UK universities are enabling some inclusive new measures to support the transition of autistic students from secondary education to further education.
Over an eight year period, the number of autistic students rose by almost 300% according to the Office for National Statistics – and while there is still progress to be made, schemes aimed at smoothing these students’ transition to higher education ensure that students are better supported than they have been in the past.
Technology can play a role in supporting autistic students
Huddersfield, De Montfort, Swansea and Nottingham are just four of the universities offering regular social events specifically for autistic students, including lunch clubs, nights out, and board game and pizza nights. Individual mentoring is also on the rise.
Technology is also playing a greater role in helping to acclimatise students, with chatbots allowing them to seek support and ask questions to enable them to make the most of their university experience.
