How AUB supports neurodiversity – a helpful guide

A creative community means creative minds and different ways of thinking. Here at AUB, we’re here to support you alongside what you make, no matter how you identify on the neurodiverse spectrum.

We’ll discuss what’s available while you study here along with some useful advice from AUB staff.

We’re here for every step of your creative journey, even before you start your studies. We spoke to Senior Disability Officer Leighton White about what steps you can take before joining us:

“Being an arts university where being creative and thinking outside the box is actively encouraged, it’s no surprise AUB has a very neurodiverse demographic.

“Before arriving, students are encouraged to let the University know of any diagnosed conditions. A disability disclosure memo can then be created to be shared with the relevant university staff and the student chooses who to share this information with. This also opens up discussion around support needs.”

Many students at AUB are also dyslexic – we’re aware how this can often go unidentified during school or college. We offer all new students the chance to complete a Quickscan screening, which can also indicate dyspraxia, dyscalculia, visual stress and any general difficulties with study and literacy.

“Students are offered an initial online screening test to identify their preferred learning style and to identify possible risk of specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia),” Leighton explains. “We can then provide advice on further assessment, accessing support and where eligible guidance on applying for DSA (Disabled Student’s Allowances).

“AUB can’t offer diagnostic assessments for Autistic Spectrum Disorders, ADHD or other medical conditions, but we can offer advice and guidance on seeking diagnosis via NHS medical pathways or privately.”

Find out more information with this useful form explaining more.

It’s always a good idea to get a feel for university life before joining. That’s why we provide adaptable and unique ways of getting to know AUB Campus.

There’s AUB 360 – our online, virtual tour of campus and the local area, which is a great option if you’re unable to physically visit before you arrive. You can explore facilities, nearby spots and the surrounding area of Dorset, all from your own device.

We also offer dedicated campus visits for new students, including a new event that we’re introducing this year. Leighton tells us more:

“Student services run transition campus visits for disabled students each year, before the start of the academic year, in small course-specific groups. This gives students the chance to get orientated with campus, learn how they can access support and meet other students who will be on their course. It’s also an opportunity to meet Student Services staff and ask any questions they may have and hopefully alleviate some anxieties about starting university.

“This year, we’re also running a pilot overnight stay in our halls for autistic students, called Experience AUB, as an additional transition event. This gives students the chance to experience living in halls for a night before they come to university, meet others and join in with various activities if they wish to.”

Experience AUB takes place on 22–23 August. Places are on a first come first served basis, so contact Leighton via disability@aub.ac.uk for more information.

Once you’ve settled in, you’ll quickly get to know our campus for its relaxed community vibe. We’re a small, creative space with plenty to offer, including quiet areas, so it’s not hard to find a spot while looking around.

Some of the go-to spots include:

• The Library – The ideal place for study and work in a more relaxed environment. If it’s busy, the quiet reading room is located upstairs for silent study with minimal distractions.
• Quiet Pod – Located in the Campus Halls reception. If you’d like to access this, reach out to our Disability Advisor at disability@aub.ac.uk and after discussing if your needs are appropriate, they'll provide a key fob that you can keep throughout your time at AUB.
• Faith and Reflection – This is a service shared between AUB and BU, based in Talbot House. It's a great place for people of any faith or none to unwind and reflect, featuring a dedicated quiet room that’s open to staff and students from 08.30–19.00 daily. For more info, reach out to faithandreflection@bournemouth.ac.uk or visit our Faith and Reflection page.
• University Retreat – This is a welcoming, safe space located in Tolpuddle Annexe 2 on the edge of BU Campus by the Fusion Building, open Monday–Saturday 14.00–21.00. Find out more.

If you're looking to meet other neurodivergent students, AUB’s Neurodivergent Society is a great support network.

This student-run society aims to raise awareness while creating inclusive spaces and sensory-friendly environments through sessions, activities and events – you can talk experiences and interests, plan a body-doubling session to help focus on studies, or simply make some new friends. The Neurodivergent Society recognises that socialising in a new environment with new people can be daunting, so check out their Discord server where there are plenty of dedicated chat spaces and available resources.

We spoke to AUB’s current President of Student Experience Beth Evans, who was last year’s Neurodiverse Student Officer and ND network supporter, about what her student role involved and how it benefits others:

“There are several ways that neurodivergent students can support other neurodivergent students on campus. The Students’ Union has a group of elected student officers and one of these is the neurodivergent student’s officer, who can create events and socials that are neurodivergent-friendly. This happened last year, and we had a neurodivergent network. Next year, this may change depending on the elected officer and their aims and objectives.

“Overall, this officer ensures that neurodivergent students are represented and listened to and it’s a really good way to ensure those voices are represented and heard.”

AUB has similar societies that involve more relaxed activities too. Some of our favourites include Craft Society, Lego Society, Writing Society and Drawing and Painting Society – be sure to check out the full list on the AUBSU page.

AUB ResLife, our programme for new students living in AUB Halls of Residence, also offers upcoming events and activities with quiet spaces.

Finally, we understand that university life can get overwhelming. If you need someone to talk to, we’re here to help. As well as support from your tutors, you can access our Student Services team, who provide advice on wellbeing, counselling, study skills, and around disabilities, employment and accommodation.

AUB’s mentoring team runs weekly drop-ins specifically for neurodiverse students, or any student who identifies this way that hasn’t yet received a diagnosis. We spoke to Lucy Malinowska, our Specialist Mental Health Mentor, who runs these sessions:

"I specialise in neurodiversity and work with students to help them overcome barriers to learning, to understand more about their diagnosis and condition, how to successfully navigate university life and build independence."

"The drop-in is for neurodiverse students who have a diagnosis but don’t qualify for DSA, e.g. International and Foundation students; for students who are on a waiting list for an assessment (working diagnosis), and for those who think they may be neurodiverse. It is in a group setting to help with meeting other neurodiverse students and learn social skills."

These sessions currently run every Thursday lunchtime, 13.00–14.00 at Campus Halls Reception. You’ll find more information about all drop-in and bookable services on our Wellbeing and Counselling page or email the Wellbeing team at wellbeing@aub.ac.uk.