Neurodiversity, Distance Learning, and the DSA: Anne-Marie’s Story

Anne-Marie, an Open University student studying Health and Social Care, joins Booost Education’s Product Specialist, Amy Hopkins, to explore Anne-Marie’s experience of navigating university life while managing ADHD, dyslexia, and mental health challenges.

“There has to be something out there.”

Anne-Marie began her course without any support in place, unaware that options were available that could help her. After struggling with the challenges that studying with ADHD and dyslexia were causing her, she decided to see what she could do;

“I thought, ‘There has to be something out there to help’. I did a bit of a Google search and found the government website. I was like, ‘Oh wow, there is something that can help me!’

I'd done part of my first year without any help and then found the DSA. Looking back now, I don't know what I'd have done without any of it, really.”

“I wish I’d known about the DSA sooner.”

The technology and mentoring Anne-Marie received through the DSA funding had an immediate impact:

“I realised the DSA could help me, and the software could make my life easier. The software and the computer really helped with my studies going forward. Without all this, it would have been really difficult for me to be able to learn. I’m in a better place now with studying than I was back then. I just wish I'd known about it all sooner because I can see the benefits in my last assignment.”

As well as providing funding towards software and equipment, Anne-Marie has also found the support has helped with developing new study skills that suit her way of working:

“I now use checklists and mind mapping – it's going to have such a great impact. When you're like me and a mature student, and you haven't done anything like this before, you think, ‘Well, how do I even approach it? I don't know how to write this.’ But I've got the answers now.”

The mentoring support Anne-Marie receives has been equally beneficial.

“She’s there for my studies, but the support also improves my overall wellbeing and mental health, which in turn helps with life skills. I couldn't manage without her. I'm even getting them over the summer, helping me bridge the gap into September and October. I can continue learning and growing so that I'm ready and prepped for the second half of my year.”

“Software supports the parts my brain finds tricky.”

Anne-Marie explains how technology has transformed her studies:

“The software given to me was amazing. I knew I was having problems with some of my uni work – struggling to take notes and keep up in lectures – but I just didn't know how to resolve it. They're barriers you don’t need. You don't need added pressure on top of what you're trying to learn.”

With the apps I now have, I can listen to a tutorial without worrying about writing all the notes because it's doing the note-taking for me. If there's something of great importance that comes up, I can bookmark it.

It’s the bits with having ADHD and dyslexia that my brain can't kind of work out.

All this software, including Booost, is making such a positive difference in my life and has given me more confidence, definitely. I just can't wait to see what happens now with the results. Just because that's the bit that was missing.”

“Learning should be open to everybody.”

Anne-Marie chose distance learning for its flexibility and accessibility – something that’s been essential in navigating her educational journey.

“I think it's possibly because of my age, and without knowing I had ADHD and dyslexia at school. I didn't do mainstream GCSEs, and I knew I probably wouldn't cope with an access course because I'd have to take A-levels.

The mantra of the Open University is that everyone should have the opportunity to learn. It should be open to everybody.”

“Start conversations early and communicate.”

Anne-Marie is clear in her advice to new students:

“If people have reservations about going to uni because of their disability and they don’t know about these things, that could impact them. They might think I can't do this, but there is help and support out there.

The sooner that you go through the DSA process, the easier it becomes. You can then get everything delivered so you can start getting to grips with using it.

When you first apply, have that conversation and be open with the university. Access as much information as you can about your condition and communicate. It’s about realising you’re not alone on this pathway.

Try to expand your world as much as possible with as much information and resources as you can.

I think for anyone that's got disabilities, especially with ADHD and hyper-focusing, if you're really interested in the subject, it's not going to be the subject material that's going to let you down; it's going to be the study skills.”

From feeling behind to feeling empowered, Anne-Marie reminds us why support and understanding matter so much in making education accessible to everyone.

Anne-Marie spoke with Booost Education’s Product Specialist, Amy, who provides personalised training and support to students receiving Booost or Luna through their DSA funding. Amy’s sessions help students make the most of their software and feel confident using it to support their studies.

If you're a student starting university this year or already partway through your course and would like to book a session with Amy, you can do so here.

Have questions about training? Get in touch with Amy at support@booosteducation.com.