Neurodiversity study support
For students with specific learning differences (SpLD) and neurodivergent ways of thinking such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, or who are autistic. You don’t need a formal diagnosis.
About
The Neurodiversity Study Skills (NDSS) Team offer a range of services including groups, workshops, drop-ins and one-to-one support, along with neurodiversity screening.
Who we support
You don’t need a diagnosis. You might be curious about neurodiversity and think you may have traits. You may have a condition which impacts your memory and speed of processing information. You may have characteristics of one or more profiles.
Neurodivergent students
Everyone thinks and learns differently. The diversity of human thinking should be celebrated! Neurodiversity comes from the words neurology and diversity. People’s brains are different, so people experience and interact with the world in different ways.
The term neurodivergent means thinking and experiencing the world differently from the 'average' or 'neurotypical' person.
Students with specific learning differences
Specific learning difference (SpLD) is a commonly used term to refer to a group of neurodivergent profiles including:
- dyslexia
- dyspraxia
- dyscalculia
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – this is sometimes seen as a mental health condition.
The university environment can be challenging for students with SpLDs as they may be expected to perform in ways which do not fit their learning differences.
Autistic students
Autism is a spectrum condition that affects how individuals communicate and experience the world around them. Autism affects people in different ways and whilst autistic people will share some similar characteristics, everyone will experience different strengths and challenges.
Available support
ADHD group
Do you have a diagnosis of ADHD? Have you attended a neurodiversity screening at UWE Bristol? Register your interest in our ADHD psychoeducational programme.
Autism support group
If you identify as autistic, you can join our friendly group for autistic students. It is a safe space to be yourself and meet other students. The group meets on Frenchay and Bower Ashton campuses. Contact the team at sae.admin@uwe.ac.uk to get involved.
Workshops
We offer in person and online workshops on topics such as quick wins for studying with neurodiversity and reading strategies and technologies.
Drop-ins
We offer regular drop-in sessions at our campus libraries. You don’t need to book, just drop-in with your study-related question and a specialist practitioner will help or signpost you to further resources. View drop in sessions (UWE Bristol login required).
Resource space
You can access our workshop materials and other useful resources on our online resource space.
Neurodiversity screening and assessment
If you already have evidence
If you have evidence, email it to sae.admin@uwe.ac.uk. We can check your evidence and advise on your next steps. Your evidence could be:
- study support and/or exam adjustments in school/college, for example, extra time in exams
- a previous screening or diagnostic assessment
- you are on a waiting list for an autism or ADHD assessment with the NHS.
If you do not have evidence but want to access similar adjustments that you previously received, complete our questionnaire, which is your first step in our screening process.
Assessment for specific learning differences
A formal diagnosis is not necessary to access NDSS resources and support. However, a diagnostic assessment for SpLD might be right for you if you are looking to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) or your evidence has been rejected for DSA. Email us at sae.admin@uwe.ac.uk to enquire about an assessment.
If you’ve not been previously assessed, one option may be to consider having a diagnostic assessment. We can help you explore this and your first step is to use our Curious about Neurodiversity guide.
Assessment for ADHD or autism
If you are experiencing difficulties which might be due to ADHD or autism, talk to your doctor for advice. A medical diagnosis is required for you to get prescription medication for ADHD.
If you are on an NHS waiting list for an ADHD or Autism assessment:
- email any evidence to the NDSS team at sae.admin@uwe.ac.uk. We will provide you with information on further support, adjustments and resources available to you
- apply for DSA funded study support, if eligible. Submit the DSA evidence form confirming you are on a waiting list for an assessment and provide evidence of any other disabilities and/or long-term medical conditions, with your DSA application.
Curious about neurodiversity guide
The Curious about neurodiversity guide contains information about specific learning differences.
It will help you explore your strengths and any traits of neurodivergence. It also contains information about support available at UWE Bristol.
If you are finding study difficult, the guide will direct you to a neurodiversity screening questionnaire.
Additional support
Disability services
Everything you need to know about accessing our Disability Service as a new or current student.
Library services for disabled users
Services to support disabled students are available at all UWE Bristol campus libraries. This includes help with assistive technology, alternative formats and assistance using library spaces and resources.
Specialist mentoring
One-to-one specialist mentoring focusing on your studies and student journey.
Wellbeing service
Get the support you need for your mental health and personal development. From counselling to mental health support, self-help resources and more.
Useful resources
- NDSS newsletter (UWE Bristol login required): stay up to date with our latest news and events.
- Neurodiversity reading list: a reading list for anyone who wants to learn more about neurodiversity.
- Dark mode browser extension: change the theme of any webpage to ‘sepia’ or ‘dark’ for a more comfortable reading experience.
- Dyslexia Toolbox browser extension: change the font of any webpage to ‘OpenDyslexic’ or use the mask tool to focus on a portion of text.
- Accessibility tools for neurodiversity: make content accessible when using Microsoft Windows and Office tools.
Contact us
To book an initial neurodiversity study skills appointment:
For general NDSS enquires:
- Email: sae.admin@uwe.ac.uk
To talk to our practitioners about study related questions:
- Attend a drop-in to talk to an NDSS practitioner
You may also be interested in
Reasonable adjustments
We are committed to putting in place reasonable adjustments to different aspects of your learning if you need them.
Book your DSA Study Needs Assessment
The application and assessment process to access Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
English language
Find out about English language and grammar support for students at UWE Bristol.
College study support
College-specific online study support and one-to-one help tailored for your subject.