Too often, autistic students and those with mental health needs struggle with higher education, often dropping out of courses because they do not receive the informed support that would help them to succeed. This much-needed manual addresses the provision of effective support via mentoring in order to build students' confidence and enable them to take control of their lives. Its aim is to help students maximise the opportunity provided through the mentoring and academic study skills hours available to them. In addition, the manual and the tools it contains provides a starting point for all mentors and support staff to help students navigate their way through what can be a very confusing, anxious and challenging time by providing key focal points for discussion and related activities. Beautifully illustrated, this unique publication is written for those with a neurodivergent perspective, and brings together ideas and activities tried and tested among an array of students. It encourages students to take control of mentoring and study skills sessions by signposting them to topics which they wish to address, while also providing a useful framework and resources for mentor and tutors in higher education. It includes clear information about what constitutes mentoring, as well as coverage of academic study skills, highlighting key points for attention and discussion. In particular, the manual addresses specific issues raised by many autistic individuals and those with mental health needs, and through its activities and resources, it provides a toolkit of coping strategies that can be tailored to individuals.

Finally, it includes elements of independent living with which many individuals struggle, and which has been raised in various forms by students with whom the author has worked.