Son - Aspergers - not doing so well considering transfer to closer to home

Is this even possible?

He only started last September. Did really well to get there.
Went to Uni (Aberwystwyth) which is 3 hours away.

We were always concerned because hes had such a tough time with Aspergers and it was all ok for a bit.

To cut a long story short, things changed personally for him and hes struggling now. It looks like hes not going to be able or want to stay there.

What options do we have? Anyone ever done anything like this?

Ideally he wants to come back home and go to Uni locally (we're in south wales).

Reply 1

Clearing and Applications Advisor

See the first post of the University Transfer FAQ thread st the top of the applications, clearing and ucas forum.

It’s possible but requires getting a ucas application submitted ASAP

Depending on course compatibility and grades he may have to repeat first year (but that’s often a good thing for settling in to a new university)

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 2

dirtmother

My extended family has experience of Aberystwyth not providing adequate support so I am sorry that things don't seem to be better in the current climate. Or have they been really supportive and it is just beyond that now?

I'd suggest that rather than think 'simply' 'come home and go to university locally' you and he think carefully about what the current issues are, whether there are the right courses, and what support the university and DSA will offer . I'd agree that there'd be a lot of value in being closer (being at home may or may not be appropriate - frankly I don't think I'd countenance my neurodivergent son living at home as a university student, partly the daily travel required but a whole variety of other reasons

What DSA support is being provided currently?

Reply 3

LsDad

Unfortunately, in my considered opinion most UK Uni's are not as supportive as they need to be.

Bottom line, all is not lost, hey as parents we just pick them back up don't we, all part of the fun.

IF he can pass the 120 credits in his first year, its possible he could move to a different Uni and they may accept the first year credits and continue year two if similar course. Alternatively its starting a new course again from year one. In my own situation it went like this, oh the joys...

1. University of Birmingham - Just about completes year 1, hates it, melt down, comes home, wants to try different University and live at home, different course - Just about in time get application for Keele University on different course. 40 mins with traffic away. Accepted.

2. Keele University - Start year one of new course, likes the course, hates travel back and forth for various reasons. Half the problem is that unlike College or Schools, the time table a joke, 9-10 mon,3-4 mon, Tue 11-12, wednesday 3-4, friday 9-10 then 3-4 you get the picture?, so really not that suitable to commute despite the advertising unless you live practically down the road or sit around all day awaiting next session. He completes the year BUT decides later he cant face the travel and wants to stay at home and change university as wants to do the course online.

3. This time we Miss the deadlines for the September but manage to submit all the information to Open University who agree to take him on similar course (carry credits over) as a year 2 from the FOLLOWING year. Just great...

4. So waiting around a year to start second year of course. To keep him busy i end up paying for him to do two short online courses private. The following September he starts the OU course, from home as a year two, happy as larry. Now in the final 3rd year and its still going great...

Downside i worry what he will do next, need a sympathetic employer or will end up on a follow on course of some description but cross that bridge later.

I thought i would share my experience with you if only to highlight that a) you can practically move him about and Student finance will support but university application dates can be challenging but there is always a way so dont worry about constantly changing b) Just to give you a virtual hug, frankly its hard work and all uphill half the time but you can work it out.

Good Luck

Reply 4

dirtmother

Bravo to you for finding something that works. Student finance for an OU course is rather different though isn't it? (But then, student finance for the Welsh resident OP's son is somewhat different to England)

The commuting experience is one reason we would not want a living at home experience for our son. (He is about to move to a specialist residential college with the intention of applying for university entry for 2024) and his OT assessment specifies that he must not be expected to use public transport for the first term.

The business of teaching hours can be hard for a lot of students to get their head round. It's perhaps easier for those who have been in mainstream FE rather than 5 days full time with the odd free period. Home-based students do have to do things differently and using the library to study can be important. A lot depends on the particular course... and the particular challenges of that autistic individual. Creative subject students are often expected to be in the studio full time.

[I am absolutely not nitpicking about your use of terminology in the OP but when a family is using 'Asperger's' in 2023 it is a sign that they are not plugged in to up to date thinking, insights into the autistic experience, challenges and reasonable adjustments, and sources of support]