The Withdrawal of Support: Neurodivergent Student Voices on DSA Reform and the Risk to Higher Education Participation

The Department for Education has proposed reforms to Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) that could significantly reduce access to specialist assistive technologies and support services for neurodivergent students.

To better understand the potential impact of these changes, Brain in Hand surveyed 102 current DSA-funded users about their experiences and perceptions of the proposed reforms. Combining quantitative data with in-depth student feedback, this report explores how specialist neurodivergent support contributes to wellbeing, independence, academic participation, and continuation in higher education.

The findings suggest that many students view specialist support as fundamentally different from generic free alternatives, raising important questions about how support needs are assessed, funded, and met within higher education. The report also considers the potential implications of the proposed reforms for students, universities, and policymakers.

Download the full report to explore the findings and recommendations.