Neurodivergence and mental health study support
If you are a student with specific learning differences, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, you are autistic or your studies are affected by mental health, support is available.
The Access and Learning Strategies team
The Access and Learning Strategies (ALS) team are specialist practitioners in neurodivergence and mental health, working as part of the library's Learning Hub.
We offer a range of services including groups, workshops, drop-ins and one-to-one support, along with neurodiversity screening.
Who we support
You might be curious about neurodiversity, think you may have traits of specific learning differences or autism, or feel that your studies are being affected by mental health. A formal diagnosis is not needed to access ALS resources and support.
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.
Students whose studies are affected by mental health
We all have mental health, sometimes it is good or at times, it is not great. You may also have a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health condition. The university environment can impact your mental wellbeing. This can affect your personal life and the ability to manage the demands of your studies.
What support do we offer?
We offer workshops, groups, drop-ins and one-to-one study support sessions. We also have online resources and a monthly newsletter.
We aim to meet your individual needs by building your confidence, capability and understanding of how you learn best.
Thinking Differently events
Wed 17 April 2024, 15:30
Autism support group
3D42, Frenchay Campus Library
A support group for students who identify as autistic.
Mon 22 April 2024, 15:00
Autism support group
Room 0C001 (C block), Bower Ashton Campus
A support group for students who identify as autistic.
Workshops
We offer a range of in person and online Thinking Differently workshops on topics such as neurodiversity, making the most of lectures, procrastination, reading, tech, success strategies, revision and building self-confidence.
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 you or signpost you to other resources and support.
Specialist study skills support
We offer online and in-person one-to-one, specialist study support for neurodivergent students.
Specialist mentoring
We offer online and in-person one-to-one, specialist mentoring for neurodivergent students and students with mental health needs.
Thinking Differently resource space
You can access our set of workshop materials and other useful resources on our Thinking Differently online resource space (UWE Bristol login required).
Monthly newsletter
You can sign up to receive our monthly Thinking Differently newsletter to keep up to date with our upcoming events, topics on neurodiversity or mental health and learn about free apps or tech solutions to help with studies.
ADHD group
Do you have a diagnosis of ADHD or have you attended a neurodiversity screening at UWE Bristol and have attention difficulties? Would you like to:
- understand a diagnosis of ADHD better?
- find and use your strengths to engage in study?
- explore new strategies, behaviours and study skills?
- try something new and meet like-minded peers?
Book an online ADHD workshop through the Thinking Differently events above or find out about our ADHD psychoeducational programme.
Autism Support group
If you identify as autistic, you may like to join our group for autistic students.
The group at Frenchay and Bower Ashton campus sites offers a safe place to meet other students where you are free to be yourself. The group is facilitated by specialist mentors with invited speakers to support your student journey.
You can book your space in advance through the Thinking Differently events above.
For further information please email the Autism Support group at as.group@uwe.ac.uk.
Neurodiversity screening and assessment
If you already have evidence
If you have evidence, please email it to als@uwe.ac.uk. We can check through your evidence and advise on your next steps. Your evidence could be:
- You received study support and/or exam adjustments in school/college e.g. 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, please complete our questionnaire, which is your first step in our screening process.
Curious about neurodiversity guide
Access the Curious about neurodiversity guide
The Curious about neurodiversity guide contains information about specific learning differences, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia, ADHD and autism.
It will help you explore your strengths and any traits of neurodivergence. It also contains information about resources and support available at UWE Bristol.
If you are finding study difficult, the guide will direct you to a neurodiversity screening where you can explore signs of SpLD or signs of autism.
Assessment for specific learning differences
A formal diagnosis is not necessary to access ALS 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. Please email us at als@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, please 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, please email any evidence to the Access and Learning Strategies team at als@uwe.ac.uk. We will provide you with information on further support, adjustments and resources available to you.
You may find it useful to visit the following websites for more information:
ADHD
Autism
Useful resources
- 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
Office hours are Monday to Friday 08:30 to 17:00.
Visit: Frenchay Library Help Desk
Tel: +44 (0)117 32 83589
Email: als@uwe.ac.uk
Please remember, if you need someone to talk to, you can get wellbeing support from a range of professional services at UWE Bristol, external partnerships and the NHS, there is somebody who can help 24/7.
Event feedback
If you have attended one of our events and would like to leave us some feedback, please complete this short feedback form.
Live chat
We are here between 12:00–14:00 Monday to Friday. Chat to us live:You may also be interested in
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