Led by David McLaughlin, a highly qualified facilitator (BSc Psychology, MA Early Childhood Development, Pg.Dip. Autism Spectrum Disorders, and current PhD investigating autism and bereavement behaviours) with over 20 years of experience, including 11 years in several key university support roles and 3 years as a disability needs assessor, our ‘Spectrum Transitions’ programme delivers measurable, life-changing impact for our members. As one of our core programmes, it embodies our commitment to fostering belonging, self-actualisation, safety, and education, enabling Spectrum Transitions participants to thrive at university as their truest selves.

 

“let us ensure you are best positioned to reach your full academic potential and achieve you very best at university”

 

Programme Overview: ‘Spectrum Transitions’ supports autistic, neurodivergent, and physically disabled students in navigating the transition to university life through personalised one-to-one and small group (10–12 participants) support. Empirically grounded in the theories of Lev Vygotsky (socio-cultural learning) and John Bowlby (attachment and emotional security), the programme equips students with the tools, confidence, and skills to succeed academically and personally. By fostering a supportive community and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment, we align with our Befriending and Safeguarding values, while our focus on Education and Actualisation empowers students to realise their full potential.

 

Cost and Access

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• Free online pre-membership consultation

• Membership: £349/year, with a £49 booking deposit and final £300 fee paid post-consultation (*payment structured offered upon request; 3 separate monthly payments)

 

Programme Components

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• Academic Preparation:

  • Guidance on degree and university choices

  • Support with UCAS application and personal statement *this is very important

  • Assistance and planning support for disability needs assessment with universities inclusive learning department

  • Professional training in assistive technology software; with university email setup

  • Connection with university disability officers

  • Support with student finance applications (loans, grants, hardship grants)

  • Training in MS Office (Level 1 OCR – Word and Excel)

  • University library navigation, including online resources and preparatory opportunities

  • Support with university accommodation

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• Life Skills:

  • Financial management training – expertise advice provide by financial organisation

  • University and local area visits (main campus and schools)

  • Join and register with university, societies, group, clubs, and much more

  • Group-based support to foster friendships (via Spectrum Connections WhatsApp group), aligning with our Befriending value

  • Building confidence, self-belief, and academic potential, supporting our Actualisation value

  • Workload management and organisation

  • Essay and report writing skills, leveraging university standards and expectations

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• Personalised Support:

  • A tailored balanced and structured strategic plan to help students acclimatise to university life successfully, ensuring Safeguarding through a safe, inclusive approach

  • Exclusive Member Benefit: Access to high-quality training webinars on autism spectrum disorders, neurodivergent conditions, other disabilities, and mental health disorders, reinforcing our Education value and equipping students with deeper self-awareness and coping strategies

 

Programme Impact

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‘Spectrum Transitions’ creates a ripple effect, empowering students to thrive academically and personally while fostering a sense of belonging in a supportive community. Through strategic use of social media, we amplify our impact by sharing success stories, programme updates, and educational content, engaging communities, reducing stigma, and promoting inclusion. By breaking down barriers in education and fostering self-actualisation, we enable participants to lead fulfilling, self-directed lives, in line with our vision and mission.

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Why Choose Spectrum Transitions?

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Our programme transforms lives by combining expert-led, evidence-based support with a compassionate, inclusive approach. Led by a facilitator with unparalleled expertise, we deliver measurable outcomes that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Brothers Autism Social Enterprise CIC inspires systemic change, creating a more inclusive society where vulnerable adults can thrive as their truest selves.