This structured PDF presentation (full lesson) is designed for individuals with ASD and those with social communication differences. It supports transition planning for university by teaching practical self-advocacy skills, including how to access disability support, disclose autism, request reasonable adjustments, communicate needs to lecturers and staff, and build independence over time. The lesson explains why university support differs from school support and what university accommodations and disability services actually offer during the transition to university life.

What is covered:

• What Is Self-Advocacy: understanding personal needs and communicating them clearly to the right people
• Why University Feels Different From School: the loss of automatic support such as case managers, SENCOs, EHCPs, and IEPs, and the shift to self-directed support through the Disability Service and a Learning Support Plan
• Why This Can Be Harder for Individuals with ASD: including identifying needs, starting conversations with unfamiliar staff, unclear processes, and concern about judgement
• The Universal Struggle: reassurance that asking for help at university is a widely shared challenge for new students
• What Self-Advocacy Can Look Like: registering early, making clear requests, choosing what to disclose, asking for clarification, following up, and reviewing support
• Let’s Discuss: guided reflection questions about personal support needs
• Worked Examples: the exam hall, and the seminar
• What Support Universities Offer: Disability Services, reasonable adjustments, autism mentors, disability funding such as DSA, personal tutors, and Students’ Union advice services
• Disclosure: choosing what to share, with whom, and when
• Building Independence Over Time: reducing support gradually while keeping key adjustments in place
• Practice Scenarios and Generalised Feedback: realistic university support scenarios with feedback
• Practical Tips and Key Takeaways

Suitable for:

• Individuals with ASD and those with social communication differences aged 16+
• Students preparing for the transition to university or college, or currently studying
• 1:1 sessions or small group work
• SEN specialists, instructors, support workers, transition coordinators, and parents

Format: PDF presentation

Session time: Approximately 60 minutes

All content uses clear, literal, and neutral language throughout. Resources are universally applicable, with no political, ideological, or religious content.

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