A SCOTTISH university has been told by a watchdog it must do more to train staff in dealing with students suffering from "hidden" disabilities after a man with Asperger's syndrome complained about his treatment.
The family of 23-year-old Enys Coggles, who was studying podiatry at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, contacted the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) claiming he had been called useless because he could not finish some practical assignments quickly enough.
After an investigation, the ombudsman concluded staff should be given additional training in how to deal with hidden disabilities.
Mr Coggles, from Kent, was awarded his degree in 2011. Symptoms of Asperger's include problems with social interaction and non-verbal communication.
His father Michael, 71, said his treatment had left him distraught, adding: "He broke down crying, telling us he felt totally humiliated."
In a report on the case, the SPSO agreed the university should have allowed the student to bring a supporter or advocate to a crucial meeting as they were aware "he was prone to anxiety which could overwhelm him".
A spokesman from the university said: "We continue to review and evaluate our practice in light of the broad range of feedback, including that of our students with disabilities."
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