Characteristics of autism spectrum disorder
If you have an autism spectrum disorder, you may struggle with social interactions and communication. You may find it difficult to work with others in a group, and you may sometimes feel misunderstood as well. For that reason, maybe you prefer to work alone and at your own pace. Sometimes, there are last-minute changes such as a different classroom or a change in the timetable. You feel it is important that everyone always honour their agreements, so you may find this difficult to handle. Maybe your fellow students or lecturers expect you to address the broad strokes of a topic when doing group projects, while you prefer to immerse yourself in the details.
The aforementioned characteristics can negatively affect your studies or internship.
This is what I deal with
Obstacles faced by students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
As a student with an autism spectrum disorder, you may find yourself facing a variety of obstacles.
- Difficulty communicating. You struggle to clearly express what you mean and do not always understand what others are saying. This makes it extra difficult for you to cooperate in a group setting.
- Planning and organising. Lots of structure and effective planning can help you keep up with your degree programme. You might need help in making a schedule.
- Problems with the attendance requirement/fixed class schedule. When you have an autism spectrum disorder, you might not always be able to attend class or go to your internship.
- Problems with tests/exams or in class. You might need adjustments in order to take the test or attend class in a way that works for you.
- Anxiety or stress. As a result of the stimuli you encounter during your degree programme and all the related activities, you may experience feelings of stress or panic. There are possibilities to help you deal with this more effectively.
- Housing-related problems. If you plan to live in student housing, you might – due to your autism – need extra guidance in order to live on your own.
- Money problems. Not everyone can have a part-time job in addition to their studies. You might also have debts. You may be entitled to additional financial support.
- Problems with an internship or a job. When you have an autism spectrum disorder, it can be difficult to find – or keep – an internship or job. Effective communication and solid agreements are important to make this process go smoothly.
- Social skills. If you have an autism spectrum disorder, you may have a lowered sense of social/cultural values/standards.
Even though these obstacles may cause difficulties, you can rest assured that more than enough tools and solutions are available that can help you successfully complete your degree programme. In the preceding section, click on the obstacle you are facing with which you could use some help. You can then read a lot more about that topic and find additional tips and tools. If your specific obstacle is not mentioned above, please refer to the comprehensive list of obstacles.
This is what I might need
Support and facilities for students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
A variety of adjustments and/or facilities are available that may be helpful to you during your degree programme at a research university or university of applied sciences. While there are national schemes, your educational institution will offer its own forms of additional support, too.
As a student with an autism spectrum disorder, you might have a need for the following:
- Low-stimulus study area. A low-stimulus study area can offer you a place to work in peace and quiet, where you can complete your assignment with a minimum of distractions.
- Adjusted testing. If you find it difficult to sit a test or exam in a big room with all your fellow students, you can talk to your programme department about the possibilities for adjusted testing.
- Guidance and advice. You might benefit from support in connection with planning and organising your studies. Ask your study adviser about the possibilities for this. Some educational institutions also offer a buddy programme. Your ‘buddy’ – a senior student – will meet with you weekly to help with things like making a study schedule.
Have a look at the other facilities that might be helpful for you, too.
Tips
Do not wait to ask for help
Every student is different, and every individual needs a different type of help. It is important to explore the options and find what works for you. Do not be afraid to ask for help at the first signs of trouble. Asking for help is actually a sign of strength, because it lets others know how much you want to succeed in your degree programme. Talk to a student counsellor for your programme or faculty and ask them about the possibilities available to you. It is a good idea to take a moment first to write down what you need and what kind of support you think would be helpful to you.
Coping with distractions
When you have autism (ASD or a related diagnosis, such as Asperger's or PDD-NOS), you have difficulty concentrating and are very easily distracted. This can be very challenging in class, of course, and even worse when taking an exam. Try to find a seat in the lecture hall where you will be exposed to as few distractions as possible. Take a seat in the front row, for example, or ask your lecturer if you can sit at a table in the corner by yourself. Make sure the table/desk in front of you is clear and turn off your phone before entering the classroom. Try to switch off or put away anything that might distract you, and ask others not to talk to your during class. It is very important to tell other people what you need to take part in your class or exam as effectively as possible.
Tips and information on overstimulation
View tips and information (Dutch) on overstimulation in brain disorders here.
Reading tip
- 'Survivalgids voor autistische studenten. Overleef je studietijd (en geniet van de reis), Kinge Siljee.(c) author / Amsterdam University Press'. The book is available as both paperback and ebook (epub) in Dutch in bookstores or through various websites.
Experience stories
Read the experience stories of others here
- Zoë: "Studeren en werken met autisme heeft meer impact dan je denkt" (blog) - in Dutch
- Juul: Studeren met een chronische ziekte, vermoeidheid en angstaanvallen (blog) - in Dutch
- Annabel: Studeren met een autismespectrumstoornis (ASS) (blog) - in Dutch
- Share your experience story too. With your experience story, you can give others, such as education professionals and fellow students, an insight into what goes well and what could be better when studying with special needs. A source of inspiration with tips, hints and flops. Together with you, ECIO provides an experience story with impact.
Organisations
Through the tool 'Hulpwijzer '[Help Guide], you can find organisations that have expertise on your support needs. Check out the possibilities.