Going To College With Autism

With the right support and preparation, students with autism can have a successful college experience. In this article, we will explore some tips for going to college with autism.

Published on

May 17, 2024

Going To College With Autism

Understand Your Needs

Before heading off to college, it is important to understand your needs. This includes understanding your learning style, communication preferences, and any accommodations that you may need.

Learning style: Knowing how you learn best can help you choose the right courses and study strategies. Some students with autism may benefit from visual aids, while others may prefer hands-on learning experiences.
Communication preferences: Some students with autism may struggle with social communication, while others may have difficulty understanding sarcasm or figurative language. Knowing your communication preferences can help you navigate social situations and build relationships.
Accommodations: Many colleges offer accommodations for students with disabilities, including autism. These accommodations may include extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, or a quiet space to take exams.

Build a Support Network

College can be overwhelming, but having a support network can help make the transition easier. This support network may include family members, friends, professors, and disability services staff.

Family members: Staying in touch with family members can help you feel connected to home and provide emotional support.
Friends: Making friends in college can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. Look for clubs or organizations that align with your interests, and attend campus events to meet new people.
Professors: Building relationships with professors can be beneficial, as they can provide academic support and career guidance.
Disability services staff: Disability services staff can help you navigate the college's accommodations process and provide additional resources as needed.

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Develop a Routine

For students with autism, routine can be comforting and help reduce anxiety. Developing a routine in college can help you feel more in control of your environment and schedule.

Schedule: Creating a schedule can help you stay organized and manage your time effectively. Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments, exams, and other deadlines.
Self-care: Prioritize self-care by scheduling time for exercise, meditation, or hobbies. This can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for academic success and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and establish a consistent sleep schedule.

Finding a Mentor

Having a mentor can be incredibly helpful for students with autism who are navigating the college experience. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and advice on a variety of topics related to college life.

When looking for a mentor, consider reaching out to disability services staff or professors who have experience working with students with autism. You may also want to look for mentors within your field of study or in extracurricular activities that interest you.

A good mentor should be someone who is patient, understanding, and willing to listen. They should be able to provide guidance on academic and career goals, as well as personal challenges that may arise during the college experience.

Meeting regularly with a mentor can help keep you on track and motivated throughout your college journey. It can also provide an opportunity to build a strong relationship with someone who understands the unique challenges faced by students with autism.

Explore Campus Resources

College campuses offer a variety of resources that can be helpful for students with autism. These resources may include counseling services, academic tutoring, and support groups.

Counseling services: Many colleges offer counseling services to help students manage stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. These services may be free or low-cost and can provide a safe space to talk about personal challenges.
Academic tutoring: If you are struggling with a particular subject or course, academic tutoring can provide additional support. Tutoring services may be offered by the college or through outside organizations.
Support groups: Joining a support group can be helpful for connecting with peers who share similar experiences. Some colleges may offer support groups specifically for students with autism, while others may have general disability support groups.

When exploring campus resources, it is important to research what is available and how to access these resources. This information may be available on the college's website or through disability services staff.

Taking advantage of campus resources can help you feel more supported and confident in your college experience. Don't hesitate to reach out for help when needed!

Tips for Managing Sensory Processing Issues on Campus

For students with autism, sensory processing issues can be a significant challenge. The college environment can be overwhelming, with loud noises, bright lights, and crowded spaces. Here are some tips for managing sensory processing issues on campus:

Seek out quiet spaces: Many colleges have designated quiet spaces on campus where students can go to study or relax. These spaces may include libraries, meditation rooms, or quiet lounges.
Use noise-canceling headphones: Noise-canceling headphones can help block out distracting noises and create a more peaceful environment.
Wear sunglasses: Bright lights can be overwhelming for some students with autism. Wearing sunglasses indoors or outdoors can help reduce the impact of harsh lighting.
Take breaks: When feeling overwhelmed, take a break from the environment by going outside or finding a quiet space to decompress.
Use fidget toys: Fidget toys can provide sensory stimulation in a discreet way. They can help reduce anxiety and improve focus during class.

By implementing these strategies, students with autism can better manage their sensory processing issues and feel more comfortable navigating the college environment. It is important to communicate your needs with professors and disability services staff to ensure that you have access to the resources necessary for success.

Building Independence Skills

College is a time of transition, and building independence skills can help prepare students with autism for life after college. These skills may include budgeting, cooking, and navigating public transportation.

Budgeting: Learning how to manage money is an important skill for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for students with autism. Consider taking a personal finance course or working with a financial advisor to develop a budget and learn how to save money.
Cooking: Knowing how to cook simple meals can help save money and promote healthy eating habits. Start by learning basic cooking techniques or finding easy recipes online.
Navigating public transportation: Many individuals with autism struggle with sensory processing issues that can make traveling on public transportation challenging. However, learning how to navigate public transportation can help increase independence and open up new opportunities for work or social activities.

