If you’ve been assessed for DSA support and a Specialist Mentor has been recommended, you might be wondering exactly what that means, and whether it will actually be useful.
Here’s what specialist mentoring really involves and how to get the most from it.
What a Specialist Mentor is
A Specialist Mentor is a qualified professional who provides 1:1 support designed specifically around your individual needs, goals, and the challenges you’re experiencing at university.
Unlike a tutor, we’re not here to teach you your subject. Unlike a counsellor, we’re not providing mental health therapy.
We sit in a practical, supportive space, helping you develop strategies, build confidence, navigate university systems, and manage the demands of academic life.
What mentoring sessions might cover
Sessions are tailored to you, but common areas include:
- Building and maintaining effective routines
- Managing sensory or social challenges in the university environment
- Developing strategies for organisation, planning, and time management
- Preparing for assessments, presentations, or other demands you find particularly challenging
- Helping you communicate your needs to academic staff
- Working through difficult situations or transitions
What to expect from a first session
Your first session is typically an opportunity to get to know each other, talk about what you find challenging, and agree on what you’d like to focus on. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out; we’ll work it out together.
Getting the most from mentoring
Come with a rough idea of what’s feeling most difficult at the moment. You don’t need a formal agenda; even “I’m finding everything overwhelming right now” is a perfectly valid starting point.
Mentoring works best when it’s consistent. Regular sessions, even if they’re short, build more momentum than occasional longer ones.
You don’t have to navigate university alone. That’s exactly what we’re here for.