1. Gearing Up for Transitions Supporting Disabled Students During Transition Kathy Smith Jan Gardiner

2. Final statistics are available in July each year – and always increase. Disabled Students: December 2014 Snapshot

3. Main difficulties for students  New and unfamiliar surroundings  Leaving behind friends and family  Independent life style  Independent study  Isolation  Increased anxiety and stress

4. Student Disability Service Role  Early contact with applicants  No support without evidence  Can diagnose certain conditions  Discuss support needs  Ongoing contact throughout studies  Can liaise with School regarding support

5. Group exercise

6. Characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome  People with the condition have difficulties in three main areas :  social communication – difficulties understanding verbal/non-verbal language  social interaction – difficulties relating to other people  social imagination – limited imagination, preference for logic  Other main characteristics:  Need for routine  Special interests  Sensory difficulties

7. Autistic Spectrum Transition  Overwhelmed  Heightened anxiety  Sensory sensitivity  Removal of safety mechanisms  Routine  Day to day living  Difficulties to ask for help  Communication and interaction Bus Journey Dripping Tap

8. What can be done to support these students?  Familiarisation visits  Clear unambiguous information prior to starting the course  Disabled Student Allowance  Identification of key contacts early on  Regular contact in the first few weeks  Transition Event

9. Asperger’s Transition Event  Pilot last summer  Successful and positive feedback  Organising event for this year

10. Further information  www.autism.org.uk www.autism.org.uk  Top Transition Tips: http://www.autism.org.uk/working-with/education/education- professionals-in-fe-and-he/top-transition-tips-for-colleges.aspx  Enabling transition into higher education for students with Asperger Syndrome: http://www.shu.ac.uk/_assets/pdf/manuel_madriaga_report.pdf

11. Any queries – please contact us: Student Disability Service Tel: 650 6828 Email: Disability.Service@ed.ac.ukDisability.Service@ed.ac.uk Web: www.ed.ac.uk/student-disability-service www.ed.ac.uk/student-disability-service