The number of University students with social impairments is growing rapidly, but the support they get tends to be shaped around academic needs while autistic learners drop out mainly because they feel socially isolated.

Some Universities are learning how to accommodate these needs by organising weekly lunch clubs or other autistic social groups, individual mentoring sessions or via new technologies, like chatbots or Apps such as Brain in Hand.

Funds for support are available but many are unaware and applying can be a daunting task. Also some do not have a formal diagnosis, while others choose not to apply because they do not perceive themselves “disabled enough” to warrant it.

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