Autistic students are at higher risk of dropping out from higher education, with graduation rates approximately half those of non-autistic students. Evidence suggests that these differences are due to challenges with university life, rather than academic demands. Along with University of Bristol support staff, researchers are gathering the evidence needed to lead to positive change and working to improve understanding.

Emma Jenks, Research Associate at the School of Education, explains about a new training course for staff aimed at improving understanding about autism: “Working with autistic students and experts, we created a training course for university staff who work with autistic students. This was originally intended for personal tutors but due to demand, we now welcome all university staff to participate and, so far, over 100 staff have received the training.

“The course focuses on debunking stereotypes, educating on the autistic experience at university, and highlighting the differences in mental health presentation between autistic and non-autistic individuals. It also aims to provide practical strategies and tips for supporting autistic students.

She continued: “Post-training interviews with staff showed that they particularly valued the input from autistic people in the design and delivery of the course. Many of them had already applied what they had learned to their professional practice, considering aspects such as communication differences and sensory sensitivities. Even staff who had had prior knowledge of autism felt that the course helped them to gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of students’ experiences.

The training is now being refined and will soon be made available to a larger body of university staff. If you would like to know more please contact Emma Jenks: mailto:emma.jenks@bristol.ac.uk