According to the National Autistic Society, the number of autistic students going to university has increased by 200% over the last five years. This increase is reflected at the University of Bedfordshire with 25 students registered with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) this academic year.

Julie English, Senior Advisor with the Health & Wellbeing team at the University said: “Students with ASD are often very anxious at the prospect of coming to university. So here at Bedfordshire we have a range of support available to help these students settle in.

“Last week (5^th September) we held a welcome event for students starting at the University with ASD. The event gave students the opportunity for a detailed exploration of the campus including student accommodation and the chance to meet the advisors and mentors who will be supporting them and the academic staff who will be teaching them.

“Feedback from the students and their parents was very positive. The parents felt it relieved their anxiety too!”

Forrest Dunbar (from ITV2’s Freshers programme) gave a presentation on the day, talking about what it is like to be a student with ASD at the University of Bedfordshire and what support is available.

Forrest said: “It was a highly enjoyable experience for me because having Asperger’s myself, it was interesting to see how the other students were feeling. Being asked personal questions about my Asperger’s is rare.

“The support from the University is endless! I have the upmost gratitude and respect for all staff from H Block. If it was not for them, I think being a student with Asperger’s or any other condition might be a difficult challenge.”

Julie commented: “It is believed that the increase in the number of students starting university with ASD has been driven by a greater awareness of autism. Also there are better opportunities in schools for those with ASD to achieve their potential.”