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 prepare for university before A-level results day in the UK. The guide explains Disabled Students’ Allowance, university support and practical steps meant to help students secure help earlier and avoid missing out on entitlements.

Why it matters: - Thousands of UK students are preparing to move from school to university after A-level results day. - The new guide is meant to help neurodivergent students understand support options before they start their course. - Better preparation can help students access adjustments, technology and funding earlier.

What happened: - My Kind of Thinking launched a free 30-page guide called The Neurodivergent Student's Guide to University. - The guide is aimed at neurodivergent students entering higher education across the UK. - The resource is available to download free of charge as the full guide.

The details: - The guide answers common pre-university questions about support at university, disclosure, Disabled Students' Allowance, exam access arrangements, evidence requirements and study technology. - It also covers money management, making friends, sensory overwhelm, self-advocacy, study strategies and what to do when plans change. - The guide addresses a common misconception that students must have received support at school or college before they can ask for help at university. - HESA 2024/25 data shows around one in five higher education students report having a known disability. - More than 245,000 students have disclosed a learning difference such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD, or an autistic spectrum or social communication condition. - The guide was developed by specialist assessors who work with dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD cases and 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 organization says the guide is also useful for parents, schools, colleges, SENCOs and careers advisers.

Between the lines: - The launch points to a gap between available university support and student awareness of that support. - Vicki Angel, director of My Kind of Thinking, said many students do not realize Disabled Students' Allowance exists until they are already struggling. - Angel said that can contribute to students leaving a course early or repeating a year. - The timing suggests the guide is designed to reach students during a high-stakes transition window, when support decisions can shape the first year of university.

What's next: - Students, families and advisers can use the guide now as results day approaches. - My Kind of Thinking is positioning the resource as an early step for students who may need to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance as soon as they secure a place. - The organization is offering the guide as part of broader support that includes assessments, specialist advice, training and practical resources.

The bottom line: - The guide is a free, practical push to help neurodivergent students get support in place before university starts, not after problems emerge.