By building these independence skills in college, students with autism can feel more confident and prepared for life after graduation. Encourage your college's disability services staff to provide resources on developing these skills or seek out community organizations that offer support in these areas.

Join a Support Group

Joining a support group can be incredibly helpful for students with autism who are looking to connect with others who share similar experiences. Support groups provide a safe and supportive space where individuals can share their challenges, successes, and strategies for navigating college life.

Many colleges offer support groups specifically for students with autism or other disabilities. These groups may be led by disability services staff or trained peer mentors. They may focus on a variety of topics, such as social skills development, stress management, or career exploration.

Joining a support group can help you feel more connected to your college community and provide an opportunity to build friendships with others who understand the unique challenges faced by students with autism. It can also provide access to valuable resources and information about how to navigate the college experience.

When considering joining a support group, it is important to research what is available at your college and how to get involved. Disability services staff or campus organizations may have information about upcoming meetings and events.

By joining a support group in college, students with autism can feel more supported and confident in their ability to succeed academically and personally.

Utilizing Technology for Academic Success

In today's digital age, technology has become an integral part of academic success. For students with autism, utilizing apps or assistive devices can provide additional support and help make the college experience more manageable.

Apps: There are a variety of apps available that can support academic success for students with autism. For example, voice-to-text software can help with written assignments, while study apps can provide visual aids and interactive learning experiences.
Assistive devices: Assistive devices such as text-to-speech software or noise-cancelling headphones can help students with autism stay focused and engaged during lectures or studying.

When considering using technology to support academic success, it is important to research what is available and how to access these resources. Disability services staff may be able to provide information about available technology options or recommend specific apps or devices based on individual needs.

By utilizing technology in college, students with autism can feel more supported in their academic pursuits and have access to resources that can help them succeed.

Strategies for Improving Executive Functioning Skills

Executive functioning skills, such as planning and decision-making, can be challenging for individuals with autism. However, there are strategies that can help improve these skills and make the college experience more manageable.

Break tasks into smaller steps: When faced with a large project or assignment, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Breaking the task into smaller, more manageable steps can make it feel less daunting. Use a planner or digital calendar to schedule each step of the process.
Practice decision-making: Decision-making can be difficult for individuals with autism who may struggle with processing information quickly. Practice making decisions in low-stakes situations, such as choosing what to eat for lunch or which movie to watch. This can help build confidence and improve decision-making skills.
Use visual aids: Visual aids, such as flowcharts or diagrams, can help individuals with autism better understand complex information and make connections between different concepts. Consider creating visual aids for important class topics or assignments.
Set goals: Setting achievable goals can help improve executive functioning skills by providing a clear objective to work towards. Make sure goals are specific, measurable, and time-bound. Celebrate progress towards these goals along the way.

By implementing these strategies, students with autism can improve their executive functioning skills and feel more confident in their ability to manage the demands of college life. Consider working with disability services staff or academic advisors to develop personalized strategies that work best for individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I disclose my autism diagnosis to professors or disability services staff?

Disclosure of a diagnosis is a personal decision and may depend on individual circumstances. However, disclosing a diagnosis can be beneficial in accessing accommodations and support services. Consider reaching out to disability services staff for guidance on how to disclose your diagnosis.

What accommodations are available for students with autism?

Accommodations may vary depending on individual needs. Some common accommodations include extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, and preferential seating in the classroom. Disability services staff can provide information on available accommodations and how to request them.

How do I manage sensory overload during class?

Sensory overload can be managed by seeking out quiet spaces or wearing noise-canceling headphones. It may also be helpful to take breaks when feeling overwhelmed or use fidget toys for sensory stimulation.

How do I make friends in college as a student with autism?

Making friends in college can be challenging but attending campus events or joining clubs that align with your interests can help you meet new people. Consider reaching out to disability services staff for guidance on social skills development or finding peer support groups.

How do I manage academic workload as a student with autism?

Managing academic workload can be done by developing a routine and prioritizing self-care activities like exercise and meditation. Utilizing technology such as study apps or assistive devices can also provide additional academic support. Consider working with an academic advisor or disability services staff for guidance on time management strategies that work best for individual needs.

Conclusion

Going to college with autism can be challenging, but with the right support and preparation, it is possible to have a successful college experience. Understanding your needs, building a support network, and developing a routine can all contribute to a positive college experience. Remember to take care of yourself and seek help when needed. Good luck on your college journey!