Hey Sandtrooper, I have received the following response from the Student Wellbeing Services here at Newcastle University, and will update you with the response from the Linguistics and Japanese course leader once I have received it
"Dear Sandtrooper.
Aspergers and Autism Support Network (AASN) The Student Wellbeing Service (SWS) provides a variety of support for students with a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. SWS facilitates the Aspergers and Autism Support Network (AASN) which runs bi-monthly on a Wednesday afternoon. This predominantly is an informal social group where students can meet each other and share experiences over a cup of coffee and of course a piece of cake! This year, SWS have organised a series of outings and events which encourage students to become familiar with the local area and also develop some skills to help with daily living, for example a trip to Sunderland Glass Centre including a glass blowing demonstration, a cooking workshop run alongside Jamie Oliver’s Food Nation among other things. The first meeting is due to take place on the 24th September at 2pm at the Barbara Strang Building in room 2.39. For more information please email
[email protected] Transition Event With funding from the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO), SWS are also piloting the first Transition Event for students with ASD and also those students with a diagnosed mental health condition on the 18th, 19th and 20th September 2014. This event aims to provide students with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the University campus and also to make friends with other students ahead of the new term beginning. For more information about this event, please email:
[email protected] Student Wellbeing Services and Disabled Students’ Allowance We provide advice and guidance from a named adviser in relation to applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This allowance can provide students with practical support during their studies (e.g. specialist equipment/software, specialist mentoring and/or a general allowance). For more information about this allowance please see:
https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas . Please note, there are specific eligibility conditions related to residency in the UK which have to be met to qualify for this funding.
SWS can also arrange extended time on library books and access to quieter study rooms, along with access to specialist loan equipment, if required. Exam concessions can also be arranged (e.g. extra time/separate room etc.) where there is a recommendation from a Psychologist/GP/Needs Assessor.
Your named adviser will also create a Student Support Recommendations (SSR) document which will be sent to your School, with the students consent. The SSR allows the School to understand exactly how to support each individual student in relation to each learning environment e.g. in lectures/seminars/groups work etc. We would encourage students to make an appointment with an adviser at the beginning of term to discuss this, to do this please email:
[email protected] We hope this information is helpful and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions!
Thanks,
The Specialist Learning Team"
Hope that helps
Rachel