-ordinates Early Start, a small event for some students with Autism who are new to the University of Reading

The Early Start programme allows Autistic students to move into University accommodation earlier than the main student cohort, to reduce the sensory overload of the experience and allow a quieter time to begin acclimatising to a new location and education setting. 

The programme for the rest of the event varies from year to year, but has included a bus tour of Reading town centre, mock lectures and a pizza and networking event (with other food options available if needed).

Spaces on Early Start are limited and it often operates with a waiting list, so we cannot guarantee a place. Please contact DAS at the earliest opportunity to register your interest. 

ADD/ADHD

Attending university can be challenging for students with ADHD as they adjust to a new and unstructured environment that requires more self-direction. Executive functioning challenges (e.g., around time management, organisation skills, working memory) can make studying difficult. For example, students with ADHD may be more easily overwhelmed with reading and assignments, may struggle with prioritising deadlines and may be late to lectures. Students with ADHD can also struggle with poor self-esteem, negative thoughts and social anxiety which can make academic group work and developing and maintaining personal relationships more difficult. 

The Disability Advisory Service (DAS) is here to help students with ADHD flourish at the University of Reading. By registering with DAS students with ADHD can access a range of support and reasonable adjustments during their studies.  

A full diagnosis of ADHD is not necessarily required for access to support and adjustments at the University of Reading. We encourage you to contact us regardless of how far through the assessment process you are, as we may still have options for supporting you.

If you feel that you have traits of ADHD and are interested in a full assessment or aren’t sure what steps to take next DAS can provide confidential advice and guidance such as referral routes and how the assessment process works.   

Please also let us know if you receive a full diagnosis while studying with us, whether you are already registered with our service or not, so that we can review your support.

Tourette’s syndrome (TS) 

As with other Neurodivergent spectrum conditions, starting university can be both an exciting and challenging time for students with Tourette’s (TS).  

Approximately 1% of the UK population live with TS, and 80% of people diagnosed with TS may have symptoms of other co-occurring conditions (but not always a diagnosis), such as ADHD, OCD, and Autism (see above). 

Tourette’s is still often a misunderstood condition, and students may worry about disclosing to their tutor or peers, leading to masking the condition. 
Some of the specific challenges that students with TS may face at university are: 

• Academic impact - managing time and organisation of academic work, problems with concentration and memorising information, fatigue and/or physical pain. 
• Social impact – self-esteem issues, living/life skills, problems with emotional regulation and impulsivity, or risk-taking behaviours (e.g. binge drinking), eating disorders, making and maintaining relationships. 
• Students with TS are more at risk of being bullied or taken advantage of by their peers. 
• Physical and emotional impact – fatigue, anxiety, sleep issues, physical cramps, sensory issues. 

We encourage all students with TS to register with the Disability Advisory Service (DAS), to find support and a safe space to discuss your needs. DAS will be able to write an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to share with your course team, so they are aware of any adjustments that can help you succeed. 

We also have a range of wellbeing services and other support available to students at the university. 

Our advice to our students is not to wait until you are really struggling to seek support, talk to us early on when you think you might need help, as there are always options available.