DSA Mentoring for Distance Learners and OU Students

In short: Neurodivergent Minds offers remote DSA Specialist Mentoring by Microsoft Teams for distance-learning students, including Open University students, anywhere in the UK. Our entry on the DSA NMH Supplier List shows we support distance learners. Both Specialist Mentor roles (SM-ASC and SM-MH) are available, with sessions at times that fit around work and family.

Why distance learners often need mentoring most

Without a campus, a timetable or classmates around you, a lot of the structure that keeps study on track is missing. Common challenges for distance learners include:

Starting study sessions with no one expecting you anywhere.
Keeping momentum between assignments, especially when modules overlap.
Fitting study around work, caring or health, and recovering when a week goes wrong.
Feeling isolated, or unsure whether you're "doing it right".
Knowing who to contact, and how, when you need an extension or adjustment.

A Specialist Mentor gives you a regular, reliable point of contact who understands both your condition and how distance learning works.

How remote mentoring works with us

Microsoft Teams, camera on or off, whichever is comfortable.
Times that fit your life, including around work and family. Tell us what you need and we'll do our best to match it.
Planned around your modules. Sessions follow your module calendar and assignment dates, so support is there when the pressure points come.
Simple records. After each session we email you a short summary to confirm, and that's how it's recorded for your DSA.

Open University students

If you study with the Open University and your DSA comes from Student Finance England, you can have Specialist Mentoring from us, wherever you live in the UK. Tell your Needs Assessor you'd like Neurodivergent Minds (supplier ID 320) to be asked for a quote. See how to ask for us.

Part-time and mature students

Many distance learners are studying part time, returning to education later or balancing study with other responsibilities. Mentoring is built around your goals and your week, not a standard student timetable.

Questions

Can Open University students get a DSA Specialist Mentor?

Yes. Open University students who get Disabled Students' Allowance can have Specialist Mentoring if their Needs Assessor recommends it. Neurodivergent Minds offers it remotely by Microsoft Teams anywhere in the UK.

Do you support distance learners?

Yes. Our entry on the DSA NMH Supplier List shows we support distance learners, and we offer remote Specialist Mentoring for autism, ADHD and mental health anywhere in the UK.

Can sessions be in the evening?

Tell us the times that suit you and we will do our best to match them. We know many distance learners study around work and family.

Is remote mentoring as good as face to face?

For many students it works just as well, and some prefer it: no travel, your own space and the option of camera off. You can also switch to face to face if you are in the North West.

Get in touch

Have a question, or want to ask for us at your Needs Assessment? Email nmh@neurodivergentminds.com. We're taking new students. See our DSA mentoring page for rates, roles and policies.

Written by Claire Brett, BA (Hons), MEd, MBPsS, DSA Specialist Mentor. Last updated: 10 November 2026.

DSA mentoring for distance learners