Autistic Spectrum Conditions

What support has worked well and not so well during previous study experiences?

If you have an Autistic Spectrum Condition, the Disability and Mental Health Service is here to make sure you have the support you need to undertake your studies at LSE.

Current students are encouraged to register with us in order to discuss your circumstances in confidence with an adviser. Our Advisers will talk to you about your individual needs, and create a plan to ensure we can facilitate any adjustments and additional support which will help you get the most out of your time here. 

What support is available?

When you meet with an Adviser they will talk you through the various ways in which the School can provide support and adjustments to your studies, such as:

My Adjustments

Any necessary support and adjustments to your teaching and learning will be recorded within a document known as My Adjustments (MAs). MAs will be shared with staff on a need-to-know basis to ensure that these can be implemented. Examples of adjustments could be the provision of teaching materials in advance, making suitable arrangements for presentations and group work, and reserving appropriate seating.

MAs are created in collaboration with you, and will be discussed in detail with your adviser at your first appointment.

Before your first appointment it would be a good idea to try to think about the kind of areas where you can have difficulties when studying or in an educational setting.

Make a list of the support and adjustments you have had during previous studying experiences – eg. what has worked well and what not so well?

Think about what your course entails, for example group work and field trips. Your adviser will prompt you on these types of area when you meet, to see if there is anything we can do to make things more manageable. It can also help you better explain your thoughts if you think about potential issues beforehand.

Mentoring

Where appropriate we can refer you for mentoring support. Mentoring offers students a reflective and supportive space with an impartial professional who is not a member of LSE staff. Through regular meetings with your mentor you will have the chance to talk through the practicalities of your course and life at university with someone who understands the complications that autism/Asperger’s can bring. Together you can develop strategies to help you get the most out of your time at LSE.

Mentoring is free of charge for all students, though UK students will need to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances for funding (please see section below). International students should speak to their adviser about a referral.

Central Exam Adjustments

We can recommend Central Exam Adjustments (CEAs) to ensure you are able to take your exams with reasonable adjustments in place. For example extra writing time and the use of a computer.

Appropriate (CEAs) can be discussed with your adviser, and are dependent on your individual circumstances and the medical evidence you provide. 

Disabled Students' Allowance

Home Students

UK students are encouraged to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA). This will fund software and equipment which can help with areas such as organisation and planning, as well as mentoring (see above sections for details).

If you are funded by a UK Research Council, you should speak with an adviser for further information on how to apply. All other students must apply for DSA via Student Finance England, or the appropriate home country equivalent. Our team are happy to answer any questions you may have about the process.

International Students

International students are not eligible for DSA funding, though where appropriate, LSE will cover the cost of disability-related support and technology needed for your studies. 

Studying at LSE

For practical information and tips, please see our guide to studying at LSE with an autistic spectrum condition (pdf).

Confidentiality

Any sensitive information which you provide is held by the Disability and Mental Health Service in the strictest confidence, and only shared with other LSE staff on a need-to-know basis with your prior consent. The only exception is where the withholding of information poses a significant risk of harm to yourself or others. For full details, please see our Policy, Procedures and Confidentiality page. 

 Speak with an Adviser

Disability and Mental Health Service

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Contact us

Telephone

Call us: +44 (0) 20 7955 7767

Address View on Google maps

4th Floor, Pethick-Lawrence House (PEL), Clements Inn, London, WC2A 2AZ

(Please use the Fawcett House entrance and take the lift to the 4th Floor. Turn right when you exit the lift and you’ll see our department.)