My Kind of Thinking launches free university guide for neurodivergent students

My Kind of Thinking has released a free 30-page guide to help neurodivergent students in the UK prepare for university before A-level results day. The resource explains Disabled Students’ Allowance, university support and practical strategies so students can access help earlier and avoid missing out on entitlements.

Why it matters: - The guide is aimed at helping neurodivergent students secure support before they start university, when delays can make the transition harder. - The resource is designed to reduce the risk that students miss out on reasonable adjustments, assistive technology, study skills support and exam arrangements they may be entitled to. - My Kind of Thinking says earlier access to information can help students avoid reaching a crisis point once term begins.

What happened: - Specialist education company My Kind of Thinking launched a free 30-page guide for neurodivergent students preparing for university. - The guide was released in the UK ahead of A-level results day, when many students decide on their next steps into higher education. - The guide is titled The Neurodivergent Student's Guide to University. - The guide is available to download as a free PDF.

The details: - The guide explains Disabled Students’ Allowance, university support and practical strategies for students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism and other neurodivergent profiles. - The guide answers common questions about support at university, disclosure, exam access arrangements, evidence requirements and study technology. - The resource also covers money management, making friends, coping with sensory overwhelm, self-advocacy, study strategies and what to do when plans do not go as expected. - HESA data cited in the release says around one in five higher education students report having a known disability. - HESA data also says more than 245,000 students have disclosed a learning difference or an autistic spectrum or social communication condition in the 2024/25 academic year. - The guide was developed by specialist assessors who assess dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, and who also support neurodivergent learners in higher education. - My Kind of Thinking says the guide combines practical advice, student experiences and trusted information in an easy-to-read format. - The company says the guide is useful not only for students, but also for parents, schools, colleges, SENCOs and careers advisers.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects a wider gap between the support available in higher education and the number of students who know how to access it. - The release suggests some students still assume university support depends on having received help at school or college first. - Vicki Angel, director of My Kind of Thinking, said some students do not learn about Disabled Students’ Allowance until they are already struggling, which can lead to them leaving courses early or repeating a year. - Angel said students should apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance as soon as they secure their university place if they are entitled to it.

What's next: - My Kind of Thinking expects the guide to be used by students, families and education professionals as students prepare for university choices and course starts. - The company is positioning the guide as an early-step resource to help students arrive on campus better informed and better prepared.

The bottom line: - The new guide is meant to turn awareness into action, giving neurodivergent students a clearer path to university support before term begins.