My Learning Journey
Neurodiversity Hub Wirral
Getting extra help in your learning
Colleges and universities must remove barriers that make learning harder because of disability.
This legal duty is known as reasonable adjustments.
Reasonable adjustments help make sure you can access education in the same way as other learners.
Apprenticeships and traineeships must also make reasonable adjustments.
Anyone can ask for adjustments.
However, to have legal rights under the Equality Act 2010, you must meet the legal definition of disability.
This is based on how your condition affects your day‑to‑day life, not the name or diagnosis.
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You may be able to receive support such as:
lecture notes or learning materials before lessons
work provided in a different format
speech‑to‑text support for video calls
aids or equipment, such as:
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters
scribes
specialist software
one‑to‑one support
quiet or accessible learning spaces
student accommodation that meets your needs
More information about reasonable adjustments:
Scope
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A transition is a major change in your life.
This might include:
changing class
moving to a new school
moving to college, sixth form, or work
moving into adult services
Two important transitions are:
moving to college, sixth form, or an apprenticeship at age 16
moving into adulthood and adult services at age 18 and over
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If you are thinking about moving from school to college, sixth form, or an apprenticeship at age 16, it is important to plan ahead.
Speak to your Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) about the support available after age 16.
You can find Wirral Council Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support services on the council website.
You can also read a Guide for Young People to Post‑16 Transition, which explains:
how to prepare for Post‑16 education from Year 9
what you need to do
what your school must do
what your Post‑16 provider must do
Young people have many options at the end of Year 11.
More information is available on the Wirral Council website.
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Families, friends and support staff need to work together. A shared approach helps make sure each child eats and drinks in a way that feels safe, comfortable and enjoyable for them. It also helps children get the nutrition they need.
Mealtimes can be a chance for social connection. Sitting with the child during meals and snacks can help. When appropriate, adults can eat the same foods and drinks to model eating skills. This can also support simple conversation and positive social time.
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Working towards exams can create a lot of pressure.
You may not always be able to avoid exams, but there are ways to manage exam stress.
Exam stress can include:
worrying a lot about exams
fear of being judged
worrying about what happens after the exam
Exam stress is
very common
understandable
manageable with the right planning and support
Helpful links:
Health For Teens
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Schools can support autistic students to prepare for exams.
Support may include:
help with revision
practice papers
wellbeing support
Guidance for schools:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/preparing-exams
Guidance for parents and carers:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/education/exams/parents
Extra help you may get in exams
Exams usually test what you know.
The way you show what you know can sometimes be adjusted.
Examples of exam adjustments include:
taking the exam in a small or quiet room
short rest breaks or snacks
dictating answers to a notetaker
using a computer
extra time
sitting exams at the time of day that suits your condition
Some exams test how you complete a task rather than what you know.
These types of exams may be harder to adjust, and not all changes will be considered reasonable.
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Online learning uses digital tools such as:
computers
tablets
mobile phones
It allows you to study:
anywhere
at any time
Online learning may include:
short online courses
online programmes
online degrees
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Local colleges and community learning providers offer daytime, evening, and weekend courses.
These may include:
part‑time GCSE courses
These courses can help you:
gain new qualifications
meet entry requirements
explore new interests or skills
They often offer flexible times to fit around your routine.
What to think about when applying for university
University is one option for further study after age 18.
More guidance specifically for autistic students:
https://www.bristolautismsupport.org/being-autistic-at-university-what-you-need-to-know/
Money to help with university or college costs
You may be able to apply for student finance to help with:
tuition fees
living costs
You only start repaying student loans once you earn over a set income amount.
Monthly repayments depend on:
how much you earn
not how much you borrowed
Interest is added from the day the loan is taken out.
You may be entitled to extra funding if you:
have a low income
are disabled
have children
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
Student housing at university
Many students live in university accommodation during their first year.
This is often called halls of residence.
Halls are usually:
on campus
close to campus
They may offer:
single rooms
shared bathrooms
shared kitchens
ensuite rooms
studio flats
communal spaces
cleaning services
meals in some halls
Most halls are available during term time only, although some offer full‑year stays.
The university accommodation office can tell you:
what accommodation is available
how much it costs
how to apply
More information:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-a-home/student-housing/students-in-university-accommodation/