Further and Higher Education with Autism

Making the transition from school to further (college) or higher (university) education is an exciting milestone. It represents a significant step towards independence, deeper learning, and personal growth. For autistic students, this journey brings with it a unique landscape of opportunities and challenges. With the right preparation and support, it is a journey on which you can truly prosper.

This article is a practical guide for autistic students and their families, offering insights into navigating the academic and social aspects of college and university life. We will cover common challenges, how to access support, and the importance of self-advocacy in creating a successful and positive educational experience.

Common Challenges in a New Environment

The shift to further or higher education involves a significant change in structure and environment, which can present specific hurdles. Acknowledging these potential challenges is the first step in preparing to meet them with confidence.

• Managing Your Academic Workload

  University and college learning relies heavily on independent study. For students who have executive functioning differences, managing deadlines, organising research, and planning large assignments without the familiar structure of school can be a significant challenge.

• Navigating Complex Social Environments

  The unstructured social life of a campus-from busy lecture halls and shared accommodation to clubs and societies-can be socially draining and sensorily overwhelming. It can be difficult to make new friends and understand new social dynamics.

• Independent Living

  For many, this will be their first time living away from home. This brings new responsibilities like budgeting, cooking, shopping, and managing a household, all of which must be balanced with academic demands.

• The Sensory Environment

  A new campus is a new world of sensory input. The fluorescent lighting in a library, the echoey acoustics of a lecture theatre, the noise and crowds of a student union, and the unfamiliar smells and textures of new accommodation can all contribute to sensory overload.

Preparation is Key: Choosing Your Path

How can you make the move from school to university less daunting? Thorough preparation and making informed choices are your most powerful tools.

When choosing your course and institution, look beyond just the academic content. Research the university's disability support services. Do they have a good reputation for supporting autistic students? If possible, attend open days to get a feel for the campus environment. It can also be highly motivating to choose a course that aligns with one of your special interests, as this will fuel your passion for learning.

Once you have made your choice, you can prepare for the transition itself. This might involve visiting the campus several times before you start to familiarise yourself with the layout, planning out your new daily routines, or using visual guides and maps to reduce anxiety about the new environment.

Remember that you are not expected to navigate university or college alone! There is a support structure in place, and it is your right to access it.

Disclosure: To Tell or Not to Tell?

To access formal support from your university or college, you will need to disclose your autism diagnosis to them.

This is a personal choice, but it is the essential step that allows the institution to put official support and reasonable adjustments in place for you.

Disability Support Services

Every university and college in the UK has a dedicated student support or disability service. This should be your first point of contact. Their role is to confidentially discuss your needs and work with you to create a personalised support plan.

Reasonable Adjustments in Education

Under the Equality Act 2010, educational institutions have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled students are not at a disadvantage.

So, what kind of adjustments can you ask for? These are tailored to your specific needs, but common examples include:

• Academic Adjustments

  You can ask for extended deadlines for assignments, permission to record lectures, or access to note-takers.

• Exam Arrangements

  You can ask for extra time, the use of a computer, or sitting exams in a separate, quieter room.

• Accommodation

  You may be able to request specific accommodation, such as a quieter room in halls of residence or a self-contained studio flat.

• Mentoring

  You can ask for a specialist mentor who can help with academic skills, organisation, or navigating social aspects of university life.

Strategies for a Successful Student Life

Beyond formal support, there are personal strategies you can develop to help you thrive.

• Become a Strong Self-Advocate

  University is a time to develop your self-advocacy skills. This means learning to understand your own needs, what works for you, and how to communicate this effectively and confidently to tutors and support staff.

• Master Your Time Management

  Use the tools that work for you to stay organised. This could be a digital calendar, a visual planner, to-do list apps, or timers to help you structure your independent study time.

• Build Your Support Network

  Find your people. This could be through joining a club or society related to one of your interests, where you can connect with like-minded peers. Many universities also have student-led neurodivergent or disabled student societies, which can be a fantastic source of peer support.

Your Higher Education Journey

While the transition to further or higher education has its challenges, it is also a period of immense opportunity for intellectual and personal growth. It is a chance to dive deep into a subject you are passionate about and to take significant steps towards independence.

With thorough preparation, proactive engagement with the support services available, and by developing strong self-advocacy skills, you have every opportunity to succeed and have a positive and fulfilling educational experience!