Video is here: Donald and Lynne – Autism and Uni | QMU

Hello everyone, and welcome! This video is part of the Autism and Uni project here at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. My name is Donald Maciver, and I’m a lecturer in occupational therapy. Joining me is Lynne Bremner, a lecturer in speech and language therapy, and we’re both from the school of health sciences here at Queen Margaret.

We know that a significant number of people who want to come to university may be autistic, and some students join university and later realise they might need extra help round this, or to seek a diagnosis.

This video, along with others available online, is for autistic students and their families who are thinking about studying with us. It’s designed to give you an idea of how we work with you and the support you can expect here.

Lynne and I both work closely with autistic people — through research, in the NHS, and with children and adults. We’re both really passionate about this, and we strongly believe in the neurodiversity paradigm. This is a new way of thinking that really influences how we teach, research, and support students.

What does this mean? Well, it’s the idea that differences in how people’s brains work — like being autistic — are natural variations of human diversity, not something that needs to be fixed or treated. It’s all about recognising and supporting people’s needs, communication, sensory preferences, and how they navigate daily life, as well as understanding the things that might make life a little more challenging or stressful.

A really big part of this is adapting the environment and teaching practices around people so it  suits them and what they need, instead of expecting them to change, and change who they are , so figuring out the best ways to make university more supportive and inclusive.

First, let’s talk about sharing that you are autistic. Of course, it is your choice  whether or not you tell anyone at university. If you choose to let the university know when you apply this could help us provide the right support. It can help to step towards accessing tailored adjustments and making your time here more comfortable.

You may also wish to tell your lecturers because then they can try to understand you better and what you need. On some courses, you might also be going on placements, and you may also wish to tell your placement supervisor so that they can make any adjustments you might need.

In terms of adjustments at Queen Margaret University, there are some that everyone gets. For example, it’s university policy that all students receive lecture outlines or presentation slides at least 24 hours before the class.

Most modules and courses also use the online learning platform, CANVAS, where you can access all your course materials whenever you need them. Everyone is also allowed to audio record lectures for personal use.

For extra help, the Disability Team will be your main point of contact. They’ll recommend and coordinate adjustments specific to your needs. You’ll also have a Personal Academic Tutor, or PAT, who will support you throughout your studies. Usually, you’ll have the same PAT for your entire course.

There are also quiet spaces, including areas in the library and a dedicated quiet contemplation room available in the university.

As we learn more, we’re always looking for ways to make learning environments more inclusive. This includes being predictable and organised, minimising changes to routines, providing plenty of breaks, and offering written materials alongside spoken content.

We’re really interested in making the university experience more inclusive for autistic students, and we’re actively involved in developing and investigating new ways to improve learning for everyone.

Finally — and this is so important — make sure to have fun and enjoy yourself! University is a chance to dive into what you love. Edinburgh is an incredible city, filled with history, culture, and opportunities. Take time to explore, and make the most of your experiences.

Thank you for watching – and be sure to check out the other content and videos online.