A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Neurodivergent Students Starting University
Introduction – A New Chapter for You Both
Starting university is a huge step for any young person – and for neurodivergent students, it can come with extra layers of complexity (and opportunity!).
Most UK universities are well practised at helping neurodivergent students settle in and adjust to uni life. That said, being prepared makes a big difference — and there are things you can do now to help smooth the transition.
As a parent, you might be juggling pride, worry, and about fifty unanswered questions. This guide is here to help you feel more prepared, less alone, and equipped with practical tools to support your young person as they take their next steps.
Whether they’re autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, or another neurodivergent identity, a little forward planning can go a long way.
Why the Transition to University Can Be Especially Tricky for ND Students
Every neurodivergent brain is different — but here are some common challenges that can increase stress levels:
Transitions and unpredictability – new schedules, locations, routines, and people
Executive functioning is stretched – deadlines, laundry, food shopping, and remembering what day it is
Sensory overwhelm – noisy flats, bright lights, constant social buzz
Social pressure ramps up – masking, people-pleasing, trying to “fit in”
The scaffolding disappears – suddenly they’re expected to do it all, solo
Building support structures before the overwhelm hits can help make this shift feel less like a cliff edge.
Preparation Checklist
✅ Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
DSA can fund mentoring, assistive tech, note-takers, and more.
Apply as early as possible — ideally when student finance opens (Feb/March). A university offer isn’t needed to apply.
When booking the Needs Assessment, encourage your young person to:
Bring diagnostic paperwork
List what they find difficult
Research what other ND students have found helpful
✅ Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for Students
Yes, students can claim PIP! It’s non-means-tested and can support daily living or mobility needs — including those related to neurodivergence.
It won’t affect loans or grants and can make a real difference to independence and wellbeing.
👉 Check PIP eligibility and apply
✅ University Accommodation Adjustments
Many universities offer reasonable adjustments, such as:
Quieter or en-suite rooms
Early move-in
Help choosing low-sensory environments
📣 Contact the uni’s disability team early to flag any preferences.
✅ Register with the Disability/Wellbeing Team
Most unis offer learning plans, exam adjustments, and ongoing support.
🧭 Search “[University Name] + disability support” to find contact info.
✅ GP & Medication
Transfer prescriptions to a local GP
Request a summary of diagnoses for easy sharing
Order meds in advance to avoid gaps
✅ Life Admin & Budgeting
Set up direct debits (rent, phone, laundry card)
Use a budget tool together
Try meal planning apps or prep some batch-cooked meals before they go
👉 Try the UCAS Budget Calculator
Emotional Prep (For Them — and For You)
Talk in advance about feelings, masking, and burnout
Create a comfort kit (e.g. weighted blanket, headphones, snacks)
Agree how and when you’ll check in (WhatsApp emojis totally count!)
Write down things that help them feel calm, safe, and regulated
Remind them that asking for help is a strength, not a failure
This Is Your Transition Too
You might be feeling proud and terrified in equal measure. Maybe you’re wondering if you’ve done too much... or not enough. Or perhaps you just feel a bit lost in it all. That’s completely OK. This transition isn’t just about them — it’s about you too.
Letting go, even gently, can feel like freefall. But you haven’t stopped being their anchor. You’re still their safe base, even if they’re in a different postcode, learning how to fly solo (with snacks).
If you need some support yourself, you’re not alone. You can explore:
Final Thoughts
Your young person doesn’t need to be perfectly ready. And you don’t need to have all the answers.
What they do need is support that fits their brain, space to grow (and wobble), and a soft place to land when things feel too much.
You’re doing brilliantly.
They’ll find their rhythm.
And you’ll find yours.
👋 Want Some Extra Support?
I have direct experience supporting students at Warwick University, and I’m neurodivergent myself — as are my family members. I know first-hand how complex and overwhelming it can feel to navigate change, especially within academic institutions that weren’t built with neurodivergent brains in mind.
That lived experience shapes everything I do. My sessions are neuroaffirming, judgement-free, and grounded in real understanding — not just theory.
Sometimes, what you really need is a space to talk it through. No pressure to have it all figured out. No judgement. Just a quiet moment to breathe, name what’s on your mind, and get some support from someone who understands.
Support in 60 is a one-off session for parents and carers who are holding a lot — especially around big changes like starting university, navigating neurodivergent support, or simply trying to keep everything afloat.
It’s a space to pause. To offload. To feel heard. And if you’d like to, we can gently explore what might help — practical steps, emotional support, or just making sense of the muddle together.
You don’t have to do this on your own.
And you don’t need to be in crisis to reach out.
Book a session here or email hannah@chooseyourway.co.uk for more information.