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On-demand Brain in Hand training session for Higher Education assessors

Welcome to the higher education assessor training presentation, led by James Dorling, Partnership Manager for Higher Education at Brain in Hand.

This on-demand training session is designed to support needs assessors in understanding how Brain in Hand helps neurodivergent students, including autistic and ADHD students, as well as those with anxiety-based mental health challenges - to manage the demands of university life.

The session explains how Brain in Hand combines personalised coaching with practical digital tools to help students overcome barriers to learning, navigate transitions, and build independence throughout their studies.

 

What Brain in Hand does

Brain in Hand is a digital coaching platform that supports students to manage anxiety, improve organisation, and build confidence in higher education.

We combine:

  • 1:1 coaching with a qualified, neurodiversity-trained coach (up to 15 hours per year), and 

  • a personalised app, which includes:

    • a diary and planning tool for routines, lectures and placements

    • solution packs to guide students through common challenges

    • a mood tracking tool using the check-in feature

    • 24/7 on-demand human support, available whenever it’s needed

Support continues through the app, helping students apply strategies in real time when plans change or anxiety increases.

A real example: Sam’s story

In the training session, we’re introduced to Sam, a second-year undergraduate student with a diagnosis of autism.

Sam experiences ongoing difficulties with executive functioning, including challenges with planning, memory and organisation, alongside heightened anxiety, sensory overwhelm and difficulty adapting to unexpected changes. These needs impact both his academic work and social engagement at university.

Sam’s goal is to become more independent in navigating university life, reduce anxiety and remain engaged with his studies and peer interactions.

How Brain in Hand supports Sam

Through Brain in Hand, Sam is supported with consistent, flexible strategies that help him manage day-to-day demands and reduce reliance on reactive or crisis-based interventions.

Using the app and coaching support, Sam is able to:

  • Break down tasks and deadlines into manageable steps

  • Use structured routines and reminders to support time management

  • Access personalised solution packs when things don’t go to plan

  • Track mood and identify triggers using the check-in feature

  • Reflect on progress and adapt strategies with his coach

When Sam experiences increased anxiety - for example before presentations, deadlines or social interactions, he can access pre-prepared calming strategies directly in the app.

On-demand support

If Sam’s anxiety escalates further, he can request 24/7 on-demand human support using the Life Ring feature within the app.

A trained responder will make contact within 30 minutes using Sam’s preferred method of communication. Responders provide solution-focused support to help Sam work through the situation and keep his day on track.

This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and provides reassurance during moments of overwhelm. It is not intended as a replacement for emergency services.

Our coaching approach

Every Brain in Hand subscription includes up to 15 hours of coaching per year.

Early coaching sessions focus on breaking challenges down into manageable, actionable tasks and supporting students to use the app effectively. Ongoing sessions involve reflecting on progress, addressing new barriers and celebrating achievements.

Brain in Hand coaches are:

  • Qualified through the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)

  • Working to ethical standards set by the ICF and EMCC

  • Experienced in supporting neurodivergent students and those with anxiety or mental health needs

Coaching provides a safe, non-judgemental space and supports students to build independence and confidence throughout their course. Coaching is not intended as a replacement for funded Non-Medical Helper support.

Funding and recommendations

Brain in Hand is listed under the DSA Assistive Technology Specialist Equipment allowance and operates on a subscription basis.

There is no requirement for additional assistive technology training, as coaching sessions support students to set up and get the most out of the platform.

When recommending Brain in Hand, assessors should include the student’s full year of study so renewal can be pre-approved on the DSA2 letter. Brain in Hand manages the renewal process, ensuring funding is only drawn if the student chooses to continue after their first year.