University of Reading

Support for the transition into, and out of, university: the experiences of autistic students and those with mental health conditions

This talk will cover take-home points from several research studies into support for autistic students and those with mental health conditions, with a focus upon university transitions.  One study (Lucas & James, 2018) explored the effectiveness of specialist mentoring from the perspectives of students and mentors, finding that mentors provided a bridge into university life but that a tailored partnership is important. Further research (Lucas, Cage & James, 2021; 2022) explored experiences of the transition out of university, and use of available careers and emotional support, with final year students with mental health conditions and recent autistic graduates.  Both groups experienced high amounts of negative emotion and low preparedness for the post-university transition, but those who accessed support from their university found it helpful. Disability-related challenges in accessing support and coping with the transition were reported, and there was a desire for support more tailored to the needs of autistic students and those with mental health conditions.