Autistic Spectrum Conditions
Autistic Spectrum Conditions affect how people communicate and interact with the world around them. According to the National Autistic society, 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
Everyone with Autism will experience this differently but may share some strengths and challenges linked to this.
Challenges for Autistic people may include social communication/ interaction, repetitive behaviour, or sensory sensitivities, such as over/under sensitivity to light or noise.
Autistic people may also have strengths in logical and visual thinking, memory, and attention to detail. Some Autistic people may have skills in certain areas, such as STEM subjects or be extremely creative.
What Support is available from the University?
Before you start your studies, we can:
- Meet with you to discuss your individual circumstances. You are welcome to bring family or a friend to this meeting.
- Provide advice on the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
- Help to secure suitable University accommodation.
- Advise on the diagnostic evidence you will need to provide us with to access support.
- Invite you to transition events to help you prepare for life at Loughborough.
Depending on an assessment of your needs, either by a DSA assessor or a University Disability Advisor, support could include:
- examination and assessment adjustments
- arranging a 1-1 library induction
- provision of mentoring and/or study support skills
- access to assistive software on the University IT system
- Access to the Student Wellbeing support services
- providing advice on applying for and accessing your DSA
- liaising with your department about reasonable adjustments to course delivery to meet your individual needs
- arranging for extended library loans
- arranging for autism awareness training to your department
What to do next?
If you are an Applicant:
Please complete the Disability and Health Portal and upload your diagnostic paperwork in line with the University evidence policy here.
If you are a Current Student:
You can contact us via our accessing support page. An Advisor will review your submission and advise on the next steps to access support.
Frequently Asked Questions
I think I might be on the autistic spectrum; how do I get a diagnosis?
How do I get a diagnosis?
The first step in the diagnostic process is to see your GP or specialist nurse and ask for a referral for an ASC assessment.
These links may help you understand the diagnostic process more.
- Visit the National Autistic Society for more information on getting a diagnostic assessment.
- Right To Choose ASD - Psychiatry-UK. This route can reduce the waiting time for an assessment by choosing a different assessor.
Working diagnosis
Once you have been referred for an ASC assessment you now have a working diagnoisis, which means you may be eligible for support at University, such as 1-1 mentoring or assistive technology, through Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
Please see this University webpage on DSA. More information on how to apply can be found on the government website here.
Please also inform Student Inclusion if you are placed on a waiting list for diagnosis. We can then look at any academic support you might find helpful, which may include changes to your adjustments.
Additional resources
Here are some resources that may support you through thinking about signs of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and whether to get an assessment.
- Signs of autism in adults - NHS
- Before diagnosis - The National Autistic Society breaks down every step of the diagnostic process, including deciding on whether to get an assessment and how to request one.
I have a new diagnosis; how can I access support at university for my studies?
Please contact us via our accessing support page and an Advisor will get in touch to discuss your diagnosis and support available to you.
Post-diagnosis support
Support is available whilst you are waiting for a diagnosis and post-diagnosis. There is lots of information around support, including understanding your diagnosis. Please see links below:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/newly-diagnosed/
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/after-diagnosis
- Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Conservatoires | UCAS
- Chat support and workshops through the Specialist Autism Team https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/service/specialist-autism-team/
If you want to talk to someone about your mental health and wellbeing, please complete our wellbeing form.
How do I know if I have support already in place at university for me?
You can check all your approved support here via the disability tab in your self-service portal.
External Resources
Last Updated: 14th April 2025