Abingdon & Witney College provides inclusive learning and empowers all students with the belief they can achieve their goals.
Since we first offered specialist support for students identified with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) in 2008, numbers have grown from 16 to over 100, all joining us with their own specific needs.
FEAST – the Further Education Autism Specialist Team – is our dedicated team of professionals who lead the ASC support programme. They will establish an understanding of your individual requirements, so that they can provide the best guidance possible.
It might be the challenge of the transition from school to college; the affects of certain environments on your senses; or social anxiety when in class. We work with you to find the issues, chat about what we can do, and help you to overcome these challenges.
By coming to Abingdon & Witney College, the opportunity is there to study a subject you are really interested in, make new friends and celebrate your success with us and beyond. Contact the FEAST team directly to discuss what support is needed and how much: autisumservice@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
Successful students
Ben studied Business at the College and has recently graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a First Class degree in Business and Management.
He now works as a learning assistant at a local school, supporting students who have special learning or social needs in class.
Noah started College on the Gateway programme and says "once I made the decision to join Gateway, I haven't looked back!".
Noah used the course to build his skills and confidence and then progressed on to a Supported Internship.
Hannah is currently studying on the Health & Social Care Level 3 course, and is passionate about improving the care services and making life more accessible for those with autism.
Hannah has also won a Student of the Year Award, something she is understandably very proud of!
What we can offer you
To enable ASC students to integrate into college life successfully, access our mainstream courses, and become high achievers during and after their time with us, we offer:
- targeted support in classes to help you overcome your particular difficulty (e.g. organising work, sensory or anxiety/emotional issues)
- help with coursework and assignments, as well as liaising regularly with your tutors
- specialist facilities including a Green Room that has computers for you to do work or to just drop in and relax; this is a quiet and exclusive social space for students with AS and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- 1:1 study support, mentoring sessions and progress monitoring
- staff who are trained in autism-awareness, support and guidance
- support during the transition from school to college
